tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85497717831730527872024-03-13T13:48:33.375-04:00Rub of the GreenA detailed and educational look at the agronomic practices of Elcona Country ClubAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694784954176722452noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-55736594566733470862018-10-05T10:10:00.002-04:002018-10-05T10:10:18.574-04:00Blog address changeFor those who solely follow the Elcona CC Ground Blog from this address, we have a new address:<br />
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https://elconaccgroundsblog.wordpress.com/<br />
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I will be writing all future posts there. Thanks for reading!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-68881779899894790592018-05-18T13:19:00.001-04:002018-05-18T13:19:34.276-04:00Course Notes, 5/17/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a difference a month can make. So far this month we have received 6.42" of rain and unfortunately one storm packed a punch that had our chainsaws out the following morning. The staff has done a wonderful job cleaning up the golf course and repairing bunkers after each storm. Combined with normal to above normal temperatures (finally!!!), and all turfgrass on our property is growing like gang busters. For our operation, this means having blowers out daily for clippings and applications of growth regulator around fairways and greens. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05DisdUEd_aJQF8YlSev93FwwQFXSFkkafMOf3uVqUQUSPh8QkZ_xDpJ8q1mTMztunfX50GAW7zroqi7MVn82d1X4Kf6ERuX_wRqACqS_MJz7TUesLn2OsYVnns_Qzk-U-6_WRItR4_4E/s1600/0503180746_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05DisdUEd_aJQF8YlSev93FwwQFXSFkkafMOf3uVqUQUSPh8QkZ_xDpJ8q1mTMztunfX50GAW7zroqi7MVn82d1X4Kf6ERuX_wRqACqS_MJz7TUesLn2OsYVnns_Qzk-U-6_WRItR4_4E/s200/0503180746_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a>A few of you have joked with me that with all the rainfall, why has Zimm's Creek on #15 dried up? We continue to have electrical problems with the pump that gets the water from the pond to the top of the creek. We are working diligently with our pump contractors and will get the creek flowing as soon as possible. <br />
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This rainfall also has impacted the growth rate on greens turf, and coincidentally, green speed. We are doing all we can to return green speeds to where you are more accustomed to seeing them, via growth regulator applications and getting back on our topdressing schedule. But I also wanted to take this opportunity to discuss green speed and how we do our best each day in producing consistent and enjoyable greens on a daily basis. <br />
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It has been and always will be a top priority for me to keep the greens as consistent as possible while maintaining a healthy playing surface. It is not uncommon for speeds to vary from day to day based on our rolling program and other external factors. During a typical week of the peak season we will roll on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. University research has shown that rolling more than 4 times/week in conjunction with a daily mowing schedule is the threshold before the turf can become overly stressed and show signs of decline . This is especially true for Poa annua, the predominant turf on our greens, in the heat of the summer.<br />
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There are many other items that factor in to green speed, which include:<br />
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<b>Moisture Levels</b>: What can affect moisture levels? The two main culprits are rainfall/irrigation and humidity. It's no secret that firmer/drier greens tend to be faster and soft/wet greens lead to slower speeds. We combat this as much as possible by hand watering the greens in the summer and using products to help move water down through the soil profile leading to a drier, firmer surface.<br />
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<b>Weather</b>: What happens to your yard after it rains? It grows and typically grows much faster than it did before it rained. Rainfall provides the turf with clean, usable water that helps to flush elements from the soil that tie-up nutrients, therefore making the nutrients readily available to the turf. Nutrients lead to healthy turf which can lead to additional growth. Believe it or not, lightning also plays a large role. The unbridled energy of a lightning bolt shatters nitrogen molecules in the air. Some of the free nitrogen atoms combine with oxygen to form compounds called nitrates that mix with the rain. These nitrates are a powerful natural fertilizer that any plant can readily take up and thus increase its growth rate. <br />
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<b>Nutrition</b>: The turf needs food to be healthy. Just as with humans, the healthier it is, the more active it tends to be. Healthy turf will grow more than unhealthy turf.<br />
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<b>Growth</b>: Turf is a living, breathing entity. It doesn't just grow at night when most of us are sleeping, it grows during the day as well. This means that the greens will usually be slower in the afternoon than they are in the morning. If they didn't grow, we wouldn't have to mow them every day.<br />
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<b>Topdressing</b>: Typically in season, we apply and broom in topdressing sand, and the amount of sand varies based on the rate at which the plant is growing. Topdressing sand helps smooth and firm up the surface of the greens. A smoother surface provides less friction on the golf ball and a faster speed. <br />
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<b>Growth Regulators</b>: Growth regulators work and work very well, but despite what you may think, they do not completely stop growth, they merely slow it down. Over the years we have found a schedule that will provide very consistent results from day to day, minimizing surges in growth, but like everything else, the performance of the product is dependent upon several of the factors listed above.<br />
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I would encourage you to spend a few moments before each round on one of the practice greens. They are maintained the same as the greens on the golf course and will give you a good reference as to what the greens on the course will be like. <br />
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Finally, our department lost a long time family member last week. Many of you may remember Benny Kauffman, who faithfully worked Elcona's fairways and rough for 27 years, before retiring in 2015. Benny was a true American, serving our country during WWII, and working as a butcher for 30 years before coming to Elcona. He still came out to visit us for coffee every once in a while after retiring from Elcona and was an accomplished wood worker. He will be missed. <br />
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I appreciate your reading my longer than normal blog post. If you have any questions about the golf course, please reach out to me at ryan@elconacc.com. I am more than happy to discuss any topics with you! Thank you for reading and I will see you out on the golf course! <br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-72550861865644720432018-04-24T06:25:00.001-04:002018-04-24T06:25:57.010-04:00Course Notes, 4/24/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been quite the busy couple of weeks here at Elcona. Mornings like the one pictured above are very pretty to stand and admire, and one of the many reasons why I love working in this 340 acre office. These frosty mornings also cause delays in the start of your round. I wrote an article explaining why we delay for frost, which you <span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://elconaccgrounds.blogspot.com/2017/10/course-notes-102917.html?m=0" target="_blank">can read here</a>. </span><br />
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These mornings (and those late April days that the highs stay in the 30's with snow showers) are also not the best growing conditions for turf here in Northern Indiana. This is the reason why many areas are so thin, like fairways and green surrounds. It is also the main reason why we have not mowed fine playing surfaces as often as the meat of our season. Rolling greens has been a great tool for us to maintain putting surfaces while limiting traffic and wear on the turf. With weather finally returning to a more average Indiana spring, the growth and vigor of the turfgrass will return as well and conditions will improve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIpLvhGALZtCAkHjbfSsR4VXwtN6BEO3h8VpbzfKb89HJ5suMtUwhS2i4yGB3a_wTov3SHNI5FX610em_DwGf5eUcxb0TTUN1B0BEd5y7BESdAZsWBqmqDNo1zFzcDrnvKqg5_7a2Ne_/s1600/0418181122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIpLvhGALZtCAkHjbfSsR4VXwtN6BEO3h8VpbzfKb89HJ5suMtUwhS2i4yGB3a_wTov3SHNI5FX610em_DwGf5eUcxb0TTUN1B0BEd5y7BESdAZsWBqmqDNo1zFzcDrnvKqg5_7a2Ne_/s200/0418181122.jpg" width="200" /></a>Aerification has been completed on greens, tees, fairways, and green surrounds. in case you have never seen an aerifier in action, below is a video showing our aerifier on #9 green, and how the machine creates the holes using 1/4" solid tines.<br />
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Soil temperatures also have finally warmed enough to make now a great time for applying our pre-emergent herbicides that prevent the development of grassy weeds, like crabgrass. If you take care of your lawn at home, this is a great time for you to do the same. Green surrounds will also receive their spring nutrition to promote more consistent playing conditions. <br />
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The pool landscape project continues to move towards its completion. We have re-aligned the paver walkway to meet up with the shift in the new concrete stairs that were poured in February. We have also begun adding topsoil to prepare the lower areas for the plants that will be adding color along the wall stone. One of my favorite parts of the project has started as well, installing the cap stones that sit on top of the wall. This involves cutting many angles to make the top a seamless course. With my love for woodworking, this part of the project is right up my alley. <br />
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The club entrance will finally start receiving its final transformation as well this week. On Thursday, sod will be delivered and laid over the areas where the dying spruce trees once stood. The entrance columns will also be installed in the next couple of weeks. <br />
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If you have any questions, please email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Have a great week, and I will see you on the golf course!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-20249441036130823112018-04-07T08:13:00.002-04:002018-04-07T08:13:47.424-04:00Course Notes, 4/7/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While the calendar says Spring, Mother Nature has had other plans for us at Elcona. Although this weather has not been very conducive for golf, the staff and I have enjoyed working on other projects around the property so that when the weather turns for the better, we can turn our focus more onto the 2018 golf season.<br />
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When conditions have allowed, we have mowed and maintained on the golf course. All fine playing surfaces have been mowed at least one time. They just haven't had temperatures to grow since! One of the ways we have maintained putting surfaces during these times of very low growth is by rolling. If you have ever wondered why we roll greens, the USGA has produced a nice short video on that very subject. You may <span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N_-6FoPevE&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">view it here</a>.</span> <br />
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The picture on the right shows an area of desiccation injury on 18 that I am monitoring. Desiccation is a drying out of leaf blades and occurs most often on open semi-dormant turf exposed to windy, low humidity conditions. Think of this as when we get chapped lips in the winter. There is new green tissue coming from these plants, so I am fairly confident that the turf will grow through its injury (when warmer weather comes), but have pulled a couple of plugs to make sure my assessment is correct. The right front of #9 has a bit of desiccation injury as well. <br />
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The timing also came for our first seedhead suppression application. As great as Poa annua is as a putting surface, one drawback is its annual seedhead production. Poa annua is a winter annual, meaning it germinates in the fall, overwinters, and produces seeds in the spring for its next generation. Think of Poa as backwards from an annual flower you would plant in your landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qJiY0j4al4EbhVShzbqd6BQwEStKuI4k_guUXu68omC4Vi0RJbthk0lLFhwLOLxmnO8XNUbuT-tgbrZi2DNdfXpcdeAlcZUcuPXJoSnnnnR4T9Uf4TGtgg4RrqBTRx8cJatcVu1UvmGV/s1600/0326181117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qJiY0j4al4EbhVShzbqd6BQwEStKuI4k_guUXu68omC4Vi0RJbthk0lLFhwLOLxmnO8XNUbuT-tgbrZi2DNdfXpcdeAlcZUcuPXJoSnnnnR4T9Uf4TGtgg4RrqBTRx8cJatcVu1UvmGV/s200/0326181117.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Using a temperature based schedule, three total applications of growth regulator will be applied to <b><i>suppress</i></b>, not eliminate, these seedheads from impacting ball roll. As the picture to the left shows, I left 6 areas on the course untreated, as a check plot, to assess the success of this year's applications. These plots are located on the large Practice Green, 1, 3, 10, 13, and 16 and marked with white dots. I utilize these areas to gauge the effectiveness of this year's treatments and encourage you to keep an eye on them as well as you are out and about on the golf course. <br />
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The bulk of our time has been spent on the poolside hardscaping project. The terrain of the area has kept us on our toes thinking of the best way to store materials close while getting them down a 12 foot high embankment. The key process to build a wall, as you can imagine, is installing and compacting a level base layer of stone utilizing a plate compactor. Precise measurements are taken with some surveyor's tools to ensure the wall is at the correct depth compared to other features in the area. After the base is installed, stone is laid one at a time and leveled and plumbed. <br />
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Please enjoy some of the pictures I have taken throughout the process. I will continue to keep you updated on its process. If you have any questions, please email me at ryan@elconacc.com. I am more than willing to answer or find more information for you. Have a great day, wish for Spring to finally arrive, and I hope to see you out on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grades are marked for stone layer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqMlKVI3V6HGvwysY_wxtQaCzIQm5ZCFZYkR8TzaOREN4Q1_HLtehQX4zOrmTLyr67YrGFdsgJP7SpCx-M9z8zUaaN023LBYOAQyK4rz2L-95SZQak6J5tII-lhLyEACen_UcT6Qvm4Mn/s1600/IMG959385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqMlKVI3V6HGvwysY_wxtQaCzIQm5ZCFZYkR8TzaOREN4Q1_HLtehQX4zOrmTLyr67YrGFdsgJP7SpCx-M9z8zUaaN023LBYOAQyK4rz2L-95SZQak6J5tII-lhLyEACen_UcT6Qvm4Mn/s200/IMG959385.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th grade math at its finest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid-Q5bDybd5MUi6s2u8XbDUeZ2TruFJF9-p8Q9WgLxsdVvNK0ypEBaqB1sRlzC7To1ywK6sXPeLYLxDr63Il2rl_1Za90zb5YTfXGDnBn_jsXne4G2T1O3CuqjkZQ8K17D7zYU3I727i5/s1600/IMG959410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid-Q5bDybd5MUi6s2u8XbDUeZ2TruFJF9-p8Q9WgLxsdVvNK0ypEBaqB1sRlzC7To1ywK6sXPeLYLxDr63Il2rl_1Za90zb5YTfXGDnBn_jsXne4G2T1O3CuqjkZQ8K17D7zYU3I727i5/s200/IMG959410.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg Stump compacting stone layer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwMiMNJGvhQmTAxXyayn6W3_-KOiosdTf7rdugi_wmmfJ0JwcGHUFSRduU8CyddpKUgN0RqeaXdKfJ5vQ9gBzCwu9BFRsmiLX1bYu4vIEEDCqhOFiwXZDdtgkmtgdeiEszwibCX2NI5s/s1600/IMG959407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwMiMNJGvhQmTAxXyayn6W3_-KOiosdTf7rdugi_wmmfJ0JwcGHUFSRduU8CyddpKUgN0RqeaXdKfJ5vQ9gBzCwu9BFRsmiLX1bYu4vIEEDCqhOFiwXZDdtgkmtgdeiEszwibCX2NI5s/s200/IMG959407.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished base layer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrrN29SZCic1XLLX8u9XLI2fXvgbyZ3Y7lBRWbxdhGdEL-SQS7EYjyJOg710ntq9cTV8c__FgZ2Tqp7Vy_IjSF-n9uz1ThSqHMI22ltF1XFIeGrG_BMh2zYRuTajLdYoRDxjOYkhcLZ5H/s1600/0328181555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrrN29SZCic1XLLX8u9XLI2fXvgbyZ3Y7lBRWbxdhGdEL-SQS7EYjyJOg710ntq9cTV8c__FgZ2Tqp7Vy_IjSF-n9uz1ThSqHMI22ltF1XFIeGrG_BMh2zYRuTajLdYoRDxjOYkhcLZ5H/s200/0328181555.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The process of laying the first course</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwMiMNJGvhQmTAxXyayn6W3_-KOiosdTf7rdugi_wmmfJ0JwcGHUFSRduU8CyddpKUgN0RqeaXdKfJ5vQ9gBzCwu9BFRsmiLX1bYu4vIEEDCqhOFiwXZDdtgkmtgdeiEszwibCX2NI5s/s1600/IMG959407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyg8ceGWRIp19PwbRzhRfZf_BgdohlfvRIKtnqJfO5OFXhXGDvvn3dFIe4VrwtIK204i5PSGzQaqa1R77aaEMAUOdjJRTB1ipZ_yt__EGLFeRKrM6khgZg7MiFl3x0oKfhydUsiFqsgyJ/s1600/0406181622d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyg8ceGWRIp19PwbRzhRfZf_BgdohlfvRIKtnqJfO5OFXhXGDvvn3dFIe4VrwtIK204i5PSGzQaqa1R77aaEMAUOdjJRTB1ipZ_yt__EGLFeRKrM6khgZg7MiFl3x0oKfhydUsiFqsgyJ/s200/0406181622d.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old staircase transformed</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-29606765016462816402018-03-01T09:01:00.000-05:002018-03-01T09:01:39.807-05:00Course Notes, 3/1/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo_mK7RdYDkZIGpdP3ElDv6Zt4c3ZuHWDUat4LlshNyipqgAKdciIRjsi_SybQ0fec7vIalGBppV7akrQrXDV7NhuJqKg6Sae67GOC4DRk-5KJoodL2NSLG8uQcQBhotK33YQqfi8OZwP/s1600/0221181402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo_mK7RdYDkZIGpdP3ElDv6Zt4c3ZuHWDUat4LlshNyipqgAKdciIRjsi_SybQ0fec7vIalGBppV7akrQrXDV7NhuJqKg6Sae67GOC4DRk-5KJoodL2NSLG8uQcQBhotK33YQqfi8OZwP/s320/0221181402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVaG3GXfOk6J7GcJSeCt_RvOpvmYQLBldGTB-ecnDYyQhPSv2Jdv2fylq4II6atlCV7_WLHZ8foWZDXrQsV6epK_UiNCXKjWcrSNkJbQd-ADtdqHVsDBN8a8Yv6YYw1ihngO_XZtB6cHy/s1600/0219181553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Happy March to everyone! With the bright sunshine and warmer temperatures we have experienced in the last week, the greener sights of turf have brought the beginning to the golf season much closer. Over the last few days, all of the 15" of snow cover disappeared and 5.25" of rain fell on top of it. That created almost 7 inches of water that had no where to go given our partially frozen soils in the area, thus creating many of the flooding problems experienced here in Elkhart County. All 4 of the ponds on course over spilled their banks into their respective fairway. The course had 3 main areas of flooding that took about a week to subside, pictured below. Also, the rain garden overflowed attempting to handle all the runoff from the east side of the course, creating a temporary stream from our maintenance facility that flowed all across the course into 3 pond! The soils in these areas are still quite moist. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVaG3GXfOk6J7GcJSeCt_RvOpvmYQLBldGTB-ecnDYyQhPSv2Jdv2fylq4II6atlCV7_WLHZ8foWZDXrQsV6epK_UiNCXKjWcrSNkJbQd-ADtdqHVsDBN8a8Yv6YYw1ihngO_XZtB6cHy/s200/0219181553.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow melt/rain from rain garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbBQneAtWNadVoFkg1hK9Wk0-mCW6gF2bhN_ei0YjsJBulMiGagPXv-3TQQdYclmRf-l85haDgar81igWhSMg0h_CkEjmm2LGnd_GDa1P23Ai628LmwW9hssMDwCAGmUPb2XHlZApd2d-/s1600/0221181409_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbBQneAtWNadVoFkg1hK9Wk0-mCW6gF2bhN_ei0YjsJBulMiGagPXv-3TQQdYclmRf-l85haDgar81igWhSMg0h_CkEjmm2LGnd_GDa1P23Ai628LmwW9hssMDwCAGmUPb2XHlZApd2d-/s200/0221181409_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The valley on #8 2/22/18</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSpBjoAbJO4c9_yNZuaTTI-EAYeXqx0hyEafjNWQm0rpy615qF_K9DYTMBu4_mEB6G01af75Eb9pd7k0fPlgKlzfdp5JIk5RV4J4yYT18MeVylGQR5N3jPenaQY6vUDBAXvbWLeA7gcgf/s1600/0221181408_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSpBjoAbJO4c9_yNZuaTTI-EAYeXqx0hyEafjNWQm0rpy615qF_K9DYTMBu4_mEB6G01af75Eb9pd7k0fPlgKlzfdp5JIk5RV4J4yYT18MeVylGQR5N3jPenaQY6vUDBAXvbWLeA7gcgf/s200/0221181408_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 fairway, 2/22/18</td></tr>
