Llanerch Golf Course and External Activities

Finally after weeks of dry and windy conditions, we got some rain! The course received over 2.2 inches of rain last Sunday. We are hoping for some more in the near future. In the mean time, we have been redistributing the sand in all the green side bunkers to ensure a more even playing surface. We will continue this work in the fairway bunkers over the next two weeks. Most of the other time has been spent on mowing the ever thickening rough. It is that time of year when the rough goes from thin and uneven to thick and lush. Next week we will trim some trees, topdress greens and groom the fairways.  

Mother Nature refuses to give us any rain. As a result, the course is playing firm and fast. We expect a dry warming trend over the next five days to continue producing these playing conditions. It is forcing us to rely on the irrigation system to administer adequate moisture for the grass plants. After we started the restoration seven months ago,we are only one day away from the opening of  #18! The green is getting closer to the other greens when it comes to putting speed but is still a bit slower. We hope that in the next few months that the green speed will match the others. Please feel free to tell me your opinions after you have played it. Enjoy the Opening Day weekend!

Today, we are fighting the wind. We have had sustained winds of 26mph and gusts as high as 37mph! As any one who has played the course in the last few days could tell you, the course is playing firm and fast! Some rain any time from Mother Nature would be very much appreciated. Today, we are edging out some over grown bunkers on 6 green complex, watering sod, removing small dots of poa annua on 3 green and laying sod on the old cart path on #5.

The 18th green restoration is moving forward. We plan to open the hole on Saturday the 14th. The green has grown in well but is still putting a little slower compared to the other greens. We will be working all next week to get the green to "speed up" some more. As for the fairway and approach, the grass is ready for play. The rough needed some sod in the weaker areas. There might be some "uneven" lies when comparing the established rough to the sod. As the season progresses, we will try to grow a more "consistent" play surface. I appreciate everyone's patience as we complete this project. Happy Easter to everyone and their families.

Last year, it seemed like it rained every day from August to November. This spring has been extremely dry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA has posted a special weather warning know as "Red Flag" because of the low humidity combined with high winds and sunny days. The "Red Flag" symbolizes a need for greenkeepers to be diligent in applying water to the turf. A common mistake is to think that because its not "hot", the turf will be fine without irrigation.  Dry conditions can do just as much damage at 55 degrees as 90 degrees. So when you see irrigation running on the course, this post will hopefully explain why we are doing it.