Agronomy Update

October 18, 2016

Greens:

            The weather continues to fluctuate and the greens aren’t quite sure how to respond. Over the last 20 days, we prepped the greens for winter/fall by slowly raising our HOC (height of cut) and increasing fertilization to promote root growth. Our program was working great, as we were achieving green speeds around 11.25 consistently without a lot of inputs (extra mowing/rolling). Approximately 7 days ago, the weather warmed up significantly (we will even see record highs over the next few days). During this time, the greens flushed a lot of new growth and it caused a dramatic decrease in green speeds. However, the forecast is calling for 40 degree nights this weekend.  These low temperatures will slow the growth of the greens and we will see our speeds pick back up.                          

Drought:

            Atlanta is in an extreme drought and we are not expecting any significant rainfall over the next 10-14 days. The positive side is that we have not been Cart Path Only for weeks!

Bunkers:

            The sand installation is under way. We have completed the following areas:  #18 greensides, 1 pot bunker on #10, #13 fairways and are starting #14 greenside. We are anticipating working on this project into the spring, so we ask for your patience. You will see GUR signs in any/all bunkers that are under repair, please take relief from these bunkers.

#11 Red Tee:

            Back in the spring, we hydro seeded the hill side in front of the red tee on #11 with Weeping Love grass. Unfortunately, we had a poor germination and did not achieve the look we desired. Therefore, we started installing Pink Muhley Grass, this grass has been used on the hillside behind #13 green and it has a great look. It will take a year for the grasses to mature but the area will be much improved.   

Annual Flowers:

The beds will be prepped next week and new flowers will be installed on the 1^st and 2^nd of November.