As we roll into October, the high temperatures we had throughout the summer have returned. Fortunately, the days are shorter, so the periods of extreme heat are not as long as June and July. Another positive is the soil temperatures have been conducive for aerification recovery and seed germination. At the end of today, we will have all the fairway aeration completed except for holes #12 & #15. We will complete those this upcoming Monday.
One of the things you may notice this time of year are some areas developing wet spots. Due to the shorter days and different microclimates/soil, we have to start adjusting sprinkler percentages to mediate this issue. While we make adjustments daily during the irrigation season, the need is more prevalent as we move to fall weather. Another reason for the course having more moisture than normal is the need to keep the new seed moist for germination.
Next week we will finish up the fairway aeration and continue aerating/seeding the new sod areas from last year’s bunker project. As I have stated in the past, these areas are highly compacted and have not built up a quality organic growing medium due to the nature of construction.
We will also begin to aerate and seed the landing area of the driving range. Due to this process the driving range will be closed all day Monday October 7th. It will reopen to normal play Tuesday October 8th. Another reminder is the course will be closed for green aeration October 14th – 17th. The driving range will be closed on the 14th but will open at 9am during the 15th – 17th. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or wave me down on the course.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace, Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 