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Many of you ask each year when the golf course will be available for play, and I thought I would discuss the two main variables that go into answering that question.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>The ground must be completely thawed out.</b> This is for two reasons. One, there is no path for melting snow to drain down if the ground is frozen. The water either stands on the surface (or percolates down really slow) or runs off of slopes to any low area. Two, excess machine and foot traffic on frozen ground can lead to root shearing on turf plants, which leads to poor turf quality and a longer window for the turf to green up. Currently there is not any frost in the ground, which is a good thing for the beginning of the season and our course clean up efforts.</li>
<li><b>The soils are mostly to completely dry and firmed up.</b> This is self explanatory. Wet soils lead to damage from machine traffic and compaction. Playing surfaces also need a period of time to allow proper drainage so we can begin to work them into the firm surfaces you are accustomed to. This is the position the golf course is waiting on right now. </li>
</ol>
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While soils are firming up, the staff and I have begun course clean up efforts. All of the tree debris is being collected, and on drier days, leaf litter will be blown and collected. Playing surfaces will be mowed or rolled on an as needed basis, given the slower growing conditions and our current staffing levels. The USGA has published a couple great articles further explaining the factors in opening for early play, which you can read <a href="http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/regional-updates/northeast-region/2018/should-we-do-it-.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> and <span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/article/usga-warm-3-30-12.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>.</span> </div>
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The staff and I have focused our attention on other projects while we waited for conditions to improve outside. The US 20 sign has been refurbished, complete with a new color scheme that adds a new pop to all those who drive by it each day. A special thanks to Greg Stump for his artistic efforts on this sign. We also have about 30 stumps to grind, mainly along the clubdrive. Depending on the location, these areas will be either be sodded or seeded after clean up is finished and topsoil is added to the hole. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7js_gKMiHFekiNwtKshuE-YNv4Zgg-gQH1jZ21WSs6XfVmndsLdm2TNi-YMwfHMVX5WE2HS7bYhXQ25FOrUcI6VY4Bfiv1ryJ-vlIgaqeYNMQKNXOMGTwDJddiSDzFE9uox1UAteoE9CR/s1600/0228180820b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7js_gKMiHFekiNwtKshuE-YNv4Zgg-gQH1jZ21WSs6XfVmndsLdm2TNi-YMwfHMVX5WE2HS7bYhXQ25FOrUcI6VY4Bfiv1ryJ-vlIgaqeYNMQKNXOMGTwDJddiSDzFE9uox1UAteoE9CR/s320/0228180820b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new sign along US 20</td></tr>
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Another large focus of our department this spring will be where the old pool locker rooms were located. This area will be transformed into a beautiful landscaped area that will add pop to your experience at the Elcona pool. Currently we have been filling the area with sub soil in preparation for the first retaining wall to be installed. I will have more frequent updates on this project as it moves along. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NuCTC6hrcCCcpBLGOHFbKMD_oaTb1FAlQO3AVroaL-wPac8ipt5b80Hdb9JHxLVW8eorRGlLvHH0tsUqoMb58FBAdViFiKFBZ_3-rdSFq8Pw9dYi53ncwzRNYn4ipHHY9TLjrw1Ioy-E/s1600/0129181501a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NuCTC6hrcCCcpBLGOHFbKMD_oaTb1FAlQO3AVroaL-wPac8ipt5b80Hdb9JHxLVW8eorRGlLvHH0tsUqoMb58FBAdViFiKFBZ_3-rdSFq8Pw9dYi53ncwzRNYn4ipHHY9TLjrw1Ioy-E/s320/0129181501a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New concrete retaining wall poured January 2018</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhaphBY-MIw1Dao0WlYxSbPAHrvjqOHZ4JWV24g_X6-QAEoNMJrrH5P0ZaCqBMa1Rp_mka3Gi3oZ-PTZPk4HDGx14fbAEr9OH4Rbln7yQqRznnR6bDRp1RBjQHiG5-LAF-oP8Rto2GqOF/s1600/0201180930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhaphBY-MIw1Dao0WlYxSbPAHrvjqOHZ4JWV24g_X6-QAEoNMJrrH5P0ZaCqBMa1Rp_mka3Gi3oZ-PTZPk4HDGx14fbAEr9OH4Rbln7yQqRznnR6bDRp1RBjQHiG5-LAF-oP8Rto2GqOF/s320/0201180930.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soil is off loaded from our truck, and pushed down the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwwbd9uJCJJZdpMGXv3lXnUg2pdYYTb4KXe-P-4IEuN192HsaYazB4L9Gm4Pt3VJb8Xb_9cbwbyXNysUG9e7Rt91UADa4pnwKDAX_SHHpo4vvx19Y_iqTy_EjD2o4MVc9KfEU8zfzxwCu/s1600/0228180853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwwbd9uJCJJZdpMGXv3lXnUg2pdYYTb4KXe-P-4IEuN192HsaYazB4L9Gm4Pt3VJb8Xb_9cbwbyXNysUG9e7Rt91UADa4pnwKDAX_SHHpo4vvx19Y_iqTy_EjD2o4MVc9KfEU8zfzxwCu/s320/0228180853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough grade for the first retaining wall being dug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vr6XkEfByepdQYVTVFg7fbb8fQBDWq01EQ6l-nuX8JhScJaN-glJgnTk_BLI6LoL5z4SAkCc5XXWA_v1F0TYfopYPBvl5GCMwzzexUVhuQfzpqRpcb-mODW5vL7M1e9gB6tcfDlOUQrB/s1600/0228181547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vr6XkEfByepdQYVTVFg7fbb8fQBDWq01EQ6l-nuX8JhScJaN-glJgnTk_BLI6LoL5z4SAkCc5XXWA_v1F0TYfopYPBvl5GCMwzzexUVhuQfzpqRpcb-mODW5vL7M1e9gB6tcfDlOUQrB/s320/0228181547.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough grade established</td></tr>
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Spring is near, and with that golf is near too. We will keep you abreast on the latest course conditions, and open as soon as the conditions allow. If you have any questions, please email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Have a great week!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-7140501634033990072018-01-12T11:15:00.000-05:002018-01-12T11:15:08.573-05:00Course Notes, 1/12/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCKmtE36E97ltrMtMC4w4I5uVJQBGekDo_cyeeXq4xpDEoOvhKxB08takCUp4xlKjDnJQTW2WEQGGOsZT7ct8FasG6JIV8uvw5BBE-uYTIgj6pGUyIwaPbtEOVgvjcQJsGl9bCzNjSoNf/s1600/1224171312_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCKmtE36E97ltrMtMC4w4I5uVJQBGekDo_cyeeXq4xpDEoOvhKxB08takCUp4xlKjDnJQTW2WEQGGOsZT7ct8FasG6JIV8uvw5BBE-uYTIgj6pGUyIwaPbtEOVgvjcQJsGl9bCzNjSoNf/s320/1224171312_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HRWai82AsD-62byx2bJSHaSY4Z2r7KszQcXvm2GchvwxLW2dA9jlx0fbqgFbm7TY2IzgFs2bOJS8pkFDFni97nLdBmK3y7DcBiytQK7vlD6w7OPebBqkvQzWDIszPz3gzqUCE0pITb2E/s1600/0111181047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HRWai82AsD-62byx2bJSHaSY4Z2r7KszQcXvm2GchvwxLW2dA9jlx0fbqgFbm7TY2IzgFs2bOJS8pkFDFni97nLdBmK3y7DcBiytQK7vlD6w7OPebBqkvQzWDIszPz3gzqUCE0pITb2E/s200/0111181047.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 green up close</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBM4NpDOxiRdKgWIfVKpNi_DkgMKKnT8nmJHLPC3URAjXbbsy_pypGayvCif1UFwzB1n87W2rRVT7GwDX5zswtPGFBow8qlw69ECiZTBpLpRQBpA6m-8I1u2B_ENSlgq6no3CipcmIrp/s1600/0111181046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBM4NpDOxiRdKgWIfVKpNi_DkgMKKnT8nmJHLPC3URAjXbbsy_pypGayvCif1UFwzB1n87W2rRVT7GwDX5zswtPGFBow8qlw69ECiZTBpLpRQBpA6m-8I1u2B_ENSlgq6no3CipcmIrp/s200/0111181046.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 green on January 11</td></tr>
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Happy New Year to everyone reading the blog! 2018 has started out quite cold with exception to yesterday's quick thaw. Although reality has sat back in today with a quick hitting ice and snow event, yesterday gave me a chance to evaluate the golf course and grounds. Except for an active mole near the practice facility, I am happy to report no issues on the course. The Poa on the greens looks great, and there is still quite a bit of protective sand around the crown of the plant. Bowser has even enjoyed our course inspections the last few days. <br />
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Winter work on our department consists of four main areas: Snow removal, equipment maintenance, course marker maintenance, and tree work. Since you probably are aware how much it has snowed at Elcona so far this year, let me update you on what the staff and I have been up to these last few weeks in regards to the latter three areas:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8q7uIlH0rQMsJuN9_EAG-rTlkMk9OcW1hpKq86URDl-OHxl5JsA4wqLWE928vRsHv2p1_cLlk34Hsbu3qOpYovY5ZErNL8aSwAE5NdaoAVRFBSaP6v8cLsm6YbYDvEuy4o262ll6_hpS/s1600/0112180921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8q7uIlH0rQMsJuN9_EAG-rTlkMk9OcW1hpKq86URDl-OHxl5JsA4wqLWE928vRsHv2p1_cLlk34Hsbu3qOpYovY5ZErNL8aSwAE5NdaoAVRFBSaP6v8cLsm6YbYDvEuy4o262ll6_hpS/s200/0112180921.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4qF6SLlWN_YBp_Dls2WCntk7PjqEgL3xRgCq5WpyJCDGMYn842HoJnGKG6CdHdv5eHWPM5C6h9yKKMYutZ0plCRdMnLqCT_XkSgqvY5nGFOsaCKdKKETqEi2MXcWgWKpTuaHz2oEBeRe/s1600/0112180921a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1600" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4qF6SLlWN_YBp_Dls2WCntk7PjqEgL3xRgCq5WpyJCDGMYn842HoJnGKG6CdHdv5eHWPM5C6h9yKKMYutZ0plCRdMnLqCT_XkSgqvY5nGFOsaCKdKKETqEi2MXcWgWKpTuaHz2oEBeRe/s200/0112180921a.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Much of our equipment maintenance happens in the months of January and February. All of our mower reels and rotary blades are sharpened for the upcoming season, and routine maintenance like oil and fluid flushes are performed as well. The second picture shows our Equipment Manager, Steve Ott, using a torch to heat and remove a failing bearing and cup from one of the rollers on a fairway unit. <br />
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On an important side note, the 2018 season marks the beginning of Steve's 39th year of service at Elcona. His dedication, knowledge, and ingenuity to the club and our department is utterly invaluable and I am quite thankful to work along side him each day here and call him a teammate. In the spring, if you see him out and about on the golf course, please stop and thank him. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNsKmScMoNnxpA_oYbeTZh78ZiMBNmwLzXusI5XOTqEmFuzNau4UC9EZ9RoXvpIkxlD2ymCFaRSzNlFhJzcDLO4GukGk4_p359HvgQgU0TDz8865zBFiQY8_Csg4K0UHyO9UMUHsDqJIt/s1600/0112180919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNsKmScMoNnxpA_oYbeTZh78ZiMBNmwLzXusI5XOTqEmFuzNau4UC9EZ9RoXvpIkxlD2ymCFaRSzNlFhJzcDLO4GukGk4_p359HvgQgU0TDz8865zBFiQY8_Csg4K0UHyO9UMUHsDqJIt/s200/0112180919.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfklYvJ2BlOimGFv1wSX7-F3uruKNKQCKDWCSvK1s6jWSRP_pNHPWQIO3zb_ia9RvTp7vS26o0RSFbxZGWArNsapFUcYeF57vasR5v12FjSAPl5emgOxH1lFVtztun1BXHF1NRwzYSjK0R/s1600/0112180920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfklYvJ2BlOimGFv1wSX7-F3uruKNKQCKDWCSvK1s6jWSRP_pNHPWQIO3zb_ia9RvTp7vS26o0RSFbxZGWArNsapFUcYeF57vasR5v12FjSAPl5emgOxH1lFVtztun1BXHF1NRwzYSjK0R/s200/0112180920.jpg" width="200" /></a>The staff also does a wonderful job refurbishing all of the various markers and supplies you may utilize out in your round of golf. The brass fairway markers are taped, and 2 coats of black paint are applied, followed by tape removal and 2 coats of clear coat to give it a glossy shine. The tee markers in the background are sanded down, re-stained, and given a coat of spar urethane to prevent the elements from damaging them. All other course supplies, like ball washers and litter baskets are touched up as well to provide a great look for the upcoming season. <br />
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Finally, our tree work is coming along quite nicely. The list is much smaller this year compared to previous years, with an continued emphasis on turf health and aesthetic improvement. Our staff is also concentrating on trimming several oak trees on select holes after tree removals have been completed. <br />
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15 Colorado blue spruces were removed from the south side of the club drive last week. These very large trees were removed due infection from Phomposis blight, a canker disease that has become more prevalent in the Midwest in the last few years. The aesthetics of these trees had created a poorer aesthetic for members and guests entering the club. In the spring, irrigation will be installed and the bare areas will be repaired with sod. Michigan State has a great extension article on reasons on Spruce tree decline, which you can <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">read more about here</span></a>. <br />
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This removal also is another demonstration of the planning that goes into the tree program. Many years ago, a plan was developed to replace these trees with a group of Norway Spruce to better screen US 20. As the Norway spruce behind them matured and further screened US 20, the Blue Spruces could be removed and not hinder the club with a view of US 20. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0niEwHAiW3_s95W1MppfpfQrx-H4V5egIE7mM52rHzzZ6Wgeda2aYSaU7UHrN2UNYFV3rL__-TQvTMKLAdHBcAxKAO3eekw0QyXL6PM2W3oj8rQM3VXkqoy1yqTcyPFuHqXyEum_652Rq/s1600/0103181606a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0niEwHAiW3_s95W1MppfpfQrx-H4V5egIE7mM52rHzzZ6Wgeda2aYSaU7UHrN2UNYFV3rL__-TQvTMKLAdHBcAxKAO3eekw0QyXL6PM2W3oj8rQM3VXkqoy1yqTcyPFuHqXyEum_652Rq/s200/0103181606a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Spruces along the club drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVFcDNpGKVCnE-Jm-osy-3gbE27cj-NsAMcbCXoONLdhiDVyv9JWwAni5a6CMBAlo6b2CtkVkSW5RlYWB2kL4tgUMIrjbk9E238Kmq5uhiyT-YtU2SHAUO51kOKSmKATNmSFcxNSfoHJ-/s1600/0103181618a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVFcDNpGKVCnE-Jm-osy-3gbE27cj-NsAMcbCXoONLdhiDVyv9JWwAni5a6CMBAlo6b2CtkVkSW5RlYWB2kL4tgUMIrjbk9E238Kmq5uhiyT-YtU2SHAUO51kOKSmKATNmSFcxNSfoHJ-/s200/0103181618a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree service hauling them to flat ground for clean up. Note the thinning lower branches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRdDbzdmqzq-CDNfDI_t_bnDJqcgeYTM28PDBWapqvbpgVbOSHysXwdUSjLC4LNx7BvHe7klAyJY7GPXKNnwJiSd2JVH2vwI-OUZcRAcXyfTigi9XgO1oBsv71QgIM1JFwFpoKoWfO2Qd/s1600/0109181100_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRdDbzdmqzq-CDNfDI_t_bnDJqcgeYTM28PDBWapqvbpgVbOSHysXwdUSjLC4LNx7BvHe7klAyJY7GPXKNnwJiSd2JVH2vwI-OUZcRAcXyfTigi9XgO1oBsv71QgIM1JFwFpoKoWfO2Qd/s200/0109181100_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our staff dragging a spruce to flat ground for safer clean up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlYgkRR7d122O5vWup9G6hWScGCT_-o_TJWnWI-Lm0XLTxO47rskpD1mfLDRV7N5pa6vdBIjAT2aPqRJTucLQxS_fUenaAKujJVjlsPISwpa1vD9lmpOO3EJ4HR9yA2OJk0tViyK9PYXB/s1600/0108181449a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlYgkRR7d122O5vWup9G6hWScGCT_-o_TJWnWI-Lm0XLTxO47rskpD1mfLDRV7N5pa6vdBIjAT2aPqRJTucLQxS_fUenaAKujJVjlsPISwpa1vD9lmpOO3EJ4HR9yA2OJk0tViyK9PYXB/s200/0108181449a_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final look!</td></tr>
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On Hole 15, the red maple closest to the cart path and Zimm's Creek was removed. The turf in this area the last few years has become thinner and less playable for approach shots that land here. The resulting removal will allow for drier, more playable shot attempts from that area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DqTvwg0VdJfXGkeZSUrfzzLm4O8N6_j-FSu6xFLKUOZ5bHNsjC-8-3AxNgxDb2CcYAghibx0a5-In_uZ_zs8BktUQYq5KRKhet00rTNxVh1e5khU0odTOmXK9eo4Q8jag101hD0tTz-4/s1600/IMG_20180112_102615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DqTvwg0VdJfXGkeZSUrfzzLm4O8N6_j-FSu6xFLKUOZ5bHNsjC-8-3AxNgxDb2CcYAghibx0a5-In_uZ_zs8BktUQYq5KRKhet00rTNxVh1e5khU0odTOmXK9eo4Q8jag101hD0tTz-4/s200/IMG_20180112_102615.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 landing area before</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDQ1VFrbx-PFaaVDmr_MRmAAKaC-8vd62pfUGFeNvLZs4ZDmZkkUMvx1GxJbMFybd28pQ-XJj77F-bYt0JcU9JDtRKcZs9AT9V9c3uVLjG61glWXS8w4i-yclTFyA9lgXsmAvLLqmk9-3/s1600/IMG_20180112_102618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDQ1VFrbx-PFaaVDmr_MRmAAKaC-8vd62pfUGFeNvLZs4ZDmZkkUMvx1GxJbMFybd28pQ-XJj77F-bYt0JcU9JDtRKcZs9AT9V9c3uVLjG61glWXS8w4i-yclTFyA9lgXsmAvLLqmk9-3/s200/IMG_20180112_102618.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 landing area after</td></tr>
