November 22, 2021 Update.

As I sit and write this, we have accumulated more rain through mid-November than we received the entire season last year. With that being said, we would like to discuss the need to have carts on paths during certain periods this time of year. Soil Science 101 tells us soils are the most susceptible to compaction during wet periods. Compacted soils do not allow the proper air and water movement through the profile to allow viable growth. Due to the high amount of traffic on golf course playing surfaces (especially golf carts), compaction can become a serious issue inhibiting the ability to provide quality playing conditions. Along with compaction, the turfgrass is not able to recover as quickly like during the summer months due to shorter days and cooler (soil temperatures) weather. It is essential we control the use of golf cars on the playing surfaces during the winter months.

One of the questions, I constantly hear, is why are your staff using equipment on the golf course when we cannot have carts off the paths. The answer is quite simple. If we do not perform the required tasks to maintain a playable golf course during these periods, the property will go to pasture and become unplayable. With that in mind, we use what we call “Minimal Soil Impact” philosophy during the winter months under specific soil conditions. We only allow equipment that is essential off the paths to maintain a playable surface. In the pictures below, you can see the impact the push carts have in wet areas. Just imagine what the consequences of the heavier golf cart would be.

We take soil tilth very seriously and unfortunately; we must make decisions that are not always popular. It is essential we manage cart usage during the winter months. We have a very specific protocol in place based on the percentage of moisture in the ground off of Field Capacity (100% saturated soil) that we will continue to use. This process does allow for the individuals who are handicapped (red flag use) to get out a few days prior than everyone else. We are at a critical time for long term soil health due to the shortest days of the year. Hopefully, this enlightens everyone for the need.  We appreciate your cooperation on this extremely important agronomic practice.

As far as upcoming projects, we will be having the bridge at #1 renovated after the first of the year and possibly some more cart path work if weather permits. Another item we will be doing in-house after the Thanksgiving holiday is refurbish the walking bridge at #18.

One project we plan on implementing after the holidays is taking the sand out of one designated bunker and inputting two different selected samples to see which performs the best for a future bunker renovation project. No time frame for the project has been determined to date, but we are working on details such as the proper sand. Once we implement this, we will communicate with the membership for feedback.

Yours in turf,

Stacy L. Wallace, Golf Course Superintendent