November 2 – November 22nd…

Both courses continue to be in very good condition on all playing surfaces heading into December.  Although we have had a couple cold mornings, overall this is the kind of winter I am used to.

 

Tournament Course

I looks like the last remnants of the Houston Open structures will be gone by the end of this week. Their crews have been finalizing the exit plan by leveling ruts and picking up left behind debris. One of the more positive things I have seen so far is the turf that was under these structures will survive, meaning little to no sod work. Once they’re completely gone, we will be able to go treat these areas with a pre-emergent herbicide that went out at the end of October. Although the timing is not ideal, it should help reduce weed populations in these areas during the winter and spring.

One thing that we are going to do this winter is treat the shortgrass areas on both courses with a pigment to help those areas retain color throughout the winter months. This will allow for greater contrast between the fairways and roughs. Our first application was two weeks ago. Below are a couple pictures to reflect that:

Other tasks that have been performed on the Tournament Course are:

• Removed 8 pine trees that died from pine beetles attacking them during the brief drought period this summer.
• Hog damage continues to be an issue. This damage has really increased since the clearing of land adjacent to #6. We repair damage daily.
• Edged cart paths
• Completed final applications of our fall pre-emergent.
• The Tournament side range tee was overseeded and came in very nicely. Took a bit longer with cooler night time temperatures, but is good now.
• Detailed rocks along paths. This includes leveling them as well.

Member Course

Leaf season has officially begun this week. For the next month or so we will be removing fallen leaves from in play areas daily.  A lot of blowing and vacuuming will be going on, which unfortunately comes with a lot of noise. Please be sure that we will be very cautious of our surroundings in an effort to disrupt play as little as possible. Tasks that have been completed lately:

• Removed 4 dead pine trees as a result of pine beetle damage. We have 3 more to remove by #4 tee complex.
• Edged cart paths
• Edged sprinkler heads
• Detailed all bunkers. (edged, flymowed, pulled runners)
• Sink hole #5 has been repaired. This was a result of another crushed drain line. Still lack sod work, but want to see if hole settles first after rain this week.
• Treated lakes for aquatic weeds.
• Weedeated lake banks.
• Solid tined greens to relieve some compaction. Bet you didn’t even notice.

Lastly, I was able to film this beautiful bobcat by 9 tee box on the Tournament Course. He wasn’t too worried about me or my annoying calls.

 

That’s about all for this blog. Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weekend to come.

-Agronomy Team