Course Update Post Aerification

Today we are applying another thin layer of topdressing sand to continue to fill in the aerification holes as they have settled over time with the rains and watering.  As you can see in the picture below the healing process has really been good and the greens are healing rather quickly.  Our plan moving forward is to continue to monitor the healing process and once the holes are pretty well filled in and minimal sand is exposed we will put the walking greens mowers on them and mow.  First however we have to get the holes filled in completely with sand and the turf has to fill in the holes or we will destroy our good greens mowers with the sand.  Also today we are rolling the greens to continue to smooth the putting surface out, but also to help firm the surface up.  Like I have mentioned in past having firm putting surfaces is of the up-most importance to me and my staff.  Firm greens are easier to manage and perform better under all conditions.  The fall season is a great time of the year to be on the golf course as the turf is able to relax and playing conditions are firmer and faster due to root structure being longer, less moisture from irrigation needs as the plant doesn't require as much to survive and keep cool, and the humidity in the air.  As cooler weather and shorter days  have moved in the Zoysia grass has really started to slow down its' growth.  We are now mowing the fairways and tees twice a week as opposed to three times a week.  Soon after the Friends/Foes event next week we will start letting the fairways grow a bit to build up some thatch and get a little protection for the plant moving into the winter months.  Over seeding in the roughs has been completed and we are now waiting on germination in the few areas that we seeded.  We are starting to see some nice germination in the areas we seeded first and are just starting to see seed pop out of the ground in others. Another project we completed this week was hauling sand to some of our bunkers that had shallow sand..  The ones we added sand stick out like a sore thumb now as the new white sand is quite a contrast to the older white sand that is already in the bunkers.  Over time the sand will get raked in and the contrast won't be as noticeable.   Looks like the weather is going to continue to be in our favor over the next couple of days.  I hope all of you can get out and enjoy the golf course! It is setting up to be a really good Fall here at Wolf Creek!

Greens recovery 8 days after they were aerified

Rolling the Putting Surface to smooth and firm them up