St. Johns October Newsletter DP_STM76820 October Newsletter | Page 6

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT FA L L 2 0 1 8 Dear Members, The month of October ensues, and there are no plans of slowing down as the official days of Fall begin. As many know, both practice greens have been planted, and are in the process of being grown in. Bunker renovations are underway and should be progressing nicely in the coming weeks. Attention will be spent on these newly planted areas to ensure, healthy, playable turfgrass going into season. This time a year is a crucial time, from an agronomic sense, as daylight hours become less and less prevalent. With milder temperatures following, it is important to ensure healthy turf conditions before entering this time. With that being said, a bulk fertilizer application along with a preemergent herbicide will be applied to turf in the following weeks. Preemergent will be applied in the coming weeks to assist with a clean, playable surface. Fertilizer will be a high potassium, slow-release fertilizer to allow for healthy, consistent conditions in the following months. This choice in fertilizer allows for the plant to have proper nutrients when/if growing conditions are less favorable. A complete application of bulk fertilizer in conjunction with a preemergent application should ensure that playable conditions should continue to improve in the near future. As we start to approach the beginning of Fall, we will be continuing to make great effort to keep conditions detailed, clean, and favorable from a playability standpoint. The practice area greens and chipping facility will receive a great amount of attention in coming weeks. We will continue to grow-in these areas while maintaining plant health. Bunkers will be playable as they are renovated throughout the process. Sincerely, Andy Maguire Superintendent 6