Soil Moisture

In our efforts to maintain consistency from green to green, we often use a soil moisture meter.  This tool consists of two 3" probes that are inserted into the soil and provide a digital reading of the soil moisture.

The goal is to have the soil moisture consistent throughout each green, with all the greens being as close as possible.  This will result in similar firmness and green speed throughout the course.

The moisture meter also aides in our watering practices.  The level of soil moisture is a good indicator of which greens need more or less water and specifically which areas of the greens.  This helps pinpoint areas to hand water, before the turf appears stressed.

Below is a photo of the soil moisture meter.

Putting Green Maintenance

There are obviously many practices applied to putting greens to create a good putting surface.  One very important maintenance practice that we we implement every 3 weeks, is verticutting and light sand topdressing of the greens.

Verticutting is a process where a mower equipped with vertical blades, rather than cutting reels, goes over the entire green.  The vertical blades are set at a depth of 1/16" below the mowing height.  These blades help remove thatch and old leaf blades in the turf canopy.  They also assist in standing up the grass blades, allowing a good cut on the green.

Immediately following verticutting, a light topdress of sand is applied to the entire green.  The sand is then drug into the turf canopy.  The sand assists in keeping the greens smooth, uniform and maintaining a firm surface.  A consistent program including these two important practices ultimately results in a much smoother, truer putting surface.

Below you will see a green that has been verticut.  Notice all the material on the surface that has been removed through this practice.  The second photo shows the green lightly sanded, following verticutting.

Summer is here!

The golf season is in full swing and summer is here, now that the fourth of July has passed.  One criticism that I often heard from members upon my arrival here at Shadow Hills, was the summer playing conditions.  Many members expressed that the fairways were over watered and very soft.

I believe that the golf course should play fast and firm in the summer time.  To achieve those playing conditions, there will be areas that are dry and brown.  Our antiquated irrigation system does not afford us the capability to have efficient coverage and consistency.  In other words, if everything was perfectly green, conditions would be soft and we would have numerous wet spots.  At least half of the year Mother Nature keeps the golf course too wet and green for us, forcing winter rules.

We are currently replacing nozzles in fairway sprinkler heads to improve coverage and working to eliminate problem areas where the turf is drier then desired.  Hand watering will also be implemented where necessary. 

Enjoy the bounce and roll out there!