Greens Aerification Monday

Course Closed Monday, April 29th

A reminder all greens will be core aerified on Monday, April 29^th which will require closure of the entire golf course for the day.  In past years, full core greens aerification was eliminated.  The aerification process allows us to remove organic matter and provide healthier, firmer putting surfaces throughout the season.  Every year in the spring and fall we will be pulling cores and backfilling the open aerification holes with clean topdressing sand.  I expect to complete the process in 1 day with good weather conditions.  The full healing process should take 10-14 days with favorable weather to produce good growing conditions.

Flood Update

The golf course will reopen at 1pm on Saturday.

The driving range remains open for use from the mats.

We received a little over 6.5" of rain in the recent storm.  As of 9am most of the floodwaters have receded except for portions of the 5th, 9th and 10th holes.  We are currently utilizing pumps to expedite water removal and return the golf course to playable conditions as soon as possible. 

Snow is in the air this morning!  If you look close you can see some snowflakes on the 9th green.

Bunkers drain quickly, but the floodwater leave behind washouts around the perimeter and a layer of silt and debris.  This silt contamination must be removed before washouts are repaired and bunkers raked in preparation for play.  A labor intensive operation.

Pumps are utilized to expedite water removal.

View from the 5th tee at 9am.

18th tee looking towards 1st green taken Thursday and again on Friday, nearly back to normal.

Flooding Rains

Thursday, April 18th - 6" of rain so far...

The forecast is calling for 1-2" of additional rain today and tonight.  Once the rain ends staff will begin pumping water from low areas to help speed up the drainage process.  I expect the course to be back in play for the weekend with little if any noticeable damage.

From the 5th green looking at the 5th & 10th fairways.

Looking back towards the 5th tee from the fairway bunker.

From the cart path on #1 looking east at #1 green.

Course Preparation

 

                                   

Quite a difference from the first fairway mowing (top) compared to the most recent fairway photo.  Warm spring rains and frost free nights have allowed the turf to break dormancy.

 

Unfortunately we had to remove one of the large Oak Trees at the club entrance.  Our certified arborist recommended immediate removal of the tree due to its declining condition and potential hazard in a wind storm.  Once removed it became apparent that the trunk was almost completely hollow and what little wood remained was soft and rotten.

 Aerification of greens is scheduled for Monday, April 29th.  The benefits of aerification are visible in this photo taken recently on the 10th green.  Notice the healthy green turf growing in last falls aerification holes.

   

Spring bunker preparation is nearly complete.  Edges were cut, winter washouts repaired and excess sand was removed.  I expect you will notice an immediate difference in the firmness and consistency of our bunkers.

The Season Begins...

The golf course officially opens Friday, April 5th.  I am expecting numerous frost delays as the colder than normal temperatures still have a grip on Chicago.  Please keep in mind that the majority of the turf is still dormant and unable to recover from daily wear.  It is extremely important that ball marks be repaired and divots replaced.  I look forward to seeing you on the golf course in the near future! 

The removal of covers signals the beginning.  The first step is a quick cleanup with a backpack blower in preparation for the first rounds of the season.  I expect the kelly green color to fade with exposure to a few cooler nights. 

A pass with the roller smooths any rough spots from winter freeze and thaw cycles.

Greens mowers make the first cut of the season on #3.

Antonio mows #18 green, still dormant from the recent cold weather.  Mowing along with warmer temperatures will help stimulate the grass into a growth cycle.

Todd cuts the first cup of the season on #3