Aeration Complete....Finally

New topdresser attachment provided excellent sand distribution

Yesterday we were able to complete aeration of our greens after the date was pushed back twice as result of the tumultuous weather we've been having this fall. The process went very well and we were able to incorporate quite a bit of sand back into our soil profile. An extremely hot summer such as the one we experienced here in the Tidewater this year is a great reminder of the importance of this procedure. Maintaining turf at a low mowing height like we do on our greens can shorten the root system and put stress on the turf. One of the most important factors in the survival of these roots during the heat of the summer is having a growing medium that allows enough pore space for both water and oxygen. The large particle size of sand creates ample pore space that not only helps the health of our greens, but also creates a more firm and playable surface for golfers. This is why an aggressive aeration regiment is so important here in Chesapeake, VA.

The large holes and tight spacing seen above is very aggressive. This may cause grow in to take a bit longer, but will greatly benefit our greens in the long run. The warmer temperatures forecast over the next week may help with the grow-in process. We also fertilize before and after aeration to push for faster recovery.

Hurricane Matthew

Unfortunately Hurricane Matthew made it a bit further North than was originally forecast. We are unsure of exact rain totals, but based on other local estimates we received somewhere between 13 and 14 inches of rain. This was all the more devastating due to the 12 inches we received only ten days prior. As a result aeration will once again be moved back to Tuesday October 25th and Wednesday October 26th. Tomorrow, Tuesday the 11th, we should have the Front 9 available for golf. The Back 9 will be closed so that our cleanup efforts can continue, and the water blocking passage on #11 cart path has time to recede. 

Anyone who drove in a car this weekend is well aware of the impact this storm had on the entire area. Here are pictures of some of the impacts that Matthew had on Greenbrier CC. We will be working diligently through the week to get things back to normal.

Greenside Bunker Update

We recently started edging our greenside bunkers. Because the floors of the newly renovated greenside bunkers are lined with gravel, accuracy in the edging process is extremely important to prevent intrusion from soil outside of the gravel floor. This may slow down the edging process a bit, but will insure consistent sand in our greenside bunkers. This process also involves re-distribution of sand to make sure that sand depths are as consistent as possible. 

Bunker Drainage

We are extremely pleased with the results we have seen from last year's bunker renovation. Overall drainage and play ability of these bunkers is greatly improved. Some members may have noticed that the front left bunker on #3 has had a pool of water in it after heavy rainfall, despite the recently completed renovation. The drainage issue in that particular bunker is caused by a clog in the outfall drainage outside of the bunker. Once we get past the busy season, correction of this issue will be a top priority. Protecting the capital improvements that we have made here at GCC will allow us to continue further improvements to the course without taking any steps in the wrong direction.

Fresh edge on #1 Greenside Bunker

Just Breathe

It is no secret that this has been a tough summer here in Tidewater. With night time temperatures consistently near 80 degrees and hot, humid conditions during the day, the bentgrass on our greens can struggle to get the air it needs to its root system. Some of our pocketed greens which get less air flow, are showing the signs of stress more than others. Today we solid tine aerated the Putting Green and holes 1,5,9,12 and 17. With some cooler nights ahead and and the sprays we have to suppress algae, the condition of these greens should improve very quickly, which should allow us to focus of play ability and green speed in the fall months.

Why now?

Some members may wonder why we  would choose to perform this solid tine aeration on the day on the 2-Man Championship. With the increased chance of rain this weekend, lack of excessive heat today and cooler weather on the way, we saw the perfect window to safely execute this procedure and improve the health of specific greens. We also performed a test yesterday on our nursery to insure that the mow behind the aeration would smooth out any heaving, so the process would have no impact on ball roll. Because of this, we feel extremely confident that there will be no negative detriment to play.

Progress on #13 and #14

The sod on #13 and #14 has rooted. We have fertilized and now put our first mow on it. To ensure its proper establishment we have made #13 and #14 Cart Path Only. 

#13 Before First Mow

#14 Before First Mow

#14 After First Mow

#13 After First Mow

#13

Over the years, shade, tree roots and cart traffic have eroded away at the left side of hole 13. We had the trees removed from this area, removed as many roots as possible, and contracted out the grading and laying of sod. The variety of sod used is North Bridge Bermudagrass. This is a new variety of Bermudagrass that is especially cold and shade tolerant. Please pay close attention to cart restrictions on this hole in the near future.

New Equipment!

This is our new chemical spray rig. Big thanks to Club Corp for investing  capital and keeping us properly equipped. We also have two new utility carts and a topdressing attachment coming later in the year.