The 2011 Meltdown Has Begun

We have been in the doldrums of late winter weather the last 3 frustrating weeks.  But, alas things seem to be improving, and we are removing snow from the courses. 

The fist stage is getting a snow melting agent onto the greens (look at the photo of #3 green).  This year that material is green sand.  Past years have been crumb rubber, charcoal, organic fertilizer, concrete dye and graphite mixed in water.  I have tried other various exotic mixtures not worth mentioning, all with about the same results, so the sand was cheap this year, and with the amount of snow on property, and the possibility of having to do more than one application made this the best option.

The second stage is putting compost on top of the snow in roughs and fairways.  This is not always necessary, but this year is different, and 24 tons or so will be applied via shoves by the end of next week.  We have a great employee fitness program here at golf maintenance.

The third stage is the blowing off of greens or other areas that still have snow.  A determination of where to do this will be made April 22nd (weather dependent).  Mechanically removing snow always has its pluses and minuses.  Plus - if the grass is declining and needs sunlight and dry conditions, it is best to remove it.
Minus - damage from the blowers and cold night time temperatures.  The snow is an insulator from cold night time temps.

The big question is ... when will the course open???  The answer is ....... when the snow is melted.  Mother nature knows the answer and she has demonstrated wild mood swings lately, so I have not pressed the issue.  If the temperatures and precipitation get to normal in the next few weeks, my best estimate is Mid May which is one week later than scheduled.  In the mean time Golf Course Maintenance will be working daily removing snow and getting closer with what we can control, and speaking kindly of sweet Mother Nature.

Kevin