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If you have any questions, please email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Please stay warm this month and I will have further updates on our activities on what is shaping to be another busy year for our department. Have a great weekend! <br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-38225857603945615812017-11-21T09:47:00.000-05:002017-11-21T09:47:58.513-05:00Course Notes, 11/21/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeolj41bf-DPtnOJsKxYFMEyz-eYXNQxZ3vPlfsqUjg_CMHleA_41-561M9tYzDFfIGam3rgbUKpe5ysKHChleuaZ26wQuQdwrODwVDo4lwGf24w-phs7PUM51X9b-TgyWXHanZmdKFZ6/s1600/1114170759_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeolj41bf-DPtnOJsKxYFMEyz-eYXNQxZ3vPlfsqUjg_CMHleA_41-561M9tYzDFfIGam3rgbUKpe5ysKHChleuaZ26wQuQdwrODwVDo4lwGf24w-phs7PUM51X9b-TgyWXHanZmdKFZ6/s320/1114170759_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our 2017 course winterization is now in full stride. The pesky leaves are finally falling at a faster clip and each day brings us one day closer to having that time consuming process finished for the year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetnYzJPyHQ3u0wUM_XUmpceti3UohIVOsCcd_q5K28Pq3_-keiSX9RfBNe4AySPenIl78hAwB-iPy3_eKqGNVe-ncyTN6xtshQSpzsaHEFIrYt1OwXF8ih1v8-qiMqokbrRwffiLhrwZ_/s1600/1114170807_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetnYzJPyHQ3u0wUM_XUmpceti3UohIVOsCcd_q5K28Pq3_-keiSX9RfBNe4AySPenIl78hAwB-iPy3_eKqGNVe-ncyTN6xtshQSpzsaHEFIrYt1OwXF8ih1v8-qiMqokbrRwffiLhrwZ_/s200/1114170807_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_TxI4seMsNonpoBiWO40JhYHhZPc2bEUjePaeBF_fiNLarEK0DwriJYbK8_lEL91RuZES566RNjuqzOVp0p4S4HGcD3VE6K3FZws6NkIgteAahV26zj4K3eOQ8Iptxs26Z2UNLz2X4Hy/s1600/1114171121_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_TxI4seMsNonpoBiWO40JhYHhZPc2bEUjePaeBF_fiNLarEK0DwriJYbK8_lEL91RuZES566RNjuqzOVp0p4S4HGcD3VE6K3FZws6NkIgteAahV26zj4K3eOQ8Iptxs26Z2UNLz2X4Hy/s200/1114171121_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The irrigation system was successfully blown out and put to bed last week. This process utilizes an industrial sized air compressor that fill the pipes with a high volume air flow at a lower pressure to flush out as much water from all piping and rotors as possible. This process takes us about 2.5 days to complete and is one that I am happy to finish with no major issues!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodsKt6ElT_hqwX2uh4riEuXBKAP56Yz3Cs7qwrYzcuvwTt2TjzDNkMA6rFZv-1ul79wb03fGPTXwxnZaMZswuP8PeDc20p83TYmOXN64KvZW5wPtlkjYviuRcKWTJrt3DwVIDZoMKZJCE/s1600/1120171207_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodsKt6ElT_hqwX2uh4riEuXBKAP56Yz3Cs7qwrYzcuvwTt2TjzDNkMA6rFZv-1ul79wb03fGPTXwxnZaMZswuP8PeDc20p83TYmOXN64KvZW5wPtlkjYviuRcKWTJrt3DwVIDZoMKZJCE/s320/1120171207_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Plant protectants have been applied to greens, tees, and the practice facility to help guard against snow mold infection. Fairways and green surrounds will receive their application later this week or early next week, depending on the weather conditions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJl-kEiuuJp4blp4FeI4jsFsWSnMr8d4RAyAfV0lKS5CguqA7UxGns10ewHM8QrdgdHkxeUQ-WhDrILlo4fykkaKHnnLV8Yp954ic8uDzP8UJlIHsl7LLX78UTX7N13wFZsin6_FAn7dcP/s1600/Winter+topdressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJl-kEiuuJp4blp4FeI4jsFsWSnMr8d4RAyAfV0lKS5CguqA7UxGns10ewHM8QrdgdHkxeUQ-WhDrILlo4fykkaKHnnLV8Yp954ic8uDzP8UJlIHsl7LLX78UTX7N13wFZsin6_FAn7dcP/s320/Winter+topdressing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWK81X1hRuQs9kADJTyj2Hm6GkJYBvNByzXN6u_vmR4Dek_mMxKDktK4iU__p1aBGUmtPr52cCQhAjTYm94JNr_nnRDRaii95R9jrkJcSayD5DVunIy3Flo9QOQqDzJuXhX9pTBKl4qoq/s1600/CAM00472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWK81X1hRuQs9kADJTyj2Hm6GkJYBvNByzXN6u_vmR4Dek_mMxKDktK4iU__p1aBGUmtPr52cCQhAjTYm94JNr_nnRDRaii95R9jrkJcSayD5DVunIy3Flo9QOQqDzJuXhX9pTBKl4qoq/s200/CAM00472.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Finally, this coming Monday we will be applying our final topdressing to the putting surfaces. This last application is a much heavier application than normal, and is not normally broomed in. This is to maximize the protection and insulation the sand provides the Poa annua that is predominant on the greens at Elcona. The above picture of 1 green shows what last year's application looked like after a rain event washed the sand further into the canopy. The close up view with a microscope shows how the sand tightly protects the crowns of the plant from winter desiccation and cold temperatures. <br />
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In our industry, we liken this final heavy application to putting a blanket on the greens and "tucking them in for the winter". Bob Vavrek of the USGA has written a great article further explaining this application that <a href="http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/regional-updates/central-region/2017/dont-put-your-greens-to-bed-without-a-blanket.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">you can access here</span></a>. <br />
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I hope that everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving, as we all have so much to be thankful for. Be safe in your holiday travels, and I hope to see you out at Elcona soon! <br />
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Ryan<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-20340008871972371392017-10-29T07:49:00.002-04:002017-10-29T07:49:31.242-04:00Course Notes, 10/29/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6PXMHBFIo6TDTC1EdhDknQneaE5fV5dpIT_s-ruZjCbJFFVWHMF1aEDO-2YQVGR4CRvhni-hP9ZvzjmhVXyN6uVJcOkj27dMkUItPippZl7rqqopa-ByfM024ayz0ACp70Kdb4bmHn1a/s1600/1026170843_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6PXMHBFIo6TDTC1EdhDknQneaE5fV5dpIT_s-ruZjCbJFFVWHMF1aEDO-2YQVGR4CRvhni-hP9ZvzjmhVXyN6uVJcOkj27dMkUItPippZl7rqqopa-ByfM024ayz0ACp70Kdb4bmHn1a/s320/1026170843_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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October is almost over, and the leaves are starting to display their usual spectacular colors thanks in part to a warm, wet month. The warmth also allowed us to have a successful aerification season and heal in all signs of it quite quickly. There are still some great days in the forecast for you to enjoy your golf course, and we hope to see you out as we begin to tackle mulching all those beautiful leaves when they fall off of the trees.<br />
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As the lead picture of 18 green showed, we had our first frost last Thursday morning, or about 3 weeks later than normal. The arrival of frosty mornings serves as a good reminder why we delay tee times when there is frost.<br />
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Frost is essentially frozen dew. It can form when the temperature approaches near freezing. The ice crystals that form on the outside of the plant can also harden or freeze the cellular structure of the plant. When frost is present, the normally resilient plant cells become brittle and can be easily crushed internally or pierced like a knife from the outside ice crystals. When these cell membranes are damaged, the plant loses its ability to function normally. Think of this like cracking an egg: once the shell is broken, it cannot be put back together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHde37z64Egn6S9ybLCdVCaHH7s5sbZSVF_9xFjGBnQsaclk47asYgX5GKWg7jNOW0ghVuchyphenhyphenfWHQa8qugIb5DQcg8IhJ2VlXpwFHbi1tHw7M8hBF6QBNp5SEhiAYpzmEJeJQCARilnZyh/s200/1426196160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Average footprinting of a foursome on a green</td></tr>
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Although damage will not be immediate, the proof will emerge within 48-72 hours as leaves turn brown and die. As the picture left shows the typical foot traffic of a normal foursome on a green, damage could be extensive if played or mowed during frosty conditions. Recovery from frost damage can take several weeks depending on weather. For more information on frost delays, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkoWWrHzuAg" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here is a link</span></a> to a great USGA video explaining them. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4_Ig_a8AmYNskVvmNH5crsb2ge0wUBoWYwcQP3Ij7yDtHRtENl94RnguCD5PeDy6ngJOFBUNeDOqRRBg1ntN0cqUDMx4OzWsf2eaILwjiwr8_IH16jr0OkXkBcp0H2Y4IqdBy7XbYkoK/s1600/1026171502a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4_Ig_a8AmYNskVvmNH5crsb2ge0wUBoWYwcQP3Ij7yDtHRtENl94RnguCD5PeDy6ngJOFBUNeDOqRRBg1ntN0cqUDMx4OzWsf2eaILwjiwr8_IH16jr0OkXkBcp0H2Y4IqdBy7XbYkoK/s200/1026171502a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drainage install on 17</td></tr>
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The staff also installed a catch basin and drain tile along 17 fairway last week. Through the year, this area opposite the fairway bunker had developed poor drainage conditions. This catch basin will capture much of the water that collects and divert it into the rough. We will also have our contractor deep tine this area to improve the water percolation of the soil November 6th.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK4l8WUKWGAAjl8Srg7zDQicMUGhO_VZRhw8CBts_oZszvvK1W4PUuFlBQAu20tknywf2pq1dTWcrSgHJzGKod_Eg3ClzNLNb9m744U2zpUQmb2SS5Eps1VTVwS3-UN-beXB7jZb6t5R-/s1600/clearing+2+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK4l8WUKWGAAjl8Srg7zDQicMUGhO_VZRhw8CBts_oZszvvK1W4PUuFlBQAu20tknywf2pq1dTWcrSgHJzGKod_Eg3ClzNLNb9m744U2zpUQmb2SS5Eps1VTVwS3-UN-beXB7jZb6t5R-/s200/clearing+2+green.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Severe example of what winter can bring!</td></tr>
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We also have begun the winterization of the golf course and turf. On November 6th, we will begin to winterize the irrigation system, a process that takes about 3 days. We also will begin applications that will maximize turf health and protection from the severe winters that can visit our area. For the greens, that entails the following:<br />
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<b>Raising mower heights.</b> Throughout the next 3 weeks, I will raise the height of cut on greens from the normal height of .120" to .135" slowly. Raising height of cut allows more leaf surface for the turf to maximize their photosynthetic capabilities and carbohydrate storage. Raising height will also lessen stress to the plant and create a deeper root system going into winter. While raising heights may not create the speeds that summer brings, it is best for the long term health of the greens going into winter.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeQB6LeAqCvupduEcDWdEawexylneTFvdC2wKOONtCPXvg7Xd4aDnXa8Px_8Rh88cjgxYZw5WpH8PdYTZn6D30n_M9ElWk_nMAvU8XsU-a1qGTBLBIywvD05Jue56M8JnkHRHcDDU_zc_/s1600/PhotoGrid_1446468255967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeQB6LeAqCvupduEcDWdEawexylneTFvdC2wKOONtCPXvg7Xd4aDnXa8Px_8Rh88cjgxYZw5WpH8PdYTZn6D30n_M9ElWk_nMAvU8XsU-a1qGTBLBIywvD05Jue56M8JnkHRHcDDU_zc_/s200/PhotoGrid_1446468255967.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep tine aerification</td></tr>
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<b>Aerification</b>. On November 6th, we have a contractor coming in to perform solid tine aerification to a depth of 10" on all greens. These extra holes create three advantages: additional channels for spring root growth, aid in relieving any deeper compaction within the rootzone soil profile, and extra drainage capabilities for ice/snow melt to prevent ice formation on the plant surfaces. The greens are rolled immediately after being aerified, and these holes do remain open throughout the winter for the above mentioned reasons. <br />
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<b>Fertility and Plant Protectants</b>. While we limit nutrients on finely maintained turf during the season to provide great playing conditions, the fall is the best time to feed the turf to maximize carbohydrate storage going into winter. The more carbs the plant stores, the quicker it will break dormancy when temperatures warm up in the spring. Winter can also bring the threat of snow mold to all varieties of turf on the golf course, and our sprayers will be out applying plant protectants to help prevent infection from those fungal diseases.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3thJORfUSqjsawn_Ymxy60CgVZp-2ql3hrRkAq9fA3G3lbQXVO3Rs9E3r74Bx9qDAOnrB_Yj01Y-U-hvnqd6muiRl_X9bJG418UFv8IKdeAhS5T9c2MeBPC96CpkGj-fuzAl_zosE4eEI/s1600/Winter+topdressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3thJORfUSqjsawn_Ymxy60CgVZp-2ql3hrRkAq9fA3G3lbQXVO3Rs9E3r74Bx9qDAOnrB_Yj01Y-U-hvnqd6muiRl_X9bJG418UFv8IKdeAhS5T9c2MeBPC96CpkGj-fuzAl_zosE4eEI/s200/Winter+topdressing.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 green after heavy topdressing</td></tr>
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<b>Topdressing</b>. When growth has ceased for the year, we will apply a thick coating of sand topdressing to bury the crowns and as much leaf tissue as possible. This sand helps protect and insulate the crown of the plant from any extreme cold temperatures. This practice is very effective in protecting the turf from any potential ice damage and helps maintain a smooth surface when the course opens next year. <br />
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If you have any questions, please email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Have a great week and I hope to see you out on the golf course! <br />
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Ryan<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-33581601640925967102017-10-06T08:16:00.001-04:002017-10-06T08:16:41.271-04:00Greens Aerification update, 10/6/17We successfully aerified the front 9 greens yesterday with what turned out to be a gorgeous day weather wise. Below are some pictures of the process we are using this year. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIKU02JK9kcoDtClu6PhZqtFs8TRLdhNdDfw9Mfn2eCNUQ6vFTAi2Ud9Mqn7yjbzXvLrZDKd5w44c6Ueil8Q-AQT9n0d1Pq7a64n9uST5N8UFWPp3hC41YLkyuLFdOvGGSntcN_tf1cnZ/s1600/1003171349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIKU02JK9kcoDtClu6PhZqtFs8TRLdhNdDfw9Mfn2eCNUQ6vFTAi2Ud9Mqn7yjbzXvLrZDKd5w44c6Ueil8Q-AQT9n0d1Pq7a64n9uST5N8UFWPp3hC41YLkyuLFdOvGGSntcN_tf1cnZ/s320/1003171349a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plugs are chopped up with our verticutting machine, and the resulting soil is brushed back into the holes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3max-b6eU7S-Qqynk3rsfHyr_MV3nmf2x1t-BM__R3bYZWte4pm46qUp54TC7KLczOBViL4soGzdJa9ko9YrBRCXA0cBns5YZPX9d3fAXq7C4cSN-VUQjhBnW5pJhTVo06Nrzaf8vpxT4/s1600/1005171228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3max-b6eU7S-Qqynk3rsfHyr_MV3nmf2x1t-BM__R3bYZWte4pm46qUp54TC7KLczOBViL4soGzdJa9ko9YrBRCXA0cBns5YZPX9d3fAXq7C4cSN-VUQjhBnW5pJhTVo06Nrzaf8vpxT4/s320/1005171228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grass left over is blown and removed by staff</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF539DDYWfkEB2r4i1rKTqlihp4l-kUOpXjn60OJ6WF1A-6qNqCSOgJSbt_QL3juwi4DOETIYIUp6ZtW3P5M4FHAsSMZPXqCa16Kpf4U7J36GL6Hvwr0Kz1zW1rydtm0F7qgYbDYo3xgAL/s1600/1005171341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF539DDYWfkEB2r4i1rKTqlihp4l-kUOpXjn60OJ6WF1A-6qNqCSOgJSbt_QL3juwi4DOETIYIUp6ZtW3P5M4FHAsSMZPXqCa16Kpf4U7J36GL6Hvwr0Kz1zW1rydtm0F7qgYbDYo3xgAL/s320/1005171341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A heavy application of topdressing sand is applied and brushed into the holes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8glxzVeTXRV4ljMtylNdRqHj3Fiap21aCQCMcJXJfEMAsXSkYGP8mAEs9AJyAFv9jIdgwUXR1IHELQwKYo0OMiEZPnBYP0n0bY4WORkM3O0LXEXV45ukorxhluzJRfXtwwpBN3KiLOef/s1600/1005171416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8glxzVeTXRV4ljMtylNdRqHj3Fiap21aCQCMcJXJfEMAsXSkYGP8mAEs9AJyAFv9jIdgwUXR1IHELQwKYo0OMiEZPnBYP0n0bY4WORkM3O0LXEXV45ukorxhluzJRfXtwwpBN3KiLOef/s320/1005171416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blower aids the sand into the holes and is the final step in the clean up process before the greens are rolled</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6AKYZqAMprtgAV_AZ1PAx0CDHuS6aI2q4ZIRzGqkUDVE2HaE6nMnqn7pD0JZvqd15rVPIM18smb4Gi_f-eyGH7DdZBNxEEKZQYkR25wciPhHdHU6F9DV0nTg7d6ua09JxJq7iSZyR4i5/s1600/1005171449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6AKYZqAMprtgAV_AZ1PAx0CDHuS6aI2q4ZIRzGqkUDVE2HaE6nMnqn7pD0JZvqd15rVPIM18smb4Gi_f-eyGH7DdZBNxEEKZQYkR25wciPhHdHU6F9DV0nTg7d6ua09JxJq7iSZyR4i5/s320/1005171449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resulting product on #8</td></tr>
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With the current muggy, cloudy conditions and the increasing chances of rain in the forecast for today, we will be postponing back 9 greens aerification. We will perform this necessary practice on Monday, October 9th, which is a closed day for the golf course. Fairway aerification will start the following day, with all 18 holes open during that process. <br />
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Cores removed from aerification must be completely dry for us to remove them successfully without making a muddy mess. The topdressing and brushing process also needs complete dryness for a successful result. It is my opinion that we will not have an adequate drying window today.<br />
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For the weekend, the front 9 greens will be rolled daily. The back 9 greens will be mowed and rolled as they would be normally. Any additional sand that is necessary will be applied when weather allows. <br />
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Thanks for your understanding!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-43636879985639596042017-09-29T06:49:00.004-04:002017-09-29T06:49:39.537-04:00Course Notes, 9/29/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOL78fQ1Jjfdd1cYrtxl-zLFqHDW1AqTh9wwuR3gb6OOglkNZ6Lbe91lDEHi_d9P6tAShRZjNk1aZ2td-Zb6G0dK0RJMsaqKkKTJ7xOlmsNMZbbOW2u7cxxpoAQWE-R-CFgUtx8gcovLO/s1600/0807170707a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOL78fQ1Jjfdd1cYrtxl-zLFqHDW1AqTh9wwuR3gb6OOglkNZ6Lbe91lDEHi_d9P6tAShRZjNk1aZ2td-Zb6G0dK0RJMsaqKkKTJ7xOlmsNMZbbOW2u7cxxpoAQWE-R-CFgUtx8gcovLO/s320/0807170707a_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
September has been a topsy turvy month weather wise. Quite cool the first 2 weeks, and July-like temperatures the 2nd half of the month. The heat that has been in our area has produced some high growth rates in our greens, tees, and fairways. We have verticut all of these areas within the last 10 days to reduce the amount of leaf matter and applied additional growth regulator, which will return these surfaces to more normal playing conditions. Besides cutting lateral growing turf and removing thatch, the verticut helps stand the turf up for regular mowers to achieve a more consistent playing surface. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQTGWgnbiaOycqf899ocrmRseB0AlX-K_ORRVuHR0U8aIg0ttjYiAJjXslE_n-yd4XN8xZoWYmhkNtCd2raU-rttPXm2sv7w-D9lxhiD0TFgwGgtl7bdDAXiEioXrTGa1Vg-DGQ_Al2K6/s1600/0927170804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQTGWgnbiaOycqf899ocrmRseB0AlX-K_ORRVuHR0U8aIg0ttjYiAJjXslE_n-yd4XN8xZoWYmhkNtCd2raU-rttPXm2sv7w-D9lxhiD0TFgwGgtl7bdDAXiEioXrTGa1Vg-DGQ_Al2K6/s200/0927170804.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 fairway after a verticut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBppErqo-H2xefBVagqkIf-qHiXToNpG-LjiX2hklXGzV9QQdr_WN_7s_6SKYyEtvwnsXEtTW0lpRmxA_O1aF4Sth7S7fBdRo7luX_q2K4g3sLZQwzrxgYIY3xD9xLvZ84es88_4vrpbs/s1600/0927171121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBppErqo-H2xefBVagqkIf-qHiXToNpG-LjiX2hklXGzV9QQdr_WN_7s_6SKYyEtvwnsXEtTW0lpRmxA_O1aF4Sth7S7fBdRo7luX_q2K4g3sLZQwzrxgYIY3xD9xLvZ84es88_4vrpbs/s200/0927171121.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 fairway after verticut and regular mowing</td></tr>
