During the course closure yesterday the majority of our staff worked to replace the sod on the #8 approach and catch area. Along with 6,000 square feet of fairway sod, we replaced approximately 2,800 square feet of rough sod. We had some work to finish up today, so we made a temporary green in the fairway so the staff could finish without delay.
All of the new sod areas will be Ground Under Repair until they mature enough for play. Please take your point of nearest relief from these areas if your ball comes to rest in the new sod.
As far as the green recovery journey is going, we have sent in numerous samples to a lab and no active disease has been identified. In the picture below, you can see an area in the middle of #3 green where we took several samples and sent to a lab for identifying any nematode issues. We are still waiting on the results for this one.
We will continue using the shorter interval green spray programs to promote new growth in the stressed areas. Along with that we have switched to solid rollers on the mowers to reduce stress and raised mowing heights for the time being until we get full recovery. Now that we are done with 8 approach, staff will start plugging out some of the larger areas on the stressed greens such as the spot on the right side of 13.
As we make any repairs on greens, we will close that surface while the work is implemented like we did with number #8 today.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace, Class A Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 