One of our most important jobs we do on the course this time of year is manage the wet and dry spots to improve playability. As soon as we see them we bring out the hoses and hand water the area to make sure the water goes exactly where we need it. The irrigation sprinklers are less accurate due to wind, water pressure, the slope of the ground and the head’s performance. When we are able to hand water more the moisture on the course becomes a more consistent.
We did some tree work over the last couple weeks on Holes 14 and 4. The oak trees around 14 tee were growing so large that they could potentially block a tee shot so we pruned up three trees to open up the tee complex. Below is a look at it now that will allow for a clear tee shot for years to come.
We recently bought a wood chipper so as soon as it arrived we chipped up the branches behind 4 Green and removed the dead tree next to 4 cart path. Our mechanic, Nelson, designed a box to go on the back of our carts to collect the chips.
Our plan is to find and purchase a lift before the winter so we can continue pruning the trees and remove the mistletoe. There is a lot of pruning to do on the course so it is a work in progress.
We are nearly finished with mowing the native grass between the holes. It takes about a week and a half with the tractor and about a week to trim around the trees where the tractor can’t mow. The course is beautiful with that long grass but now everyone must be happy to be able to find their ball again when it is hit into the native.
Sonoma Agronomy 