Golf Course News - 10/1/2008
The days are certainly getting shorter and the calendar says that Fall is here. The unusually warm temperatures will eventually give way to more seasonal averages. As the nights get cooler I will begin to watch for frost. I pay particular attention for frost whenever the forecasted temperature is for forty degrees or cooler on a clear night with light winds. Even though the thermometer is above freezing, the cool air is pooling in low areas creating frost. When it does get below the magic number we must continue to watch for frost until a half hour after sunrise. This is because a half hour after sunrise is the coldest part of the morning. When frost does blanket the golf course nobody can be on it. If grass that is covered in frost is walked on, the leaf blades will be damaged and in some instances the plant could be killed. On frosty mornings it is up to Mother Nature when we can get on the golf course – for maintenance and golf.
On the golf course maintenance side of things, we are very busy right now. The frequent rain has not only made the turf very healthy, but it has also kept us a little behind in our mowing schedules. Of course, we have a very small crew this time of year. So it takes a little longer to catch up when we get behind. This is also the time of year that we begin spraying for weeds. I am sure that cleaning up the leaves blanketing the ground will soon be another daily task.
Fall may be here, but there is certainly a lot of golfing weather left. The golf course is in great condition and I hope to see everybody out enjoying it.
-Mark Siems
