October 2019
CCLL Golf Course Maintenance Update BE IN THE KNOW WITH THIS ISSUE!
Fixing Ball Marks: 2-3 Cart Driving Rules: 4 Zoysia Fairways: 5 Fall Overseeding: 6 Then and Now Pictorial: 7-10 Get Together & Golf with Jeff: 11
A YEAR TO REMEMBER Jeff Steen CGCS, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Maybe this is a year that we want to forget! I've been told by so many members that they cannot remember a year where the weather has been so inconsistent and so relentless. With the rain gauge hovering at sixty inches thus far, and a few months still left in the year, one cannot reflect back on this year without talking about the weather. However, as a golf course superintendent, it continuously sounds like an excuse always referring to the weather, but in this case it certainly has played a major role in course conditions. It seemed that every time the team would make a positive stride forward, we'd take two strides back and never get ahead. We cannot blame the weather for everything! I hope you enjoy some of the pictures enclosed and allow yourself to reflect back on this "year to remember." It has been such a positive and rewarding time at The Country Club at Loch Lloyd, despite some negative feedback the golf course maintenance team has received. We live in the moment, especially during a round of golf. Shot to shot, hole to hole.
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Reminder from recent newsletter: FIXING BALLMARKS - USGA GREENS SECTION As golfers, a small amount of our time and attention can go a long way in helping to maintain high-quality playing conditions on the courses we play. Repairing ball marks on the putting greens is an easy way to make a positive impact, but the importance of ball mark repair and the proper tools and technique are often misunderstood. Here are five things every golfer should know about repairing ball marks:
1. The proper technique for ball mark repair is easy and fast Insert the ball mark repair tool behind the ball mark and gently pull the top of the tool toward the center. Continue working around the ball mark, pulling the surrounding turf in toward the center of the indentation. Avoid using a lifting or twisting motion because this can damage turf roots. Once you have finished pulling turf in toward the center, gently tamp the area down with your putter to create a smooth, firm surface.
2. Unrepaired ball marks cause lasting problems Failing to repair a ball mark may seem like a minor oversight, but there are lasting consequences. Unrepaired ball marks can take weeks to heal, during which time they can cause balls to bounce off line. The damage to the putting surface is also an entry point for weeds that can cause serious problems.
3. Certain putting greens are more vulnerable to ball marks than others Any putting green that typically receives high, lofted approach shots will be more susceptible to ball marks. The putting greens on par-3 holes are a perfect example. If you recognize that a putting green is prone to damage from ball marks, it is important to be mindful of repairing your own ball mark and a few unrepaired ones nearby.
4. Soft conditions mean more ball marks When putting greens are wet or soft, ball marks will be more of an issue. This is just one of the reasons why superintendents work hard to promote firm playing conditions with aeration, topdressing and other maintenance practices. If excessive thatch accumulates beneath the putting surface, ball marks and other turf issues will be more problematic.
5. Almost any pointed tool can be used to repair a ball mark Many different tools have been created to repair ball marks, including singlepronged and fork-shaped tools. Almost any pointed tool, including a golf tee, can be used to effectively repair a ball mark. Using the proper technique is the key to success. page 02
Ball mark repair tools of the trade for golf course maintenance
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Reminder from recent newsletter: CART RULES
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Zoysia Fairways: #16. A look back over the year April - October
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Fall Overseeding Often overlooked, but a necessary practice, it is that time of year for the team to punch some holes, slit some soil and throw down some seed. Look for fall overseeding to be in full swing over the next week. The process will consist of the equipment pictured below running over all rough, tee and green surrounds, followed by seed dispersal, a fine mulch topdressing and then a fertility application.
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Then and Now: A look back to Oct 2018 vs. Oct 2019
#4 Natives
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#4 Green Surrounds
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#1 Rough
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#1 Tee Sechrest
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Town Hall with Jeff
IT'S TIME TO GET TOGETHER 22 OCTOBER 2019 • 10:00 AM THE COUNTRY CLUB AT LOCH LLOYD CLUBHOUSE
If you'd like to play a round of golf with me, let's tee it up! First tee time: Thursday, Oct. 10th at 10am
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