Agronomy Department and Course Weekly Update

February 26, 2014

The Agronomy Department has been busy detailing the bunkers on holes #1, #4, #9, #10 and soon to be on hole #18.  The bunkers look amazing after the staff did a fantastic job correcting depths and blending the edges.  We have also pulled 3 more fans off of the greens complexes this week (holes #2, #15 and #16).  This will continue over the next several weeks as we bring the fans back to the shop and try to find buyers.

The second pre-emergent application is under way along with post emergent weed control.  As you play, you will notice some break through in the weeds, this is normal as we expect 85-90% control with the pre-emergent.  We are out spraying any of the weeds that have broken through and it takes 7-10 days before you see any discoloration of the existing weeds.

On a personal note, I have never been so excited for spring to arrive!  This winter has allowed cabin fever to set in and I can’t wait to start mowing some grass!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kmacdonald@valleycrest.com and for more information follow us on Twitter @stivescc_vcsup and the Blog: http://vcgmstivescountryclub.blogspot.com/

See y’all on the course,

Kyle Macdonald, GCS, Class A 

Will this get some discussion???

I can see the traffic to the Blog, however, I never get any feedback. Maybe this post will get some chatter!

Bunkers don’t have a pampered, over-manicured appearance. They actually look like something that the golfer should avoid, which is again as it should be.

A perfect greenside bunker - its natural appearance makes it appear as if it has been there forever.

-From www.golfclubatlas.com      

Annual Flowers.... or whats left of them.....

I am sure you have seen the cold/deer damage to our annual flower beds and their lack luster appearance. I wanted to let you know our plan of action. First, we are going to repair/replant any pansies that have been hit by the deer. Second, we will re-mulch the beds and spray a foliar fertilizer. Finally, we will cover the beds with netting and spray deer repellent.  At that point we will need to exercise some patience because we are in limbo plant material wise this time of year. Summer annual stocks have not been released and the winter annual stock is basically non existent. So, we are going to have to revive/save what we have in ground. Also, if we go in and replant there is a good chance we damage the Tulip bulbs that have been installed. Eddie is also looking at ideas/options for the big pots on the patio and tennis entrance.

Kyle Macdonald, GCS, Class A 

Agronomy Department and Course Weekly Update

February 17, 2014

I apologize for the minimal amount of communication during the last few weeks.  It has been crazy between 2 snow storms and my trip to the GIS (Golf Industry Show) in Orlando, I haven’t really sat down in front of a computer.

We are still trying to finish up our winter maintenance projects but have obviously been hindered by the recent weather.  This week’s weather looks promising, so we should be able to finish up the crape myrtle pruning and trimming of the miscanthis grass.  One of our last big winter projects is to remove the remainder of the fans around the greens, however, we have to let the course dry out before allowing the heavy equipment on the turf.

With the great weather predicted this week, I hope to see a lot of packed tee sheets!!

 If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kmacdonald@valleycrest.com and for more information follow us on Twitter @stivescc_vcsup and the Blog: http://vcgmstivescountryclub.blogspot.com/

See y’all on the course,

Kyle Macdonald, GCS, Class A