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One constant throughout the month has been the lack of rainfall. Only on September 19th did we have a rain event producing greater than .10” of rainfall. Needless to say, it is dry out there, which you can see by what the grass looks in some non-irrigated areas. Here’s to October bringing our area a good soaking rain!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V-oxoudXRPwWo4evks74JW9sLJAMH01hVd72xaSsAq7XHkZAYehMcv2JawY1pNnwgsXaSVAU8fkGvWm4oska5q7XBw7MD6w93QEeT5LQlGHVIZM8lkq267MApQwIbaAdxSuc78etv8Gn/s1600/0905171420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V-oxoudXRPwWo4evks74JW9sLJAMH01hVd72xaSsAq7XHkZAYehMcv2JawY1pNnwgsXaSVAU8fkGvWm4oska5q7XBw7MD6w93QEeT5LQlGHVIZM8lkq267MApQwIbaAdxSuc78etv8Gn/s200/0905171420.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Of course, that good soaking rain needs to avoid our aerification dates! Tees were aerified on September 6th, and as you can see to the left, we removed a lot of thatch from them! With the warm temperatures we had, the holes have already healed in for the most part. Greens will be aerified on October 5th (Front 9 and the Large practice green) and 6th (Back 9 and Small practice green) using a 3/8” tine. The cores that we bring up with these tines will be <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg1Ek8q_Vz2AvAt570_W5t5dQp6qP7fYtryViJi4JDqehGYMWLyXuHw-wWBzilXz-NjMQ64dxOEARNeVIsJ2jFYGOCEnKdz5VU8W_Qna5J9uafyNF91RbqqQQT9SrDhMQDhlJBNeVRK4_/s1600/0905171447_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg1Ek8q_Vz2AvAt570_W5t5dQp6qP7fYtryViJi4JDqehGYMWLyXuHw-wWBzilXz-NjMQ64dxOEARNeVIsJ2jFYGOCEnKdz5VU8W_Qna5J9uafyNF91RbqqQQT9SrDhMQDhlJBNeVRK4_/s200/0905171447_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
verticut and the soil will be re-introduced into the profile. The greens will then be topped off with new sand to finish filling the holes. Fairways will be aerified the week of October 9th, using a solid ½” tine. There will be no plugs being brought up, which is how we aerify them in the spring. While a short term inconvenience to ball roll and playability, aerification is the foundation of proper soil and turf health and a critical component of any agronomic program. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy and quite necessary time in our maintenance schedule!<br />
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Some other notes….<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSDI4apchrWBZFOnb9FEcIIVXkiOy_STk2ZkUzNKZwgewYp6hqXgZPn53K3-ONsV9ofP7W9JlS6GjdpnMjn29_Nun8OWpHtp53sog7aGBgnFES65RnTYIGGFx_qtLXJOxRXE_WPeWH9Ml/s1600/0902170828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSDI4apchrWBZFOnb9FEcIIVXkiOy_STk2ZkUzNKZwgewYp6hqXgZPn53K3-ONsV9ofP7W9JlS6GjdpnMjn29_Nun8OWpHtp53sog7aGBgnFES65RnTYIGGFx_qtLXJOxRXE_WPeWH9Ml/s200/0902170828.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 fairway bunker on a Saturday morning</td></tr>
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The picture on the right is unfortunately becoming more evident each morning when we are raking bunkers. This was noticed on a Saturday morning, footprints right next to a bunker rake. Out of respect for your fellow members, please rake the bunkers after you hit out of them. Thank you for your cooperation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdqcePg3gXSbj_UrrI1IfCLxSJh3LIIXRtOh-slKkxyOGKO8A6psXe7CyeCBfKybkJdyvQ_COb2P5jj2O5RFMJshto3awnnXJX7JvSjD4IkXMYD_Xp2zex3-YZKJI52NAX9qDydwPIy85/s1600/0816170825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdqcePg3gXSbj_UrrI1IfCLxSJh3LIIXRtOh-slKkxyOGKO8A6psXe7CyeCBfKybkJdyvQ_COb2P5jj2O5RFMJshto3awnnXJX7JvSjD4IkXMYD_Xp2zex3-YZKJI52NAX9qDydwPIy85/s200/0816170825.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jorge raking 11 greenside bunker</td></tr>
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Our staff has been expanding the Aussie ring around the bunkers in a further attempt to increase playability. For the most part we have received positive feedback with this short term change in maintenance, and will be utilizing the plate compactor method I wrote about <a href="http://elconaccgrounds.blogspot.com/2017/08/course-notes-8417.html?m=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> in all greenside bunkers next spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMKdZK7xoJi9as2VW4ZW0RnLVlAmafy6SdjDKHs_CpsqRhKYyLJyUrbJW6c23FXYXiK6xofeMeDxMYreWJcwHWbKwFhgjVsIy1sLf6UCI1lGj_NOEDjIQ9E9QLD1cmqTUivms7ucg4z70/s1600/0926171140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMKdZK7xoJi9as2VW4ZW0RnLVlAmafy6SdjDKHs_CpsqRhKYyLJyUrbJW6c23FXYXiK6xofeMeDxMYreWJcwHWbKwFhgjVsIy1sLf6UCI1lGj_NOEDjIQ9E9QLD1cmqTUivms7ucg4z70/s200/0926171140.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Skunk digging has been evident is some green surrounds, like this area to the left of 3 green. The skunks are looking for a tasty meal of grubs. These areas are repaired, seeded, and a curative insecticide is applied to take care of any white grubs that are present. These areas are considered ground under repair, and the digging usually subsides later this month. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHikuBbwhuDUovbwRfHPff77z06x6RlYHkZaWlq59oZbi4ubLq_alfZyBFbsrXZVljWBxglb-dLdQ5ajv6Flw5vIvu2IdzRzrooJOrLZrJCM5Gd0FkaHnQpmkw4PTEJW_2P2oZzo8Itlsz/s1600/0910171753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHikuBbwhuDUovbwRfHPff77z06x6RlYHkZaWlq59oZbi4ubLq_alfZyBFbsrXZVljWBxglb-dLdQ5ajv6Flw5vIvu2IdzRzrooJOrLZrJCM5Gd0FkaHnQpmkw4PTEJW_2P2oZzo8Itlsz/s200/0910171753.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In an attempt to better warn anyone on the course of potential weather, we have moved the weather siren from the halfway house to behind 12 black tee. This siren was having issues receiving its signal from the clubhouse. It is also solar powered, which was a fun afternoon electrical engineering project (a great use of my Purdue education!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dVaeZpSygb1L0Lr1I6DRRRLgIV0SBEVaINQ5mLcIDxAPHe2k7Dd9QqW7iPKaZ8N_72VVaEXQKil_WBI44QR77Frtljzm5WThNZXQFnagHSN4a712gNd81jPkJ5Gsl73d2H2s-HFzYhzs/s1600/0910171529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dVaeZpSygb1L0Lr1I6DRRRLgIV0SBEVaINQ5mLcIDxAPHe2k7Dd9QqW7iPKaZ8N_72VVaEXQKil_WBI44QR77Frtljzm5WThNZXQFnagHSN4a712gNd81jPkJ5Gsl73d2H2s-HFzYhzs/s200/0910171529a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The milkweed we left in the native areas was well utilized by the visiting Monarch butterflies last month. Milkweed is the sole host plant for the monarch caterpillar and is critical for completing their life cycle. Creating additional habitats such as this one right of 16 fairway is a simple way we can help these pollinating insects thrive and contribute to the benefit of our local ecosystem. <br />
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Thank you, and I’ll see you out on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-7666811315351416802017-08-04T16:01:00.002-04:002017-08-04T16:01:50.920-04:00Course Notes, 8/4/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIcTD3o0iWg5tj6-8J1gA5wl64gGzMzBRrkzIY9zpmYIghSzo4nzWnQBLb7wRL6A_8BFBfYykLT9XG-4ZFYbRI9fr0rN0KuzUykaetHzl7LYIzYTUzpdHRMB6Ma1ay1l412dnIEilxIk-/s1600/0804170846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIcTD3o0iWg5tj6-8J1gA5wl64gGzMzBRrkzIY9zpmYIghSzo4nzWnQBLb7wRL6A_8BFBfYykLT9XG-4ZFYbRI9fr0rN0KuzUykaetHzl7LYIzYTUzpdHRMB6Ma1ay1l412dnIEilxIk-/s320/0804170846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The weather this summer (so far) has been quite different that the last 2 summers. Instead of a solid 5-7 day stretch of hot, humid weather, we have held relatively around normal each day. Rainfall has been very timely, and with exception to last night's 2" rain received in 45 minutes, the amounts have been manageable and not overbearing. While the turf at Elcona is healthy and in great condition, I wanted to take a minute and update you on other happenings around the property. <br />
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The staff has been busy with our annual sand replacement on 3 greenside bunkers. This year, the back right 2 bunkers on #3 and the far left bunker along 7 green are the targeted bunkers. There is much more to this refurbishment than just adding sand. First, all the older sand is removed. Since this sand is still usable, we select areas in fairway bunkers to add this too. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTzpAbiAzpD43t5g1oTDQUEPb4ZXGVGLL_K2TfczRPnG-CWOFpDQnQkGXWYL772jLYupDe-nCwrttsQbcpv5Q6V5QdbwAgT9rF6Um8973MpEQbBAUOQt4vH7R2CVb0BF5vlX6HD6qjbDY/s1600/0726171301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTzpAbiAzpD43t5g1oTDQUEPb4ZXGVGLL_K2TfczRPnG-CWOFpDQnQkGXWYL772jLYupDe-nCwrttsQbcpv5Q6V5QdbwAgT9rF6Um8973MpEQbBAUOQt4vH7R2CVb0BF5vlX6HD6qjbDY/s200/0726171301.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6m-IQvaODEswgaIx1IUDYfb2lD5_LeEaagQsNpNTWeu6XhK70KWhsKeMe6Oy8dimxEkQHJWyCp1Kldyb9f1rPxSN2D7nKq_F4ZROV6zKFtDOK2z35IjBleqRtIblwUllg8h-FsaPKzB7/s1600/0726171254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6m-IQvaODEswgaIx1IUDYfb2lD5_LeEaagQsNpNTWeu6XhK70KWhsKeMe6Oy8dimxEkQHJWyCp1Kldyb9f1rPxSN2D7nKq_F4ZROV6zKFtDOK2z35IjBleqRtIblwUllg8h-FsaPKzB7/s200/0726171254.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose spreading used sand in 4 fairway bunker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTifP8-a89xLOr5aM-N9wEiGlMlc7wkNJ7YG5D3z0cGPEE4DE_dOHgh53-sZFmXFtKkvz9T_GRzNkhR1ES-LnCGjqevuC6Kpmip73XyMKw-taNOR6HLlDkvW-f2FEgHZpDCAK_jzTTxpw/s1600/0802171257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTifP8-a89xLOr5aM-N9wEiGlMlc7wkNJ7YG5D3z0cGPEE4DE_dOHgh53-sZFmXFtKkvz9T_GRzNkhR1ES-LnCGjqevuC6Kpmip73XyMKw-taNOR6HLlDkvW-f2FEgHZpDCAK_jzTTxpw/s200/0802171257.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compacting new sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6oCySmIauRV9JO0w73eZjsP354Lk8dq043vsJf5ofjYjbWV9lZtKOebYMmlw4e3ufJJwxPM6_h-K-ubVCiHSGfBKqKPTq-XWXKGX_0FEFNfgHnWglSV2UK678tX7cy2fCnos35qp-S9l/s1600/0802171322_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6oCySmIauRV9JO0w73eZjsP354Lk8dq043vsJf5ofjYjbWV9lZtKOebYMmlw4e3ufJJwxPM6_h-K-ubVCiHSGfBKqKPTq-XWXKGX_0FEFNfgHnWglSV2UK678tX7cy2fCnos35qp-S9l/s200/0802171322_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After adding fresh sand to the greenside bunker, the sand is lightly watered down before a vibratory plate compactor is ran over the surface multiple times. This compactor helps lessen the fluffy effect new sand can have and make it as consistent as possible to the other bunkers. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6ZC-Zl2vdtS6n1gWemqVBOGIzY_CUgPTqf0im4u8qnIUbZ4fxQcnQpDt-Nvd4MEDWrV7Y5eZWZYFDeLcUVC_i4VB3f89qghMhTvoLIWpiygViv9mZ3Aqnc8DetJMLnI2W9-AAjpeakuV/s1600/0802171253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6ZC-Zl2vdtS6n1gWemqVBOGIzY_CUgPTqf0im4u8qnIUbZ4fxQcnQpDt-Nvd4MEDWrV7Y5eZWZYFDeLcUVC_i4VB3f89qghMhTvoLIWpiygViv9mZ3Aqnc8DetJMLnI2W9-AAjpeakuV/s200/0802171253.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumblebee enjoying flowering Joe Pye Weed </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cl1x3BxazO_8ToqZx_jUxNjzJavPzPAvxz0LPHafjQTunHxXB9BpdJWJSduzrX8E5RN9IKibpaA4bD94iA3tvJnFfEXq_dDnDzePnZsKpX8kVF-0PomUZC8W88KMgwoeKFdKCJdpHAr6/s1600/0803171100a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cl1x3BxazO_8ToqZx_jUxNjzJavPzPAvxz0LPHafjQTunHxXB9BpdJWJSduzrX8E5RN9IKibpaA4bD94iA3tvJnFfEXq_dDnDzePnZsKpX8kVF-0PomUZC8W88KMgwoeKFdKCJdpHAr6/s200/0803171100a_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeybee on Black Eyed Susan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We have also noticed many of our winged friends enjoying some of the beautiful wildflower areas as well. 15's pond bank has exploded in color, as well as the smaller pond on #3. The swamp milkweed in the Rain Garden has grown to over 10 feet in height and is flourishing, all the while helping filter out any possible impurities in our equipment wash water. Creating and maintaining these pollinator habitats continues to be a focus of the club's Audubon efforts. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN52uoifJnbhToR4Vt7O1PRc4wUgZvm1s6ThBXQOZ26NwnkuscxlMY-FuPu4pA-1lGXNaIHj8buN8z2gLsnieTPGuCa0eCCQZJCXqoRn6uFaf_N6Gh4JWDE8xCtN-Le5LO7hEMqK6DZMc/s1600/Carpenter+ant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN52uoifJnbhToR4Vt7O1PRc4wUgZvm1s6ThBXQOZ26NwnkuscxlMY-FuPu4pA-1lGXNaIHj8buN8z2gLsnieTPGuCa0eCCQZJCXqoRn6uFaf_N6Gh4JWDE8xCtN-Le5LO7hEMqK6DZMc/s200/Carpenter+ant.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Carpenter Ant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few of you have asked me about another insect visitor that has made its mark lately at Elcona. During the day, some greens have small soil mounds appear on them. These are mainly due to the Eastern Carpenter Ant. These ants are worker female ants looking to form new colonies with their burrowing. They mainly feed on seeds and honeydew from aphids and mealybugs. Normally treatment is not required, since this ant provide beneficial natural control of other pests to turf, such as the cutworm. We try to set high thresholds when it comes to evaluating whether to treat or not, to limit the footprint we set on the environment. If the mounds start to significantly impact playability on the greens, we will treat. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiEZi75QTyXhrXEQcPo25hez4lfBMlvfx1MtEz8m_SLtcMKCGvKVYQ_Qa6lR7t00dWEORTfvZEI4w43kum-O8GJoOAWvklKSmqk8I3OxT4LznJ5Q7y-8Ht2-Ku6iSkeoXglNrkaQ4Cnc7/s1600/cicadakiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiEZi75QTyXhrXEQcPo25hez4lfBMlvfx1MtEz8m_SLtcMKCGvKVYQ_Qa6lR7t00dWEORTfvZEI4w43kum-O8GJoOAWvklKSmqk8I3OxT4LznJ5Q7y-8Ht2-Ku6iSkeoXglNrkaQ4Cnc7/s1600/cicadakiller.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Cicada Killer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHEkRppafIxyh4K_BsC_ltl2G3cs7vgMr2jX4SfTpSh7aYWhRDdrpnDpJapbGufrGvYTXTgB7kT6jBN6oIzPLm91xIAhnL-vJ0F5t5gEc-rmvlFXIyxhqwfWX8ngEVLGP2I2s4w1cjlqR/s1600/Cicada+Killer+in+6+bunker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHEkRppafIxyh4K_BsC_ltl2G3cs7vgMr2jX4SfTpSh7aYWhRDdrpnDpJapbGufrGvYTXTgB7kT6jBN6oIzPLm91xIAhnL-vJ0F5t5gEc-rmvlFXIyxhqwfWX8ngEVLGP2I2s4w1cjlqR/s1600/Cicada+Killer+in+6+bunker.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cicada Killer in 6 bunker</td></tr>
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Finally, many of you have noticed large “bees” burrowing into the bunkers and fairways. These are actually Eastern Cicada Killer Wasps. Although their large size and swarming can be intimidating, they are a non-aggressive wasp that avoid direct contact with humans and will not sting you unless you really agitate them for a prolonged period of time. They are much more interested in finding cicadas for lunch then spoiling your day. Control of these wasps is quite difficult and unless they are burrowing into greens and fairways causing damage, is not necessary. <br />
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the maintenance facility. Have a great week and I hope to see you out on the golf course!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-4952415610309021242017-07-02T07:46:00.001-04:002017-07-02T07:46:36.380-04:00Course Notes, 7/2/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc0xx9hBRZsDOl0JmA-E_Eh4EQXtIgAUV0QVz0qbaQ5lwWPquUAdxlwyScSVWIvHr4fot9ci5QdNHfxk60oWGMrN54kAiAXTSuqxXbcbsbZGcQEGBRq2GxXnBxjnLpUyfjw6I7gu9I_uT/s1600/0625171908_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc0xx9hBRZsDOl0JmA-E_Eh4EQXtIgAUV0QVz0qbaQ5lwWPquUAdxlwyScSVWIvHr4fot9ci5QdNHfxk60oWGMrN54kAiAXTSuqxXbcbsbZGcQEGBRq2GxXnBxjnLpUyfjw6I7gu9I_uT/s320/0625171908_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One thing I always keep asking myself is how we as a staff
can leave work each day knowing we made Elcona just a bit better than when we
got into work that morning. Our eyes and
sense of touch are still the most useful tool in answering that question, but
increasingly technology is changing how we can become better stewards of the
club’s resources. The USGA has integrated
one such piece of technology into their 2017 USGA Golf Utilization Survey, and
has asked Elcona to participate. We are
one of 48 golf facilities nationwide participating. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The careful management of resources (water, labor, energy,
fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) is an integral part of golf courses becoming more
economically efficient and good care-takers of the environment while providing
golfers with an enjoyable golf experience. To help golf courses achieve these
goals, the USGA has developed a method to analyze how golfers use their course.
This USGA Course Utilization Study provides decision makers at golf facilities
with valuable insight into where available resources need to be focused the
most. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How It Works </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Members are asked to carry small GPS trackers in their
pocket or clipped to their clothes during their round. You need to do nothing
else except play the course as you normally would, and turn the device in to
the Golf Shop staff after your round. After
the round, the devices are collected and the data is downloaded. The result is
a visual image that is imported into Google Earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After the tracks of 200 golfers of varying abilities from Elcona
are downloaded, the movement patterns will reveal a great deal about traffic
patterns, feature use and potentially places on the course where pace of play
issues arise. This data can be used to assess current and future maintenance
needs as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How You Can Participate </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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By agreeing to carry a GPS tracker, you are helping our staff
better manage your course. You also are helping the USGA preserve the game now
and in the future. The USGA will not collect the names of players who carry the
GPS trackers. You are only asked for your name just in case you forget to
return your tracker at the end of the round.
