Major Rain Event

Drainage ditches overflowing left of #1 green

Preparations for reopening were interrupted by three consecutive days of rains. Total rainfall of 4.5" was recorded this past weekend and over 8" since August 22nd. The heavy rain caused washouts in bunkers as well as washed newly laid mulch and created lots of leaves and debris throughout the course.

More importantly it caused a flush of growth and coupled with delaying our mowing cycles, there is now a lot of scalping of turf on greens, tees, fairways and in the rough. All of this will grow out of course but will certainly impact the aesthetics of the course in the near term.

Drainage #13

Upon investigating a wet spot on the front of #13 we found that the entire green complex drainage ended in a crude drywell behind the retaining wall. The water was expected to drain down through the wall. With age and contamination of the gravel, the system failed.

 

In order to correct the problem, we have run the pipe through the wall so that it empties directly into the pond. This simple fix will function well for many years to come.

Week Seven

Over the past week, the TifGrand collars have rooted well and the hand watering requirements have lessened. Aerification and topdressing of greens is done and the recovery is going great. Mowing heights have continued to be lowered on greens and collars. A heavy topdressing was applied to collars are well.