January has turned out to be a dry month with only .45 inches of rain to date. Last year we received 12.14 inches during the month. The dry weather is great for playing golf in Northern California. However, December through February weather does not allow the turf to recover rapidly from the golfing activity. The activity includes divots, ball marks, and golf car traffic. This is due to short days (lack of sunlight) and cooler soil temperatures.
One of the projects we have started is the building of a new front tee at #3. In the picture below you can see the rough shaping taking place.
The picture below shows the end product of the dead tree and stump removal right of the 16th green.
Hopefully we will see some positive rainfall in February not only for the turf, but the below ground aquifers.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace, Class A Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 