<b>The USGA does charge a $50 fee
for each unreturned tracker, so it would be very important to return them so
the club does not incur that cost.</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
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I thank you in advance if you are asked to help us with this
survey, and I look forward to sharing the results with you when the USGA
processes the data. As always, if you have
any questions. Please contact me at <a href="mailto:ryan@elconacc.com">ryan@elconacc.com</a>,
or stop me while you are out on the golf course. Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-17541184441676539742017-06-11T09:13:00.000-04:002017-06-11T09:13:34.633-04:00Course Notes, 6/11/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzXXWM5RvhnqU3esxL6gYxzDhQBI3l9TRRG1jtlPibQJ8L7fG4-M2YhWa-ISm8LPS25xK0_ung2EAZYNfzA-h1gfZ35LMBBpnuMxdiNCO05l2l_-MNps3IaqoSx5rZqdaCg0bK47-K2Kx/s1600/20170428_064459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzXXWM5RvhnqU3esxL6gYxzDhQBI3l9TRRG1jtlPibQJ8L7fG4-M2YhWa-ISm8LPS25xK0_ung2EAZYNfzA-h1gfZ35LMBBpnuMxdiNCO05l2l_-MNps3IaqoSx5rZqdaCg0bK47-K2Kx/s320/20170428_064459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Talk about feast to famine. A month ago, we received over 6.5" of rain at the golf course. We have not had any measurable precipitation since May 28, quite telling by how our non-irrigated areas are starting to look. A large thank you to those who came out to the Master Improvement Plan educational session last Tuesday, and for those of you interested, we have 2 additional ones this Tuesday, at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. Shawn Smith and Steve Forrest from Hills/Forrest will be here to answer any questions about the Master Improvement Plan that you may have. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDIBdUgliZafKyRkvIAduFlSOHmgHQVXu7R8yBIUAcU4tgMzlmRIdHSw6BrNekaCgtYVpfdxVTYs-rNiFFcgMyBrCqzoI4zZmb8nNORhD47CSBssXCGnpVlVHgiORakiwWjAJ57DJdro9/s1600/D-fence1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDIBdUgliZafKyRkvIAduFlSOHmgHQVXu7R8yBIUAcU4tgMzlmRIdHSw6BrNekaCgtYVpfdxVTYs-rNiFFcgMyBrCqzoI4zZmb8nNORhD47CSBssXCGnpVlVHgiORakiwWjAJ57DJdro9/s200/D-fence1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eA_NbGA8QMUxSL-37S6-Q41okwr4gPvCmNOAq6uV8jitTGjjn5eeoesQAYBe0B_Y7eLHZGp9XXDxSFsRuxoVqBiubWz9PfaZzdJFGMb5GgkEFGOFHI9jv64LfrwMTwbOG3nVZ0-8f8r7/s1600/20170607_085748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eA_NbGA8QMUxSL-37S6-Q41okwr4gPvCmNOAq6uV8jitTGjjn5eeoesQAYBe0B_Y7eLHZGp9XXDxSFsRuxoVqBiubWz9PfaZzdJFGMb5GgkEFGOFHI9jv64LfrwMTwbOG3nVZ0-8f8r7/s200/20170607_085748.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4" rooting on greens. A good thing heading into summer!</td></tr>
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The summer's first dome of heat has arrived, and is bringing some high humidity values with it. While rooting is at a tremendous level currently thanks to great growing conditions and a solid agronomic plan, in these cases we have to temporarily play defense in managing the fine playing surfaces so that they can survive until more temperate growing conditions return. Our sprayers have been quite busy applying plant protectants to help fine turf ward off any potential fungal diseases from developing. Managing water applications is critical during these stretches, and we have been leaning on the drier side when it comes to irrigation. It may seem counter-intuitive restricting irrigation during a heat wave, but wetter soils can create a better environment for diseases to develop, while reducing the amount of root density in the turf. Hand-watering hot spots and syringing greens in the afternoons is also critical for survival. The USGA has produced a great video on water management, which you can view <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iWMqGMTud0" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>. Our staff will be out and about each afternoon watching conditions, and while we do not intend to disrupt your round, please use caution if a staff member is syringing on the hole you are playing. This quite necessary procedure only takes a couple of minutes to complete and as soon as they are able, they will vacate the area so that you may resume your round. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgPYaXkFNWBUoDlNWs3dvJRVTPVTd7xuTHZoYkNuyT_i48BIWqYwHdoUNLqxmZi72re4ZL0RdFYjicv8qKmJ9A1-4lV2KVNUUiQ193OgrDQWt2UCQrZS2GBNJixP8UPvCnQxoxuQtSApB/s1600/20170610_073815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgPYaXkFNWBUoDlNWs3dvJRVTPVTd7xuTHZoYkNuyT_i48BIWqYwHdoUNLqxmZi72re4ZL0RdFYjicv8qKmJ9A1-4lV2KVNUUiQ193OgrDQWt2UCQrZS2GBNJixP8UPvCnQxoxuQtSApB/s200/20170610_073815.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Localized dry spot on 16 fairway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y3rf4ykKZaSdzNdwhkLDSG9UfereizCyackTGBSx3UdjlMaO2-ZgIJVOcAsI4K25mbPuZH808VeDJ0tZDsWFRPcvQhbuJwekNWTvDGwnOV3Y7h7E86Rk9u3_AVJo_KWD96VDjhMaKD-k/s1600/20170608_063020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y3rf4ykKZaSdzNdwhkLDSG9UfereizCyackTGBSx3UdjlMaO2-ZgIJVOcAsI4K25mbPuZH808VeDJ0tZDsWFRPcvQhbuJwekNWTvDGwnOV3Y7h7E86Rk9u3_AVJo_KWD96VDjhMaKD-k/s200/20170608_063020.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plant protectants applied in anticipation of first heat</td></tr>
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If these above normal temperatures and humidity continue, other defensive measures may be necessary to allow the turf to survive until seasonable conditions return. One example of that would be raising heights of cut slightly (.005"). This allows the plant to generate additional leaf tissue to produce the energy it needs to survive. While defensive measures can lead to slower conditions, rest assured these measures are done to protect the turf though the tough stretches and allow us to return to normal maintenance when the weather allows us to. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7tf29DSASzJ35YJlEp5_z4WXzljSnBlOZYqm7BcSA9-czDeEp29zZHoVmM5XHJfJ_N6zzTHg14scj9Hs2uYYHTVMI8oN_6t-QpoUW0jPmtbkxiQj8yyjewzD0jBotT021ZrvWwrDpxxG/s1600/20170610_133735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7tf29DSASzJ35YJlEp5_z4WXzljSnBlOZYqm7BcSA9-czDeEp29zZHoVmM5XHJfJ_N6zzTHg14scj9Hs2uYYHTVMI8oN_6t-QpoUW0jPmtbkxiQj8yyjewzD0jBotT021ZrvWwrDpxxG/s320/20170610_133735.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Zimm's Creek is now a lateral water hazard</td></tr>
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The other change you may have noticed is a change in hazard marking along the lateral part of Zimm's Creek, right of 15 green. The Golf/Greens Committee has decided that area is better defined as a lateral water hazard (red), based on the interpretation of the Rules of Golf. The part of the creek running perpendicular to the green, and the pond will continue to play as a regular (yellow) water hazard. For a more in-depth explanation of the definitions and how to play the ball if it enters these hazards, <a href="http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-26" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here is a link</span></a> to the Rules of Golf explaining these. <br />
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Finally, I have some sad news to pass on. One of our long time staff members, Rachael Garrett, passed away this past Tuesday. Rachael served Elcona for 28 years and was a beloved member of our staff. She enjoyed being out each day here among the members and beautiful scenery, and will be missed greatly. <br />
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If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at ryan@elconacc.com, or stop me when you see me out on the golf course. Enjoy the week and stay cool!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-33977381256837539072017-05-30T07:23:00.000-04:002017-05-30T07:23:55.549-04:00Course Notes, 5/30/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLgNnjmm_ZayKKWeXppUt5HhKBwBfuITsLeRy5vIQUpcFvC9omrIWEaKIU61nzMMh64kaDAtzwhRYY0m3gq3R_m7CoYGW9DhQW0RSUFAG1UNb4SA_RcI5VYlnxOFgTCLkPBD9YtWHAcAe/s1600/20170529_061839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLgNnjmm_ZayKKWeXppUt5HhKBwBfuITsLeRy5vIQUpcFvC9omrIWEaKIU61nzMMh64kaDAtzwhRYY0m3gq3R_m7CoYGW9DhQW0RSUFAG1UNb4SA_RcI5VYlnxOFgTCLkPBD9YtWHAcAe/s320/20170529_061839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compared to a typical May, 2017’s version was colder, wetter, and busier than normal (the latter being a good thing!). Our staff is doing a wonderful job with projects, both on and off the golf course. Here is a quick recap of our observations and activities in the last month:</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRC1r7qavlv42tl9cQlx1mQ9R4ChyJXKUqUvISFmhMoUXSKIsz-wGnXzmth8hhGJoAHCQRoeid7rWsDgiAfAMl0bLcCc4F2NPudbFLvj7vNgWpGOL5lj95CnVMa8SB6NwGLm_WvQXyRUZ/s1600/20170508_063855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRC1r7qavlv42tl9cQlx1mQ9R4ChyJXKUqUvISFmhMoUXSKIsz-wGnXzmth8hhGJoAHCQRoeid7rWsDgiAfAMl0bLcCc4F2NPudbFLvj7vNgWpGOL5lj95CnVMa8SB6NwGLm_WvQXyRUZ/s200/20170508_063855.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A low of 28 on May 8th</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTYvkpA0B9Cxk8kaWXwiUW5AWB5e4Rp-ePSGzOg5p1e_bXtMhmrBlSqEhn_veQf-lwR53AQgI5CPDpHhF7V2qdQfcNgeiE48pkjP-bwKW3Ko7-o-aaifC_M4i27rGtP3nrNzpasLPLK5o/s1600/20170522_142815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTYvkpA0B9Cxk8kaWXwiUW5AWB5e4Rp-ePSGzOg5p1e_bXtMhmrBlSqEhn_veQf-lwR53AQgI5CPDpHhF7V2qdQfcNgeiE48pkjP-bwKW3Ko7-o-aaifC_M4i27rGtP3nrNzpasLPLK5o/s200/20170522_142815.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange tinge to fairway turf</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNYG2biFD-_BA16sahIDih0SxBxoNlLfX9sDaZOSwB2vplO96dgk7itnUYQdShB8AbCsM24I6jzFzJRvrMQYDs4XweczrBnfeWwaxG3_7DTf2ZmmLgOxb1mVTMw9ba1-Ls2TGlrF9zE68/s1600/20170522_143000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNYG2biFD-_BA16sahIDih0SxBxoNlLfX9sDaZOSwB2vplO96dgk7itnUYQdShB8AbCsM24I6jzFzJRvrMQYDs4XweczrBnfeWwaxG3_7DTf2ZmmLgOxb1mVTMw9ba1-Ls2TGlrF9zE68/s200/20170522_143000.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of 17 fairway turf showing tip burn/old leaves</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The cold weather in early May (including morning lows below 30 degrees on May 5th and 8th) was not a welcome sight for the turfgrass in the fairways and green surrounds. Many of you have asked me about the orange tinge you saw when looking at a fairway from afar, while it looked green when on the fairway. The pictures of 17 fairway close up showed the orange is actually the tips of the leaf blades and the old leaf blades, with greener, healthier turf growing below. The variety of bentgrass we have in our fairways is an older variety that is quite susceptible to cold temperatures. The two freezes we had earlier in the month stunted the turf’s growth, and would not push new growth until more consistent warmer weather returned, which in the last few days has. Green surrounds have finally shown growth and have received their 2nd fertility application to provide consistent food for the next 90 days. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The staff also has concentrated on detail work in the bunkers and tees. We rented a plate compactor to further firm up bunkers that have had new sand installed within the last 2 years, and sifted through the sand to remove as many rocks as possible. It continues to amaze me the amount of rocks that consistently make their way up from the subsoil to the surface through washouts, frost heaving in the winter, and maintenance practices. Four 5 gallon pails were removed on the bunkers on holes 7 and 16 alone. Removal of these impediments will continue to be a priority for our staff. Tees were verticut last week to remove excess growth and thatch. We will continue to work on firming up these playing surfaces. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-quC57YMYGktHVZLR6BUMElMToBmZLrEOJPcY1_6wm6mLVeQ38kNk0urVcbZx9jrlbDXGjhkEtGFgHU6WBkh-r0ku71lFRYlo_BG2CUV_8yipkXFqRM_7ZKPIsRBRdEgza6gtZSZKuIE/s1600/20170522_122922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-quC57YMYGktHVZLR6BUMElMToBmZLrEOJPcY1_6wm6mLVeQ38kNk0urVcbZx9jrlbDXGjhkEtGFgHU6WBkh-r0ku71lFRYlo_BG2CUV_8yipkXFqRM_7ZKPIsRBRdEgza6gtZSZKuIE/s200/20170522_122922.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plate compacting bunker edges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTo6vxvrI3QVdHNr8Hu9w7LFQbaRa4qjL6z1mTmVA36e9mZDK_G9bcF_kEwWjZkpkNa0bbQXTUTzyZuk1n_vRfjT3qKbNr1WqSBtUg-qlm7ssdwgieTVdtvqJksQJzKo2kkHGRQQMCesz/s1600/20170522_122958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTo6vxvrI3QVdHNr8Hu9w7LFQbaRa4qjL6z1mTmVA36e9mZDK_G9bcF_kEwWjZkpkNa0bbQXTUTzyZuk1n_vRfjT3qKbNr1WqSBtUg-qlm7ssdwgieTVdtvqJksQJzKo2kkHGRQQMCesz/s200/20170522_122958.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tees after verticut and regular mow</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRDK0TVO02vi7XlCpEnCJGzAQNzTYz1EpG1LebxWnhniHswjYm1LxLet7kkvbUp6yDW3t-kAfolbO931M25tzC7orY0PIkourN3yme0Mhbad6KYdcdPm1Po3Z9I3Dc7p6iinyKY1nuyro/s1600/20170522_133936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRDK0TVO02vi7XlCpEnCJGzAQNzTYz1EpG1LebxWnhniHswjYm1LxLet7kkvbUp6yDW3t-kAfolbO931M25tzC7orY0PIkourN3yme0Mhbad6KYdcdPm1Po3Z9I3Dc7p6iinyKY1nuyro/s200/20170522_133936.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks removed from 1 bunker on 7</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQj_YITFN0Oo5dGJEcKXP9Y83dax74QPEhYDnVQr0ZQ-vVdbgWcrXkF5nYkRNzRJtslPuD1ZQkl2o1EmbTbwTDIFS-qdAPpPa3Sd4y-MEyJyKnfEzjWFqntKrM24lIJigSQlnfcaXiK66/s1600/20170522_105144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQj_YITFN0Oo5dGJEcKXP9Y83dax74QPEhYDnVQr0ZQ-vVdbgWcrXkF5nYkRNzRJtslPuD1ZQkl2o1EmbTbwTDIFS-qdAPpPa3Sd4y-MEyJyKnfEzjWFqntKrM24lIJigSQlnfcaXiK66/s200/20170522_105144.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of material removed from tees!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYzDq01aAs8L8qIZd64sw9VufhChEGhFeJpU0UCsMZI28mD_W3O1XQhMJhSklfmsMDICucAsz014kb5v3uXPsX5GWhvjhyphenhyphen_X59AW5Yyv5qJFM0hlXwshk1G9423YBm4ZRppQFMHsnmMu7/s1600/20170522_142612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYzDq01aAs8L8qIZd64sw9VufhChEGhFeJpU0UCsMZI28mD_W3O1XQhMJhSklfmsMDICucAsz014kb5v3uXPsX5GWhvjhyphenhyphen_X59AW5Yyv5qJFM0hlXwshk1G9423YBm4ZRppQFMHsnmMu7/s200/20170522_142612.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished bunker on 5</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Fiesta Hut project is completed and I couldn't be happier on the resulting product. With the wet weather, our concrete contractor has fallen a bit behind on his work and as soon as he can, they will be out to finish patching the walkway around the new stone wall. When you see him, please thank Greg Stump for his efforts on this project, and his other transformations around Elcona. He is currently in full planting mode, adding tremendous color to the Elcona landscape. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrahlc3AAv3d1xMCSYzgWP-0bDRy-aS9NBe1kHrKyp_4T1KgymAw1n_AI-TBOi41PPKhrAe6rgZkuXGH5f6kgA1C5aCXFQOQHHjD-eZikWZc0NTmf8DyWP31uWIUUoo6bgiBzV9XagB5Jh/s1600/20170527_100400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrahlc3AAv3d1xMCSYzgWP-0bDRy-aS9NBe1kHrKyp_4T1KgymAw1n_AI-TBOi41PPKhrAe6rgZkuXGH5f6kgA1C5aCXFQOQHHjD-eZikWZc0NTmf8DyWP31uWIUUoo6bgiBzV9XagB5Jh/s200/20170527_100400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ySEdi0i_ucsTj1OAs2zjhEwkP0-oUEz4Uhlnqe5KtKZhyphenhyphenoL9bpxl7c8l7EFCiUTWqHMfCnm3Hq-zFJSG8N35ZgbVia01pvBYE62152-niRJmfK8q_j6xQ_5gO4ylwUt5R5TdJHGWslKE/s1600/20170510_092910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ySEdi0i_ucsTj1OAs2zjhEwkP0-oUEz4Uhlnqe5KtKZhyphenhyphenoL9bpxl7c8l7EFCiUTWqHMfCnm3Hq-zFJSG8N35ZgbVia01pvBYE62152-niRJmfK8q_j6xQ_5gO4ylwUt5R5TdJHGWslKE/s200/20170510_092910.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Finally, NiBlock was out earlier in the month to refurbish the cart paths in the woods, 7,11, and Halfway House, and did a wonderful job. The staff is currently planting grass seed and landscaping around the Halfway House, and as course needs allow, we will be adding soil and seed to the shoulder areas that need raised up. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqYwCLPQHz1-6-0AzW3MVbt7nd3rU4fGir9qYE7XApeiCPwkzEqgINSDvi6mcBOCniCfg4d-nqq8ew3VFwDQyuMWU3wqz1pWLe8unp9ucSy9mk-YsxVERGrXEWBos3akPmfOlwrKTered/s1600/20170509_161817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqYwCLPQHz1-6-0AzW3MVbt7nd3rU4fGir9qYE7XApeiCPwkzEqgINSDvi6mcBOCniCfg4d-nqq8ew3VFwDQyuMWU3wqz1pWLe8unp9ucSy9mk-YsxVERGrXEWBos3akPmfOlwrKTered/s200/20170509_161817.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFqyRtCpRkn9oc4ZB7pM0U1xSZCxbtsq5yrTKkTiKjf9jiRmOYA6cT-I04jjkJ6_I4ftW-on04rh0VM1pqyX7yvNbsyVptMBt1k8rljzGl_sU6di-mWtg5sse-oKy9oamVVC2wuAa2Umw/s1600/20170509_162013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFqyRtCpRkn9oc4ZB7pM0U1xSZCxbtsq5yrTKkTiKjf9jiRmOYA6cT-I04jjkJ6_I4ftW-on04rh0VM1pqyX7yvNbsyVptMBt1k8rljzGl_sU6di-mWtg5sse-oKy9oamVVC2wuAa2Umw/s200/20170509_162013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions, please contact me at </span><a href="mailto:ryan@elconacc.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ryan@elconacc.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Thank you, and I will see you out on the golf course!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-30349871134659887502017-05-09T09:47:00.001-04:002017-05-09T09:47:23.189-04:00Cart Path Paving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwnhTfOeExTarasI_0wy6EBuvoRfjwnn8x88tQpG9IiEMAYqR1ivTMZvxfnY3GhPV98XS0Lz3ZjvegwfhDwxL7MHqwuoBlrSe5yH0eqAKWsRwe2l5KoF-Fv4UGdA9GFBDOdU5V9nBV6tn/s1600/20170509_093428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwnhTfOeExTarasI_0wy6EBuvoRfjwnn8x88tQpG9IiEMAYqR1ivTMZvxfnY3GhPV98XS0Lz3ZjvegwfhDwxL7MHqwuoBlrSe5yH0eqAKWsRwe2l5KoF-Fv4UGdA9GFBDOdU5V9nBV6tn/s400/20170509_093428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, tomorrow, and possibly Thursday, NiBlock will be out paving cart paths in the following locations:<br />
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4 Green, 5 Tee, 6 Green, 7 Tee, 7 Green, 11, 16 Green, and around the new Halfway House. <br />
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If during the course of your round you encounter fresh asphalt in these areas, please stay off of the paths. Please drive around 8 Green to access 11 Tee. <br />
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Also, their crew is aware that the course is open for play while they are out here. However, please be aware that they cannot move easily out of the field of play and you may have to wait or skip an area if they are working in the area. <br />
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I thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. When finished, these paths will be a great improvement to the golf course and your enjoyment of it. If you have any questions, please let me know at ryan@elconacc.com. Thanks, and I will see you out on the course! <br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-68015341105469746802017-04-30T08:38:00.000-04:002017-04-30T08:38:34.232-04:00Course Notes, 4/30/2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsvZ1VpH19y1CyE9_Ei8QpkRa4DEJXxDU0xnSgaKQyWmcYx-nAkgFPIbDzIMSEr6CnpK3huuuSJx1zjJPirj2_DdNxRcMIJyR7y06bKiN9edG6jcTqzH6QWEIOX08xfcLIwl71zXTYPNS/s1600/20170428_103414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsvZ1VpH19y1CyE9_Ei8QpkRa4DEJXxDU0xnSgaKQyWmcYx-nAkgFPIbDzIMSEr6CnpK3huuuSJx1zjJPirj2_DdNxRcMIJyR7y06bKiN9edG6jcTqzH6QWEIOX08xfcLIwl71zXTYPNS/s320/20170428_103414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We continue to have great golfing weather for early Spring. Drier conditions have lead to some nice firm conditions on greens and fairways. Our staff continue to build in numbers and we have been able to knock out many of our task list for the Spring. Aerification has come and gone with quick healing and deeper rooting that will benefit the turf when the dog days of summer hit later this year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd2Rvw4WZTwVO8pfY1HeBrN2AjMCLIr9WR_lZtejyb5AYJ4RdIXnfR4vmA2FK1lj-5FI0qROUcGDwJksEqZSnKufDUqcZbjWUj31hZWH5bB_T18kN62l86OJAr2u6yS3xizhOjq5yq7Xu/s1600/20170427_125714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd2Rvw4WZTwVO8pfY1HeBrN2AjMCLIr9WR_lZtejyb5AYJ4RdIXnfR4vmA2FK1lj-5FI0qROUcGDwJksEqZSnKufDUqcZbjWUj31hZWH5bB_T18kN62l86OJAr2u6yS3xizhOjq5yq7Xu/s200/20170427_125714.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQbzDAYs0PCKcXnshFAEKMOMsp4M4I8BfunpeZJfg7ANoGAiwcCwXrkCbdrC03MwMQWD4SgDx1OiNeh9op_luBI4ABxnImmPwJDfWw992sgcP51kaWnmOqkdgfVWmw8o7V1_URqh6ORDj/s1600/20170427_135703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQbzDAYs0PCKcXnshFAEKMOMsp4M4I8BfunpeZJfg7ANoGAiwcCwXrkCbdrC03MwMQWD4SgDx1OiNeh9op_luBI4ABxnImmPwJDfWw992sgcP51kaWnmOqkdgfVWmw8o7V1_URqh6ORDj/s200/20170427_135703.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmDBDMvUonmlZnl8BNRKWqkX3Y5dKhX_qKC3mK7Aek2do3J4pZH8JB3S-ujhQ_diGD0xOU8DTz8Au83VECwri0JMMvcKButpMHaHHipbZdKqSW_SRCTy5-172eFA8bq5c9U61PehIuyHa/s1600/20170427_135111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmDBDMvUonmlZnl8BNRKWqkX3Y5dKhX_qKC3mK7Aek2do3J4pZH8JB3S-ujhQ_diGD0xOU8DTz8Au83VECwri0JMMvcKButpMHaHHipbZdKqSW_SRCTy5-172eFA8bq5c9U61PehIuyHa/s200/20170427_135111.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Work continues on the Fiesta Hut area. The staff and I have created the rough grades for the base material that the wall stone will sit on. Over the course of the next week we will be laying and compacting a 4" layer of gravel as a stone base, and beginning the transformation from empty area to a wall matching the look of the Terrace. Stay tuned for more updates! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdC1cBxaHPkMl6biQHfREMQGaFQKF64p2BvAvgiAKkbI_pSJY3rE4yeJNWi83_Y3jqzvB0iz9TOExXSCA0zEr0EcUKyYgh35gSCvYnOPdzxuAUQfdEHBtaz_b52HXM5hc212k2C1g0zYs/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdC1cBxaHPkMl6biQHfREMQGaFQKF64p2BvAvgiAKkbI_pSJY3rE4yeJNWi83_Y3jqzvB0iz9TOExXSCA0zEr0EcUKyYgh35gSCvYnOPdzxuAUQfdEHBtaz_b52HXM5hc212k2C1g0zYs/s200/IMG_0057.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: white;">Finally, as part of our Audubon community outreach program, Elcona hosted 120 7th graders from Northridge Middle School for an afternoon of learning on the course, and about the game of golf. This field trip was under the umbrella of The First Green program, which incorporates STEM (science, engineering, math, and technology) learning modules out on the course. </span></span></div>
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Each student experienced 6 learning stations: A geo-caching activity on our trail system (think scavenger hunt with coordinates), an obstacle course meant to simulate the obstacles salmon experience when making their run to spawn, 2 golf stations at the practice facility, a station learning about soils and our rain garden, and a station at 17 green learning how to measure its area. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfNdiMAn_F9GS_3TMKqjyICLoZfW7brOWKgTAvq7aRwc3D3jl_qK-nxeeBa4PLu31qQOUiyP-1DsiBvSwxF9qtqYv5tlvArTSuLjw9-qc4PPuQNY0Fspd8OnvNzP2s2jL_Fh0lgbnm6tB/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfNdiMAn_F9GS_3TMKqjyICLoZfW7brOWKgTAvq7aRwc3D3jl_qK-nxeeBa4PLu31qQOUiyP-1DsiBvSwxF9qtqYv5tlvArTSuLjw9-qc4PPuQNY0Fspd8OnvNzP2s2jL_Fh0lgbnm6tB/s200/IMG_0086.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
For many of the staff and students, it was their first time ever setting foot on a golf course, which is what I like so much about this program. The exposure to a fantastic golf facility and to learn real-life applications to what they are learning about in school are hopefully great memories that will stay with them for life and spark an interest in taking up the game of golf. The faculty and students were quite impressed with Elcona and its facilities, so much so that we have dates for another visit this coming fall. <br />
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If you would like more information on The First Green program, visit <a href="http://www.thefirstgreen.org/"><span style="color: lime;">www.thefirstgreen.org</span></a>. If you have any questions, email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Have a great week and I'll see you out on the course! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdpP-5ZF-XCkcYuzOjUL35-rwEvO39ESEJ_MGPmpiJHIfwUJQH5fDMnyYp4yI8vPtKzceuQJ5K4kH-ZIMgYxJO4pgPIQk_M4DiC44ts89ogUfHgNLZwCyLP0SLFQyEkpnlGSxwLEJ7d8w/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdpP-5ZF-XCkcYuzOjUL35-rwEvO39ESEJ_MGPmpiJHIfwUJQH5fDMnyYp4yI8vPtKzceuQJ5K4kH-ZIMgYxJO4pgPIQk_M4DiC44ts89ogUfHgNLZwCyLP0SLFQyEkpnlGSxwLEJ7d8w/s200/IMG_0064.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSylokdfSPlgQ2AyrhFUWkibXvrMRTzqTGUouJGx0Fxug2UH1bHWBLoSpm6kLDRfkfohAx3lD1p0WtpXUj7vDAJovKLeWxyCMxucFIKaAQZhynwa71KdNHxgyOW12nAxYRNoV5eAq9D8Vu/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSylokdfSPlgQ2AyrhFUWkibXvrMRTzqTGUouJGx0Fxug2UH1bHWBLoSpm6kLDRfkfohAx3lD1p0WtpXUj7vDAJovKLeWxyCMxucFIKaAQZhynwa71KdNHxgyOW12nAxYRNoV5eAq9D8Vu/s200/IMG_0070.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U3OZDQNVKQRzgydkBUX1CSngyZDoOHRpAcOw-cKlrIBjcQcqkiSNURjCnELSDwP7NO5C97AyseNuhR7tcZD-KuobqKATZbcI-Ctc14TwemOQcsNk74QmMfUFL09GQFZ9lXPVFrM_quRC/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U3OZDQNVKQRzgydkBUX1CSngyZDoOHRpAcOw-cKlrIBjcQcqkiSNURjCnELSDwP7NO5C97AyseNuhR7tcZD-KuobqKATZbcI-Ctc14TwemOQcsNk74QmMfUFL09GQFZ9lXPVFrM_quRC/s200/IMG_0075.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-42538114352171123892017-03-28T11:47:00.000-04:002017-03-28T11:47:01.778-04:00Course Notes, 3/28/17<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxBDK6Io_RgR4imbB6D-O22CG_9PsXfUNMyI5C0jAw3t9ksF0GyE6qdTB7UswggkbyMBDOLhNxgZjYrzG6kaxgoJ1CZtwLiyUqfS2utjQ8dvbGjqbhQTgAgdyaETmTsgNH18D7KnMrK3H/s1600/20170323_152826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxBDK6Io_RgR4imbB6D-O22CG_9PsXfUNMyI5C0jAw3t9ksF0GyE6qdTB7UswggkbyMBDOLhNxgZjYrzG6kaxgoJ1CZtwLiyUqfS2utjQ8dvbGjqbhQTgAgdyaETmTsgNH18D7KnMrK3H/s320/20170323_152826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmDk_JrMLImrftnle40Xj4ZwG4yzNqggh-3Ytkut3rCe_mR2PDsvNSvtQmy4mts3ScNU8oKY5RmS9KWSa67PUnc2_2gILQ1UfNeBa_FVC80qsJVpStlSyyxY7Y2c5BQ82bZWmCqwemXTu/s1600/1490713094303+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmDk_JrMLImrftnle40Xj4ZwG4yzNqggh-3Ytkut3rCe_mR2PDsvNSvtQmy4mts3ScNU8oKY5RmS9KWSa67PUnc2_2gILQ1UfNeBa_FVC80qsJVpStlSyyxY7Y2c5BQ82bZWmCqwemXTu/s200/1490713094303+%25281%2529.jpg" width="123" /></a>Things are starting to green up and bloom here in Northern Indiana. Forsythia have begun showing their yellow blossoms on the bottoms of the plants, daffodils and tulips withstood mid-March snows and freezes to begin their Spring, and the grass on the golf course is starting to green up in anticipation of another season. The picture to the right shows 9 green during a 96 hour synopsis of a typical March in Indiana. Snow, melt, snow, melt followed by a day where winds reached 60 miles/hour. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0yEyxJNVkmv11wM8N7yFZaXHDzXb8UC7v7hz4dzVok2FcMM_Y7BR8ZX33THRVfTAQnIW6tHy0N4ZRQB7hXdWXnjwnQYNAkrC2OrgIiuLBTOy_SxZ5l2J_IUTxNMErL0enh-rmZA_JbDM/s1600/20170326_083721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0yEyxJNVkmv11wM8N7yFZaXHDzXb8UC7v7hz4dzVok2FcMM_Y7BR8ZX33THRVfTAQnIW6tHy0N4ZRQB7hXdWXnjwnQYNAkrC2OrgIiuLBTOy_SxZ5l2J_IUTxNMErL0enh-rmZA_JbDM/s200/20170326_083721.jpg" width="200" /></a>The staff and I continue working on course clean up, applying pre-emergent treatments for crabgrass and other grassy weeds, and mowing the fine turf on an as needed basis. As weather more consistently warms and additional staff return, we will begin to assume our normal in-season maintenance routine. We are typically fully staffed by Memorial Day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ62U2Ravj5_nn_LPqmC2WeF-B2QNGG20N2jqcyu1rWt3f4btPD91Hg4qi-Dc679eTt8L52gEA5dMlWsHoJF5YXOSX9Zgi9O2DpT5qXfwKy-SlKjs0cxxcN1MhBP8SAybTWTlJfvp8y3Rb/s1600/new+pin+locations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ62U2Ravj5_nn_LPqmC2WeF-B2QNGG20N2jqcyu1rWt3f4btPD91Hg4qi-Dc679eTt8L52gEA5dMlWsHoJF5YXOSX9Zgi9O2DpT5qXfwKy-SlKjs0cxxcN1MhBP8SAybTWTlJfvp8y3Rb/s200/new+pin+locations.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pin Location cards</td></tr>
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As more of you come out to Elcona to enjoy the warmer weather, you will notice a couple of changes to your daily experience that we hope will enhance your enjoyment. One of these is a change in pin location options from 3 to 4. This will give our staff additional flexibility in both yardages on par 3's (think 8 and 11) and moving pin locations better around wear points on the green. <br />
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The other change is a new maintenance method we are trying in how we maintain the bunkers in an attempt to further improve the playability of them. A large focus of this centers around helping the ball better roll to the bottom of the bunker, to provide firmer sand and playing conditions in the bunkers, and to help prevent "fried egg" lies. In the past, we raked the entire bunker and edges with leaf rakes in daily maintenance, a process that usually takes 5 staff members about 4 hours a day.<br />
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The new style of raking is termed the "Aussie Method", which began as a common method of maintenance in the Sandbelt region of Australia, and has become increasingly popular across the globe. It achieved global exposure during the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt37DPLx5NYog06OeJdRP62n-TG7y1WxvSqYsWjv1Ibj2TBlgfvJqwiWxuVYTGkP12X7zl7jxISZZt9GaVMd_rhKL6FbdR0ktm_t_zvicOcihz0OhZzz9JqDP-YAZFaaB16DzEk4JzGPk/s1600/20170328_094631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt37DPLx5NYog06OeJdRP62n-TG7y1WxvSqYsWjv1Ibj2TBlgfvJqwiWxuVYTGkP12X7zl7jxISZZt9GaVMd_rhKL6FbdR0ktm_t_zvicOcihz0OhZzz9JqDP-YAZFaaB16DzEk4JzGPk/s320/20170328_094631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead assistant Matt McNarney raking #2 bunker</td></tr>
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The idea behind this method is to compact the top edges and faces of the bunkers to better allow balls to roll down the slope after impact. The bottoms of the bunkers will be raked on the same schedule as before in season, and the edges will be smoothed and compacted completely 2-3 times per week with a soft roller. Other days, the edges will be checked and only the points of any edges affected by play, maintenance, or wildlife will be smoothed to maintain the look and compaction levels. I hope that over the course of the early season, this will help the playability of the bunkers while still contribute an aesthetically pleasing feature to the golf course. Bear with us as this will be a learning process for staff to find the most efficient way to utilize this style. <br />
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However, please remember that the single most important factor regarding firmness in bunkers is moisture. Wet bunkers will always be firmer than dry bunkers - regardless of maintenance practices. Also, during heavy rain events, many of our bunkers in their current position and shaping will have to be re-built and raked, which will return compaction levels to square one. The USGA has made a great video explaining bunker maintenance and consistency, which you can <span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ZzffW2fbk" target="_blank">click here to view.</a> </span>Edging, pebble removal, and checking of sand depth levels will continue this month as more staff return. <span style="color: lime;"> </span><br />
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If you have any questions or feedback, please email me at ryan@eclonacc.com or call me at the Maintenance Facility. I hope to see you out on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-5023345420372826692017-02-17T14:34:00.001-05:002017-02-17T14:34:44.465-05:00Course Notes, 2-17-17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7lltsKNKRw8q1ZNxczfpXwY4QBMP2NKDnheA4XbTcKj4jSZ2MkipFcOTzC5VVNKiAtpHb_CplKPuLHZIIyZX8Vs1Muo1pcfgvBabNMpwSlpfKBTyhypOg2CELTaBt3bo1-q1ddeQefrz/s1600/20170211_155115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7lltsKNKRw8q1ZNxczfpXwY4QBMP2NKDnheA4XbTcKj4jSZ2MkipFcOTzC5VVNKiAtpHb_CplKPuLHZIIyZX8Vs1Muo1pcfgvBabNMpwSlpfKBTyhypOg2CELTaBt3bo1-q1ddeQefrz/s400/20170211_155115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndf_UMsSknWrT7qG162GO3maxgEMx1n1jo1R5N8EaMUqUvfBPfnIkax_4viMHRb2_PE7g4TxLXYOPqBKe-FElFApA2-2vkf6v9Z54Yrx6HbDowFCiaiJRreryFlCffHGaq62CE8OY9x33/s1600/WEB_WNDU_16Day_Forecast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndf_UMsSknWrT7qG162GO3maxgEMx1n1jo1R5N8EaMUqUvfBPfnIkax_4viMHRb2_PE7g4TxLXYOPqBKe-FElFApA2-2vkf6v9Z54Yrx6HbDowFCiaiJRreryFlCffHGaq62CE8OY9x33/s200/WEB_WNDU_16Day_Forecast.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical April forecast, not February!</td></tr>
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I think I am not overstepping my bounds by saying that all the weather forecasters had a BIG "swing and a miss" with their winter forecasts. With 50's and 60's in the forecast the next 7 days, as you may have guessed, the golf course will be open with carts available starting Saturday at 12. Hours will be 12-5, and its availability will be evaluated on a day by day basis. The course will remain closed Monday for course maintenance. With night time lows a few days reaching freezing, opening at 12 will allow any frozen surfaces to thaw and safely allow traffic. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKzQs5OwG_91SQyLTT2DEq-AjTgPCIE3KkKUbGjyQC1uNZ064vQB4UUyVi5ij-FW95dcYrSCE_R1WNsornRGFyPfo0T2pMFVKlyErVWQoc4dk_cetS1ZEV6CxWwsVtU_sf-eTRsvqB7Qf/s1600/20160219_084008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKzQs5OwG_91SQyLTT2DEq-AjTgPCIE3KkKUbGjyQC1uNZ064vQB4UUyVi5ij-FW95dcYrSCE_R1WNsornRGFyPfo0T2pMFVKlyErVWQoc4dk_cetS1ZEV6CxWwsVtU_sf-eTRsvqB7Qf/s200/20160219_084008.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our stump grinder in action</td></tr>
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While it is nice to have the golf course open for play so early, there is still much clean up to do from our annual tree work and general debris that has accumulated over the last 3 months. We will be out and about grinding stumps from this winter's tree work next week. Please exercise caution when equipment is in the area, as these noisy machines and the concentration needed to use them may not allow the operator to see you right away and allow him to move out of the way. These stump holes will be 4-6" deep when cleaned up, and they will be flagged for everyone's safety. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rsK30-Tcwo1nHYDN3y3TGER86JvGbR5QS8kX82BxbZSBKC_SZflzIfUsZlsUUd8FTnIl4YmP-UD65diAorcjehdaDjlHRikse25JVii9wqSNYozL7koK8ePpjv8bU95OBnXn0AzPjk05/s1600/20170119_152924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rsK30-Tcwo1nHYDN3y3TGER86JvGbR5QS8kX82BxbZSBKC_SZflzIfUsZlsUUd8FTnIl4YmP-UD65diAorcjehdaDjlHRikse25JVii9wqSNYozL7koK8ePpjv8bU95OBnXn0AzPjk05/s200/20170119_152924.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway house site</td></tr>
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Please also exercise caution when near the site of the old halfway house. Directly to the east of the old structure is where the new septic field has been installed. This ground is still soft and settling, and cannot withstand any traffic at all. We will have an update on that project in a future blog post. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K0Yj_XdkD0k9jh1XuLujYYTfEn-U-lBOx_VrKg12fAKezeCuOUOpKg1AD4O_SqAITcsOiVrG2ZtyKAAMWX4U2JZsKfSja6-U6l43UweDkMuKB8uEfjrmOZcIsjQ9RYQWo7-3Are_YtUp/s1600/20170213_124840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K0Yj_XdkD0k9jh1XuLujYYTfEn-U-lBOx_VrKg12fAKezeCuOUOpKg1AD4O_SqAITcsOiVrG2ZtyKAAMWX4U2JZsKfSja6-U6l43UweDkMuKB8uEfjrmOZcIsjQ9RYQWo7-3Are_YtUp/s200/20170213_124840.jpg" width="200" /></a>Keep in mind that the average temperature for this time of year is 35 degrees and that the staff and I will manage the turf as it is appropriate for this time of year. What does that mean? It means that mowing will be done as the weather and growth dictates and other practices, such as raking bunkers, will be done on an as needed basis. Please understand that seasonal employees are brought back based on historical dates that have been determined by both average weather and budgetary guidelines set for the year. We are not usually fully staffed until Memorial Day.<br />
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If the weather continues to remain warm for an extended period, I may need to re-evaluate returning dates for some employees just so we can keep up with the growth of the turf. February is not the time to push green speeds or mow the turf at normal summer levels however. While the greens have some nice green color right now, the turf growing quite slowly, there is a greater time for recovery from wear. Also, the spring time is the time to develop and grow a deep, healthy root system. As I have mentioned many times, the deeper the root system, the better probability the turf can withstand summer playing expectations during hot summer conditions. Mowing height is directly correlated to root depth. <br />
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While it is looking like some turf will need a mowing in the next week, it will be at much higher heights than typical summer heights of cut strictly because of the above paragraph. Rolling will be utilized when needed to smooth the greens, but will not be an every day occurrence. <a href="http://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/article/usga-warm-3-30-12.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Here is a link</span></a> to an excellent USGA article further explaining decisions that I have to make with early warm weather, and how it possibly impacts our operation and budget throughout the course of the year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ak5466G8FswYPxX6TvQpEC-wC7BcOhm_Hr5JVpGBUIt76LtyY9X0Mh_SNHmyyZRWKKDNBUZHp7XsSZAnq0B1Mn0HTSy8JL77pJOuvFsVpZatHUKSF0PJiHDZHZJHEdYyiGbS_Tzj-LIb/s1600/20170213_151338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ak5466G8FswYPxX6TvQpEC-wC7BcOhm_Hr5JVpGBUIt76LtyY9X0Mh_SNHmyyZRWKKDNBUZHp7XsSZAnq0B1Mn0HTSy8JL77pJOuvFsVpZatHUKSF0PJiHDZHZJHEdYyiGbS_Tzj-LIb/s200/20170213_151338.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trimmed up look right of 3 green</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpQd041vzvfUs84KIgugmG_HCmYJKyb7-qhSOd4MAqyWM7xlR4LR9s0r4gTUhXdWlvQ_1DeGqxUsC-8iUVZ8zwtds_squll3eEEd3E2HO5jngzdQmpz6ADzdZkrJFj9Ihf1vryPmzb-Ld/s1600/20170214_142236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpQd041vzvfUs84KIgugmG_HCmYJKyb7-qhSOd4MAqyWM7xlR4LR9s0r4gTUhXdWlvQ_1DeGqxUsC-8iUVZ8zwtds_squll3eEEd3E2HO5jngzdQmpz6ADzdZkrJFj9Ihf1vryPmzb-Ld/s200/20170214_142236.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak trees pruned up along 15</td></tr>
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As you are out on the course the next week, you will also notice we have been out pruning up several oak trees. As I referenced in blogs articles<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://elconaccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/10/course-notes10115.html?m=0" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>, <a href="http://elconaccgrounds.blogspot.com/2016/02/course-update-2616.html?m=0" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a></span>, and <a href="https://treedoctor.msu.edu/oakwilt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>, winter is now the suggested time to prune these trees due to the emerging threat of oak wilt. We have about 7 additional trees to work on when the ground firms back up before the golf season hits its full swing.<br />
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com or call me at the maintenance facility. Enjoy these April-like conditions and I look forward to seeing you on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-7137449284608840692017-01-17T16:57:00.000-05:002017-01-17T16:57:08.049-05:00Course Notes, 1/17/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2uGbdurkaFNRWO4R6i3pNjWH3nlPHKGoW8zz6zgo5O98yZ_wh0YNBMBLqa0dqN7Is7e0_09DJRzbarU98bq09VFSqntfW5mguSvCSjHhyphenhyphenbEQfLc0pLtKWF6GVLQAJEzb-M2Q21AXMn4d/s1600/20170111_143255%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2uGbdurkaFNRWO4R6i3pNjWH3nlPHKGoW8zz6zgo5O98yZ_wh0YNBMBLqa0dqN7Is7e0_09DJRzbarU98bq09VFSqntfW5mguSvCSjHhyphenhyphenbEQfLc0pLtKWF6GVLQAJEzb-M2Q21AXMn4d/s320/20170111_143255%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA49xdBbc0snWaLUHDFvlbQhP9gCErSNgCgdDfyDS5nn6Wg_AoqDgG1_HhknzTzdZgnBQAeHaAdk8glHm1dOTy4GLOj7k668LCHcl1TyO1T9ga7c6BXVte7O1CvnHpsvZ6wfJ4rj8VExo4/s1600/1484686308%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA49xdBbc0snWaLUHDFvlbQhP9gCErSNgCgdDfyDS5nn6Wg_AoqDgG1_HhknzTzdZgnBQAeHaAdk8glHm1dOTy4GLOj7k668LCHcl1TyO1T9ga7c6BXVte7O1CvnHpsvZ6wfJ4rj8VExo4/s200/1484686308%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a>Temperatures that are 25 degrees above normal are forecasted for the coming weekend, and a few of you have inquired at the golf shop if the course will be open this weekend for play. Although it may seen like a good day on the surface to get the sticks out, as always the story down below tells a different picture.<br />
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Soil temperatures warm much slower than the temperature of the ambient air. As the frozen ground thaws from the top down it becomes quite soft in a hurry. The resulting moisture from the excessive rains we have received in the last couple of weeks has no where fast to go, even with our well-draining sandy soils. Rutting can also often take place with cart and foot traffic (both golf and maintenance) creating additional maintenance and wear on the turfgrass that is not needed this time of year when the turf is not actively growing. It is quite easy under the current conditions to create footprints, even on greens. <br />
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Root shearing can also take place, where traffic can cause turf roots to rip from the crowns of the plant due to the soft conditions above. Damage can stay hidden from this until later on in the spring when soil temperatures become more optimal for growing turf.<br />
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For these reasons, the golf course will remain closed this weekend. This warm wave of weather has also hampered our outdoor work where we have to pick and choose where we can perform our duties without causing more harm than good. Much of our work this week has centered in native areas and along the US 20 fence line. The pictures below depict some of that work. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzvDKNiLIfysQWou0VzkN2Gy8kWT_dze8MXKjjwdd7HwA2PXmoIO6VOaN2zoJhaf9wh68oNeU0dQjYJz2Tk57VeNMNQt8cWMD3hiSYRNnje2YquC7gLtsKuC-d8lIvd5Ipe2N9cyItDhi/s1600/20170116_113212%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzvDKNiLIfysQWou0VzkN2Gy8kWT_dze8MXKjjwdd7HwA2PXmoIO6VOaN2zoJhaf9wh68oNeU0dQjYJz2Tk57VeNMNQt8cWMD3hiSYRNnje2YquC7gLtsKuC-d8lIvd5Ipe2N9cyItDhi/s200/20170116_113212%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before picture of a large pin oak in 12's native area.<br />The bottom growth depicts the natural growth<br />habit of the pin oak. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTph91ZGSIRwbrdaragnLcqJJgWwS0-HBDyIpoMWjSW3tvPIyyHyeHLytsApbv04-rPAaXu7EFf_AUs10pt2Bjmy99gvsNmwgyOPSCWWvrDW0uG4soaGzAwA6E2WvMZxVlIiZrffCnQ9K/s1600/20170116_152140%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTph91ZGSIRwbrdaragnLcqJJgWwS0-HBDyIpoMWjSW3tvPIyyHyeHLytsApbv04-rPAaXu7EFf_AUs10pt2Bjmy99gvsNmwgyOPSCWWvrDW0uG4soaGzAwA6E2WvMZxVlIiZrffCnQ9K/s200/20170116_152140%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After picture of the same tree after the bottom growth<br />was trimmed out. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYJqhUo9x-9P2k4Ynf47wuIQGhHKQwwJZ-qygH2KxBNU0rd1nmxeSoKvA-AIilZ0d7cn_yToh-_X23BQCHGhgFfShjI6SpKE1zCem3ssL5uy6Tzrl44pvPVk1G8JFP3eHcaBETTugD5g_/s1600/20170113_101530%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYJqhUo9x-9P2k4Ynf47wuIQGhHKQwwJZ-qygH2KxBNU0rd1nmxeSoKvA-AIilZ0d7cn_yToh-_X23BQCHGhgFfShjI6SpKE1zCem3ssL5uy6Tzrl44pvPVk1G8JFP3eHcaBETTugD5g_/s200/20170113_101530%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree service also dropped 7 oak trees in<br />preparation of the halfway house project.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDXmLxsKvSFkT26kk36pmlqzd-7ws5IdKXTG6u8amlyFMwUkvn9uevbvcqo08HFYzrhtNNapXcb-77SOFMwrfiiRApsEgXZFgePFQ06AOo9jheXWYRjqpxjJ0E_wl3xlq1WZEPxukYm3c/s1600/20170113_135411%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDXmLxsKvSFkT26kk36pmlqzd-7ws5IdKXTG6u8amlyFMwUkvn9uevbvcqo08HFYzrhtNNapXcb-77SOFMwrfiiRApsEgXZFgePFQ06AOo9jheXWYRjqpxjJ0E_wl3xlq1WZEPxukYm3c/s200/20170113_135411%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree service fell a large silver maple next<br />the purple beech at the Range Hut. This maple was impeding<br />the top growth of the more desirable beech.</td></tr>
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Thank you for your understanding, and have a great day!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-7797460185594537072017-01-02T17:00:00.002-05:002017-01-02T17:00:56.909-05:00Course Notes, 1/2/17Happy New Year to everyone, may it bring all of us good golfing and great weather! The golf course has experienced 2 heavy snows, and 2 subsequent melts in the last month. December's temperatures ranged from a low of -14 to a high of 58. Turf is hanging in there nicely thanks to timely melting of any ice formation and nice insulation from snow cover during those very cold nights. So far, so good!<br />
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The staff and I were busy beginning our annual tree work in December. We are about halfway through as I write this article. Most tree work this winter is a continued effort of executing Elcona's Tree Management Plan, reviewed each year by the Golf and Greens Committee. Some of the tree work this winter is suggested from the Master Improvement Plan submitted to Elcona from Hills/Forrest. I have included a few pictures below of some of the work so far:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsiXghcS8jjRat3iFwBRTHU47i7ip5Z96-ujrk5HNEnSs8se6_TDhwHhyphenhyphentlgOBeY6s70ZwQc6DzKkBaJXubK4KuEJYNShyKOLXrImDJiQMMFCC2eoAj3bOmR2D7BSenyjjMfaaPgZ_wWT/s1600/20161223_135431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsiXghcS8jjRat3iFwBRTHU47i7ip5Z96-ujrk5HNEnSs8se6_TDhwHhyphenhyphentlgOBeY6s70ZwQc6DzKkBaJXubK4KuEJYNShyKOLXrImDJiQMMFCC2eoAj3bOmR2D7BSenyjjMfaaPgZ_wWT/s320/20161223_135431.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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3 Blue Spruce were removed on 9 tee to better reveal the nice Sugar Maple on the left, as well as better scatter cart traffic at the end of the asphalt path. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-nkGsBkpfgslHHY4ocX2LwP7UcuvORv_3Qune0Q-9luH2vyQX4VxwelJ2zPhX1xhPgkeQWqti0UL3ZNb5k7zQ5GmDqbqjDDzzoI4aWZqAEkTIVmwN2WAJpL_sbh70FmtonEg-L6LFOWf/s1600/20161223_131546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-nkGsBkpfgslHHY4ocX2LwP7UcuvORv_3Qune0Q-9luH2vyQX4VxwelJ2zPhX1xhPgkeQWqti0UL3ZNb5k7zQ5GmDqbqjDDzzoI4aWZqAEkTIVmwN2WAJpL_sbh70FmtonEg-L6LFOWf/s320/20161223_131546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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2 Locust were removed on the right side of 15 for their knack of producing much litter in the fairway. The locust closest to the fairway was rotting in the trunk, and the picture above shows a sassafras sapling growing inside the crotch of the tree. </div>
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The locust to the right of the blue tee on #4 was removed. This, along with several other locusts on property, were impacted by the Imprellis herbicide. Unknowing to any of us, this tree was severely rotten inside, and posed a danger to anyone on that tee if the winds were correct. <br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AuRsjjNDJU9ZdZKbdu12WwJ5tGaLvv06Svkc8aaI8UmBkExGpwKnvl2o3jSsVz3JNokZhFNeg2jc-BrpIWLNYAJcvLvCuauQ4d4hLvgt4aTreG6VYdzSOkyPH6wiamO79jyHBg1sMP59/s1600/20161226_124645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AuRsjjNDJU9ZdZKbdu12WwJ5tGaLvv06Svkc8aaI8UmBkExGpwKnvl2o3jSsVz3JNokZhFNeg2jc-BrpIWLNYAJcvLvCuauQ4d4hLvgt4aTreG6VYdzSOkyPH6wiamO79jyHBg1sMP59/s320/20161226_124645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of the locust removed on 4. </td></tr>
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Finally, I included this picture of Bowser and I on 3 green, not only to show everyone that we still had a bit of snow on the ground, but to show off Gus (the large burr oak to the right of 5 green). Thanks to consulting with 2 of Northern Indiana's more knowledgeable tree experts, we have a plan in place to maintain Gus's presence at Elcona for many years to come. I will have a blog article on that in the coming weeks. <br />
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If you have any questions about the golf course, please feel free to email me at ryan@elconacc.com. Again, Happy New Year to everyone and I look forward to what 2017 brings!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-9915726739769722802016-11-23T16:06:00.000-05:002016-11-23T16:06:13.529-05:00Course Notes, 11/18/2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYvXVY3dLzNJlC6YK6v6Qq7cCj9rniM108M5Ou6FaW1ButaLRFk-Am4VRnxx88EB33naXq_m8B_cY3Fg2wI9o785TosWnN7SB__QAwJSzMtGIO3k9Ehefnao2Xs1mIvQ_iqW4c9pCol3K/s1600/20161101_103933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYvXVY3dLzNJlC6YK6v6Qq7cCj9rniM108M5Ou6FaW1ButaLRFk-Am4VRnxx88EB33naXq_m8B_cY3Fg2wI9o785TosWnN7SB__QAwJSzMtGIO3k9Ehefnao2Xs1mIvQ_iqW4c9pCol3K/s320/20161101_103933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our resident blue heron on 14</td></tr>
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All those pretty leaves that beautified the Elcona landscape are now finally falling down at a blistering pace. The close to a quite successful golf season here at Elcona is quickly approaching in looking at the long range forecast. Rounds played in 2016 have exceeded the 14,200 mark, surpassing 2015 by about 500. <br />
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The staff and I have been hard at work executing our winterization plans that I discussed in my <span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://elconaccgrounds.blogspot.com/2016/10/course-notes-101816.html?m=0" target="_blank">article in October.</a> </span>The irrigation system has been winterized, our annual Vertidrain on greens was successfully completed, and the golf course turf has been mowed for what I hope to be the last time until Spring 2017. Plant protectants have been applied to all fine cuts of turf. All that is left for fall is a final topdressing on greens to insulate the crowns, a drainage project on 17 fairway, and of course, mulching the rest of those pesky leaves!<br />
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Two projects that were completed since I last wrote were the extended collar on 9 and the squaring and combining of the black/blue/white tees on #10. As I mentioned last article, the collar was installed to provide better playability to the hole and give the golfer additional shot options around the green. 10's tees were combined, re-aligned, and squared to achieve a better aesthetic view to the hole. We were also able to flatten the front part of the tee, and recapture a bit of teeing ground both at the back of the lower tee and the front of the black tee. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle working on swapping sod</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 tee before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNEk8mpROSLZ_A2Y9YPPuW_0CKxrxzAGjRICkcrsPoUO8S-IdgiX8kFao27EVSzz8dmUxTlVnjF2NdRDfUCbYBnzZLVpC4ow7zJEp4VTmGEyw9txiSXjrRgxDU-UbUW5WI_SP_qr6l574/s1600/20161102_171121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNEk8mpROSLZ_A2Y9YPPuW_0CKxrxzAGjRICkcrsPoUO8S-IdgiX8kFao27EVSzz8dmUxTlVnjF2NdRDfUCbYBnzZLVpC4ow7zJEp4VTmGEyw9txiSXjrRgxDU-UbUW5WI_SP_qr6l574/s200/20161102_171121.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 tee after</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXcA_NFfb-Vsp7z4XXUAmIhCsQZR3km5sR7t-7_ur8y-CNtxrWNMAZ_iQ2CABhhmj5KRuGJQPaOqKlyeAWkZfTsXJvkNQB2Kz0KHirdfqzbDALm6uf0nnh4uShyphenhyphen_k5oQLBQcVJScTNuBd/s1600/20161028_153331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXcA_NFfb-Vsp7z4XXUAmIhCsQZR3km5sR7t-7_ur8y-CNtxrWNMAZ_iQ2CABhhmj5KRuGJQPaOqKlyeAWkZfTsXJvkNQB2Kz0KHirdfqzbDALm6uf0nnh4uShyphenhyphen_k5oQLBQcVJScTNuBd/s200/20161028_153331.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished collar on 9</td></tr>
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Both of these projects were suggested from a Master Improvement Plan that Hills/Forrest has provided Elcona within the last 12 months. At the end of the 2015 season, the Golf/Greens Committee charged me to work with Hills/Forrest to formulate a new golf course improvement plan to provide solid solutions for any current opportunities the membership felt there were on the golf course. The resulting document created by Hills/Forrest architect Shawn Smith contains a road map for Elcona's golf course future, and a schedule for any updates the membership feels need addressing. This master plan addresses proposed improvements for each hole, including: tee shape and orientation, fairway and green bunker design, green design improvements, fairway mowing patterns, tree management, cart path alignments, and items to provide strategic and aesthetic qualities. <br />
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Both the Golf/Greens Committee and the Board of Directors have adopted this Master Improvement Plan as a roadmap for any future improvements to the golf course. Any potential improvements that would be completed here would be based on the ideals and principles set forth in this plan. I have received many positive comments on the completed projects in the last 2 weeks, in which the staff and I thank you. I look forward to completing more of these projects in the future years to create an even stronger Elcona golf course that all of you will enjoy for many years to come. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIH6tG7SPVOSN72FlnOjFJkjO_So1DRL8BY8kpxJD1L3H41tD4btrOHjvcIw7jfc6kdskqyRpdjWlrTwTCjpTJo41MqYGmsFnzTrxhh_Aq9QpNufbrjrtF72LTd0Lyd7g1-gpmL59k5Z/s1600/20161111_122956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIH6tG7SPVOSN72FlnOjFJkjO_So1DRL8BY8kpxJD1L3H41tD4btrOHjvcIw7jfc6kdskqyRpdjWlrTwTCjpTJo41MqYGmsFnzTrxhh_Aq9QpNufbrjrtF72LTd0Lyd7g1-gpmL59k5Z/s200/20161111_122956.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be helping irrigation blowout</td></tr>
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Finally, those of you that have ventured out in the last few weeks have noticed a new crew member hanging around with me. His name is Bowser, and he is a 11 month old pure brindle Boxer. Bowser is slowly learning how to properly conduct himself on the golf course and has already earned his keep by chasing a few migrating geese off property. 14 Pond seems to be his favorite area, because that is the only pond he will hop in for a swim! When the time is right during the workweek, he will be accompanying me around the property collecting sticks and keeping me company during the long hours of the season. He has already enjoyed meeting a few of you, even if he seems shy. <br />
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Thank you for reading my long-winded blog article. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Thank you, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-60417341783876013122016-10-18T16:40:00.000-04:002016-10-18T16:40:38.492-04:00Course Notes, 10/18/16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVeIkdr3kAu_W7Ab6o8JWE_QkHz_fqblkScRfBTK3hd-EqCPIrB3ECl65yMfRc8JwQWLZZfyYiorczGuFfs3VKash4JnahOFhFhODQ7kO5ss9NUfqQP5ndySvejL7KhSuiTvXBOuPM3fL/s1600/20161017_091132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVeIkdr3kAu_W7Ab6o8JWE_QkHz_fqblkScRfBTK3hd-EqCPIrB3ECl65yMfRc8JwQWLZZfyYiorczGuFfs3VKash4JnahOFhFhODQ7kO5ss9NUfqQP5ndySvejL7KhSuiTvXBOuPM3fL/s400/20161017_091132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As the picture above illustrates, fall is finally upon us and the foliage is starting to show its true color. The next 10-14 days will truly have some spectacular views. Hopefully many of you will have the opportunity to come out and enjoy your golf course. <br />
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Aerification has been completed on greens and fairways, and I thank my staff for their hard work in the last 10 days. With the ample rainfall and above normal temperatures, healing of the aerification holes is already ahead of schedule compared to past years. <br />
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We have also began some of our preparations of the greens for this coming winter, a bit earlier than we normally do. Below are some of what we do to best defend the turf against the harsh conditions winter can sometimes bring. <br />
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<b>Raising mower heights</b>. One of the changes I have made this year is raising the height of cut on the greens earlier than normal. Currently,the height of cut on greens .135", or .015" higher than in-season heights. Raising height of cut allows more leaf surface for the turf to maximize their photosynthetic capabilities and carbohydrate storage. Raising height will also lessen stress to the plant and create a deeper root system going into winter. While raising heights may not create the speeds that summer brings, it is best for the long term health of the greens going into winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3u0xmgJV3KFv7g3Qo_5TB_74cFu4ztg-GDKk4FZ_3oNCb6gRVqVyqyO65vmlC3a9VzifpilU6DgqN3AtE75pLTkrSETOY3CZXibMiLTgcI41cxkmlK770jajKq1pD3woN0n43Uhc2BDz/s1600/8+Green+up+close+3-20-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3u0xmgJV3KFv7g3Qo_5TB_74cFu4ztg-GDKk4FZ_3oNCb6gRVqVyqyO65vmlC3a9VzifpilU6DgqN3AtE75pLTkrSETOY3CZXibMiLTgcI41cxkmlK770jajKq1pD3woN0n43Uhc2BDz/s200/8+Green+up+close+3-20-14.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late Season deep tine channels</td></tr>
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<b>Late season aerification</b>. On November 7th, our annual Vertidrain process will completed (weather permitting!). These extra holes create three advantages: additional channels for spring root growth, aid in relieving any deeper compaction within the rootzone soil profile, and extra drainage capabilities for ice/snow melt to prevent ice formation on the plant surfaces. These tines are 1/2" wide, and vary in depth from 7-10". The depth of these tines is altered each year to prevent a hardpan layer from forming, which would hinder drainage over time.<br />
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<b>Fertility and Plant Protectants</b>. While we limit nutrients on finely maintained turf during the season to provide great playing conditions, the fall is the best time to feed the turf to maximize carbohydrate storage going into winter. The more carbs the plant stores, the quicker it will break dormancy when temperatures warm up in the spring. Nitrogen, potassium, and bio stimulants were applied to fill this vital need over the course of the month. Plant protectants will be applied to prevent damage from fungal diseases such as Pink Snow Mold. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AJID_VEFvJDzA91Y2OtsWm4-9nzf-oL81CrlpWNhzTDDVguR5mTGGJLhsVq_O2dPjhP3lp-WYHMoA5lJGRdEwM5vbDx7OYNpvECdo_5St-inahqkUOnUFpbQ2RB-zlTjsifPlO81vGBH/s1600/CAM00474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AJID_VEFvJDzA91Y2OtsWm4-9nzf-oL81CrlpWNhzTDDVguR5mTGGJLhsVq_O2dPjhP3lp-WYHMoA5lJGRdEwM5vbDx7OYNpvECdo_5St-inahqkUOnUFpbQ2RB-zlTjsifPlO81vGBH/s200/CAM00474.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topdressing protecting the crown of the plants</td></tr>
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<b>Topdressing</b>. Another change to our winterization program will be more light, frequent applications of topdressing sand while the turf is still actively growing. This will help further even out the playing surfaces from aerification and begin the process of protecting the crown from winter's cold and ice. When growth has ceased for the year, we will apply a thick coating of sand topdressing to bury the crowns and as much leaf tissue as possible. This sand helps protect and insulate the crown of the plant from any extreme cold temperatures. This practice was another way more damage was prevented from the ice layer that encased all the greens turf in 2014. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtybTfh0WzsR92zWHnt32FV_tLbKct0XB12EvFzUf1ODS4j4Dw3vI0wrmdN5WTkD4p-cuKqFXohffyNuMYsH_qBww1bR3fqYBSUsc0tCbf7JRl5s-2fgegRTe1a3KpV0zy6bNy0px2wbg/s1600/20161018_103739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtybTfh0WzsR92zWHnt32FV_tLbKct0XB12EvFzUf1ODS4j4Dw3vI0wrmdN5WTkD4p-cuKqFXohffyNuMYsH_qBww1bR3fqYBSUsc0tCbf7JRl5s-2fgegRTe1a3KpV0zy6bNy0px2wbg/s200/20161018_103739.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2nd assistant Kyle removing bluegrass sod</td></tr>
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Finally, the staff and I began one of our major fall projects today. We will be installing an extended collar to the back of 9 green, thanks to much input and feedback from many of you. This is also a suggested improvement from our golf course architect, Shawn Smith of Hills/Forrest. The idea is to give more options for shots behind the green and make that area of the hole a bit less penal. As the pictures dictate, we will be removing 6-7 feet of the bluegrass sod and replacing it with bentgrass from our in-house nursery. We should have all the sod laid by week's end. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZCKmYhsv4MbMtC-g0D31uyimNZMOFoBIu8DdP4PwfzN_oCYi-Y8TbDitD9mfsEdcQX23QAC0H3EtwJLtvVsTU6Rtkctowowu3ccumAJnaBVzSJFEAuQbcnuwOO-u0Dn861hXz9V6EJdH/s1600/20161018_154654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZCKmYhsv4MbMtC-g0D31uyimNZMOFoBIu8DdP4PwfzN_oCYi-Y8TbDitD9mfsEdcQX23QAC0H3EtwJLtvVsTU6Rtkctowowu3ccumAJnaBVzSJFEAuQbcnuwOO-u0Dn861hXz9V6EJdH/s200/20161018_154654.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bentgrass sod being installed</td></tr>
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Going forward, while #9 will be open for play, this area will be roped off for the rest of the playing season. We will be rolling, aerifying, and topdressing the sod to smooth this surface into a playable surface for the 2017 season. This area should be treated as Ground Under Repair and shots should not be taken from this new area. Thank you for your cooperation with this nice improvement to #9. <br />
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Thank you, and I hope to see you out on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-12464771882221846552016-10-11T06:21:00.000-04:002016-10-11T06:21:18.123-04:00Course Notes, 10/11/2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4a5X00xQbWdfWmY77HIEaoWGJcw-m_YsWnEvZcL4zuDULmoShYbwGMi1UPQQopAJhIeMgCXs4YtW2UV6ZmPQtAKEPunwCgzw-9bKz5v_gXJg7yyur8ODkr4k59mXUwuAQ2q23zsR8rai/s1600/20151129_075618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4a5X00xQbWdfWmY77HIEaoWGJcw-m_YsWnEvZcL4zuDULmoShYbwGMi1UPQQopAJhIeMgCXs4YtW2UV6ZmPQtAKEPunwCgzw-9bKz5v_gXJg7yyur8ODkr4k59mXUwuAQ2q23zsR8rai/s320/20151129_075618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In looking at the week's forecast, it is looking like Friday morning will be our first frost delay of the Fall 2016 season. Why do we delay tee times when there is frost? <br />
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Frost is essentially frozen dew. It can form when the temperature approaches near freezing. The ice crystals that form on the outside of the plant can also harden or freeze the cellular structure of the plant. When frost is present, the normally resilient plant cells become brittle and can be easily crushed internally or pierced like a knife from the outside ice crystals. When these cell membranes are damaged, the plant loses its ability to function normally. Think of this like cracking an egg: once the shell is broken, it cannot be put back together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHde37z64Egn6S9ybLCdVCaHH7s5sbZSVF_9xFjGBnQsaclk47asYgX5GKWg7jNOW0ghVuchyphenhyphenfWHQa8qugIb5DQcg8IhJ2VlXpwFHbi1tHw7M8hBF6QBNp5SEhiAYpzmEJeJQCARilnZyh/s1600/1426196160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHde37z64Egn6S9ybLCdVCaHH7s5sbZSVF_9xFjGBnQsaclk47asYgX5GKWg7jNOW0ghVuchyphenhyphenfWHQa8qugIb5DQcg8IhJ2VlXpwFHbi1tHw7M8hBF6QBNp5SEhiAYpzmEJeJQCARilnZyh/s320/1426196160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic patterns of an average foursome on a green.</td></tr>
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Although damage will not be immediate, the proof will emerge within 48-72 hours as leaves turn brown and die. As the picture on the right shows the typical foot traffic of a normal foursome on a green, damage could be extensive if played or mowed during frosty conditions. <br />
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Have a great week!<br />
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RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-84435384293308397302016-10-09T08:13:00.000-04:002016-10-09T08:13:42.476-04:00Course Notes, 10/9/16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQMEiupByKvM8iZ4lL6rEY2ELrm4FLTtMwu7X4R1PULYyoh7EsiLhu9svTwvVnVTPGtZlz2Yjf0jBQIpy83K6cEK0dbBWFZXTolyPOC891-dIx3Smx8LxPDRlrLMGzLH8ev6hpmWvr9uV/s1600/20160924_152435%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQMEiupByKvM8iZ4lL6rEY2ELrm4FLTtMwu7X4R1PULYyoh7EsiLhu9svTwvVnVTPGtZlz2Yjf0jBQIpy83K6cEK0dbBWFZXTolyPOC891-dIx3Smx8LxPDRlrLMGzLH8ev6hpmWvr9uV/s320/20160924_152435%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The staff and I have had quite a busy September and early October. The final days of the season had beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, capped off with a successful Hole in One Stag tournament. We are currently in the middle of our fall aerification. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDjKTRrauYXbWf9_ZzuYM_dtZXHMqna2jRmOBcvHQU2CY3wxJsWJ9PeEh1isJNu-Y7wWGk0OSwxpv2zLAEhlIkTS6DvaQa7uRUop-fZ7U1cf9n5TuQ_Jjtt9YC0SfGDgFbRDevw0RODNf/s1600/20161003_150907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDjKTRrauYXbWf9_ZzuYM_dtZXHMqna2jRmOBcvHQU2CY3wxJsWJ9PeEh1isJNu-Y7wWGk0OSwxpv2zLAEhlIkTS6DvaQa7uRUop-fZ7U1cf9n5TuQ_Jjtt9YC0SfGDgFbRDevw0RODNf/s200/20161003_150907.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tines vs. fairway tines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw13N_XgC7I6qW1qydbkBpns_Gixyzi3SKtR37PaCBAN-6JgjSioL7yGFuruQFV3Mokr4tMQWtBDBBHJPuV-uRRyJyJ6byBM59YOjiH-YVLWkfxVR9dhL3YqLh_693Jv3ke-6hnnZGBpub/s1600/20161003_150919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw13N_XgC7I6qW1qydbkBpns_Gixyzi3SKtR37PaCBAN-6JgjSioL7yGFuruQFV3Mokr4tMQWtBDBBHJPuV-uRRyJyJ6byBM59YOjiH-YVLWkfxVR9dhL3YqLh_693Jv3ke-6hnnZGBpub/s200/20161003_150919.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/8" vs 5/8" tines</td></tr>
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For greens aerification this year, I decided to go with a slightly smaller tine size, for a number of reasons. Each year, I look at many factors in deciding what is best for Elcona's greens, mainly our annual soil test results, current soil structure and rooting, and the amount of traffic the greens have received over the course of the year. I also look at the amount of surface area impacted annually. The USGA recommends that 20% of a putting green's surface area be removed or effected by an annual aerification program. With our frequent venting (solid 1/4" tines) we performed this year coupled with our current soil structure and results, we went with a 3/8" coring tine instead of the traditional 5/8" tine, at a 1"x 2" spacing. For your information, in 2016 the greens will have a total of 25.13% of surface area impacted by 6 ventings, one core aerification, and one solid deep tine in November. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8EW-BjSW11lDo6sQw6oZEpD_Fz5ipwRMa_iVwfifPVZrT59jrc23GwdBKetn8O5Zb4nchtHwUtAEgWECEmnjQDp4I1mKyAV3sgdnzGggbCGYqzIB6NNR2cAvG5HjMNJXhqlfLe5-JjCJ/s1600/20161004_091543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8EW-BjSW11lDo6sQw6oZEpD_Fz5ipwRMa_iVwfifPVZrT59jrc23GwdBKetn8O5Zb4nchtHwUtAEgWECEmnjQDp4I1mKyAV3sgdnzGggbCGYqzIB6NNR2cAvG5HjMNJXhqlfLe5-JjCJ/s320/20161004_091543.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green surface after pulling cores</td></tr>
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Each golf course is different in respect to soil structure and turf needs, so what is best for Elcona may be different that what would be best for other courses. What is best for our greens can and may change year to year, so while these smaller tines are good for this year, we may have to go back to larger tines in future years if organic matter or thatch levels change dramatically. <br />
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After the cores dried on the surface, we verticut the soil from the thatch and turf, and dragged the material back into the holes while the staff cleaned the thatch up by hand. Fresh sand was then added to fill the holes as best as possible. <br />
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While we were overall successful in this fall's aerification, we did have a few belt issues on a couple greens that caused a rippling effect on the turf. We will be out repairing these areas over the course of the next week, as well as adding an additional application of topdressing to further fill any open holes. Mowing and rolling will be done on an as needed basis to allow the turf to grow through the sand layer and create a more smooth surface in time, and would be done in the afternoon to create a dry cut that is best for the turf and limit the mess wet sand would leave. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wYGQJTgN9e1w880yV-fRQCH0vP2Olk6CX1dYHHw4hVdva81jZUiWjAHA0jyPIf9wK8cAYRDUkbjfwfXrXKD539nP-0xUSChIk0Z76PRGJvTBzymXOcFdpw1vRrfMMYlWMxE1xzz50jiP/s1600/20161007_125051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wYGQJTgN9e1w880yV-fRQCH0vP2Olk6CX1dYHHw4hVdva81jZUiWjAHA0jyPIf9wK8cAYRDUkbjfwfXrXKD539nP-0xUSChIk0Z76PRGJvTBzymXOcFdpw1vRrfMMYlWMxE1xzz50jiP/s200/20161007_125051.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staff blowing sand into holes and thatch into a pile</td></tr>
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Fairway aerification will be starting Monday, using 5/8" coring tines. It looks like we will have fantastic weather for this process, and hopefully be complete be the end of the week. Please be on the look out for our staff when you are out enjoying your golf course this week, as we will be busy coring and cleaning up in the afternoons. <br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEaMER3VOk4qg1GvIZWfsQHMFD0xgxT_qB3YfCogyoMsYO9g3Knn6ezYb5TPJTkecO0Ebryc5pFUHaGz8gQkfL8ceVqI_DFOhoQMJiJ4Pp-WHBi0NMpwLUt5ZgRUMHPbCVMNrSQAoPX0u/s1600/20161007_161509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEaMER3VOk4qg1GvIZWfsQHMFD0xgxT_qB3YfCogyoMsYO9g3Knn6ezYb5TPJTkecO0Ebryc5pFUHaGz8gQkfL8ceVqI_DFOhoQMJiJ4Pp-WHBi0NMpwLUt5ZgRUMHPbCVMNrSQAoPX0u/s320/20161007_161509.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product!</td></tr>
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. There is still plenty of great weather, changing colors, and great golf ahead in 2016, so I hope to see you out on the golf course!<br />
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Ryan<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549771783173052787.post-91693633143488143042016-08-31T06:22:00.000-04:002016-08-31T06:22:18.211-04:00Course Notes, 8/31/2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Some of you have asked me what is making the tiny sand mounds on the greens during the day. The answer is two fold in what I have seen. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aH9Ft7xMQ6E_SG1phkO3DnblvYHaPhwdarlxafAsAfhLdZuzC9f6dtSW-gZX44AsAUY-dtIOmBPJ_eLNJfsg6NQ02Nrb6N8CJdSOXaNmfFzSDbOXmJOo6NU9mcEA9bUA1D4YEAWlmz7o/s1600/20160830_170103%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aH9Ft7xMQ6E_SG1phkO3DnblvYHaPhwdarlxafAsAfhLdZuzC9f6dtSW-gZX44AsAUY-dtIOmBPJ_eLNJfsg6NQ02Nrb6N8CJdSOXaNmfFzSDbOXmJOo6NU9mcEA9bUA1D4YEAWlmz7o/s320/20160830_170103%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moundings on 10 green</td></tr>
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The first is the Seed Corn Beetle. These beetles burrow about 2 inches into the soil, looking for insects and other tidbits to eat. There are two generations of these beetles, occurring in May and in August. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bQv3vt-MrCuvUaoEhVnsErncOxyMMewsuAT4rTiSbmQYS8rEhdlzSiKUjr9YouDhk-02xP79637Wb0cS8UC9WiLb_CgPLN64cxHjod-foZpe22T_tW05CnUnJ1e3ywcvAILVjpsd3tJm/s1600/Burrowing+Beetle+on+greens+-+Lens+6-11+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bQv3vt-MrCuvUaoEhVnsErncOxyMMewsuAT4rTiSbmQYS8rEhdlzSiKUjr9YouDhk-02xP79637Wb0cS8UC9WiLb_CgPLN64cxHjod-foZpe22T_tW05CnUnJ1e3ywcvAILVjpsd3tJm/s320/Burrowing+Beetle+on+greens+-+Lens+6-11+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Seed Corn Beetle</td></tr>
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The second, and more populous burrowing insect I am seeing are ants, specifically the Eastern carpenter ant and the Cornfield ant. These ants are worker female ants looking to form new colonies with their burrowing. They mainly feed on seeds and honeydew from aphids and mealybugs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlxKaFOV99yfy-xEfKaLfyr_a2slh92Gz2Hu6a970mBmg5C9g6Ke4gO77DW_F1_D12AzxnCaeIrIL5eDTBIvH8KH_0cb45Qs3wP84tA6OdWt6F1IzQMpljzQz8z_f0OTPaHSFedJvJmPR/s1600/Ant+Mounds+on+17+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlxKaFOV99yfy-xEfKaLfyr_a2slh92Gz2Hu6a970mBmg5C9g6Ke4gO77DW_F1_D12AzxnCaeIrIL5eDTBIvH8KH_0cb45Qs3wP84tA6OdWt6F1IzQMpljzQz8z_f0OTPaHSFedJvJmPR/s200/Ant+Mounds+on+17+Green.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ant mounding on 17 Green</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-OA3SX3r3SjIK_-wDcS5mvcAauRdge8CftqA7vVTvREoNekwR4O5NUBzDUw946w2-jCv8g0S21uus9ixzIg-y95wzzizV8B5z5rGUUUhzXKERjjMgqrakiXrtY2n4GuXuMvuyXC2pHsD/s1600/Ant+on+17+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-OA3SX3r3SjIK_-wDcS5mvcAauRdge8CftqA7vVTvREoNekwR4O5NUBzDUw946w2-jCv8g0S21uus9ixzIg-y95wzzizV8B5z5rGUUUhzXKERjjMgqrakiXrtY2n4GuXuMvuyXC2pHsD/s200/Ant+on+17+Green.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ant crawling on 17 green</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqVzv1_wMasKla8O8DHA6dnQaHvCwsZBiVCDnd22iJtJFSX2n6hnkYXgG7wWnpXE4Y0zyHDxfpHzhcXfEn50pPgR-B5ev4bkdrLr-lj2rvwhj1SJPV3QhQvwlds7vf9dgZ1yWSaZVkGFZ/s1600/20160830_163438%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqVzv1_wMasKla8O8DHA6dnQaHvCwsZBiVCDnd22iJtJFSX2n6hnkYXgG7wWnpXE4Y0zyHDxfpHzhcXfEn50pPgR-B5ev4bkdrLr-lj2rvwhj1SJPV3QhQvwlds7vf9dgZ1yWSaZVkGFZ/s200/20160830_163438%255B1%255D.jpg" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the Eastern Carpenter Ant</td></tr>
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Normally treatment is not required, since both of these insects provide beneficial natural control of other pests to turf, such as the cutworm. We try to set high thresholds when it comes to evaluating whether to treat or not, to limit the footprint we set on the environment. However, we will be treating for these ants today due to the high incidences of moundings on select greens. </div>
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If you have any questions, please contact me at ryan@elconacc.com. Thanks, and have a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend! </div>
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Ryan</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922858313614624159noreply@blogger.com0