Course Update

The North Course is closed to all play so we have set up temporary greens in the South approaches. The greens are frozen so please, if you are planning on playing this winter, play to the temporary greens.

Irrigation blowout, topdressing and snow mold applications are complete on both courses.

The 'Bus Depot' adjacent to the 8th hole on the North Course will be graded and seeded next spring. All other in play areas are finished.

Course Closing

WHY DOES THE GOLF COURSE CLOSE NOW AND WHY CAN'T WE USE THE GRASS TEE AT THE RANGE?




At the end of the growing season just prior to dormancy, tufgrass needs to maximize it's ability to survive the extremes of winter. We can help that process by employing practices that enhances the reserve carbohydrate (food) level and general health of the turf. Practices like: limiting mechanical damage from play and cart traffic, applying small amounts of nutrients and raising mowing heights to relieve stress.



In the fall, when the grass stops growing, it cannot recover from damage by carts, foot traffic and mowing equipment. We close the golf courses so they have the best chance of avoiding winter damage and allowing the golfer good playing conditions the following spring.



The Range Tee stops growing too, in mid-October. It's too cold for seed to germinate and any damage incurred now will remain through next spring. By using the matts only, we are insuring a better playing surface next April.

COURSE CLOSING

The South Course will close for the year after play ends on Sunday, November 4th. This is consistent with prior years. The North Course will remain open as weather permits.

Our efforts this time of year are allocated to promoting healthy turf as we move into winter, particularly on the South greens. The predominance of annual bluegrass in the South greens leaves them susceptible to winter damage from ice and low temperatures.

To combat this we raise the height of cut on greens, allowing more turf surface to capture available sunlight,  thereby producing food (carbohydrates) for a healthier grass plant. Reducing stress on greens in the fall puts them in a better position to withstand the rigors of winter.



Photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide + water in the presence of sunlight, produces food



North Course

The North Course greens are open, walking only.

We will evaluate conditions for carts over the weekend, and perhaps by mid-week we can get carts going on the North, weather permitting.

The South Course remains closed.

Opening and Closing Dates

Historically, The North Course opens during the last 2 weeks of March. The South typically opens during the 1st 2 weeks of April. Carts would be determined on a day to day basis depending on weather.

Even though we have had a very mild winter, the turf as of today is still dormant. We have opened the North greens to play.

The covers on the South Course will be removed next week. The covers on the North were removed today.

Course Opening

As of today, carts are available for the North Course. We will monitor access on a daily basis.

The South Course will open for walking only on Friday, April 8th.

Carts

It won't be long before it's 70 degrees and sunny ... we're all anxious for that day to arrive. We'll continue to monitor the forecast and get you ... and us ... on the golf course as soon as possible. We'll keep you updated on this blog and through the clubs email blasts.

Carts

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE CARTS ON THE NORTH COURSE EARLIER IN THE SPRING?



Turfgrass still in winter dormancy has difficulty recovering from mechanical damage like cart traffic. Until the turf is showing signs of growth - and thus the ability to recover - we prefer to keep carts off the golf courses.

Our opportunity to provide excellent conditions later in the season will be enhanced if we limit the traffic damage incurred in the spring. We will allow carts as soon as possible. We are all anxious to get outside and enjoy the weather.

Course Opening

The last 2 days have made us anxious for spring. Starting today, the temperatures will turn more seasonal (cooler) and the 10 day forecast is for highs in the 40's and lows in the 30's and 20's.

The turf continues in dormancy, with snow cover in many areas and pockets of frost still in the ground.

We will evaluate the golf courses for opening at the end of next week. The North Course is open to the temporary greens, you can walk at any time but there will be no carts allowed. The South Course will remain closed until at least the 1st of April, if not later.

We will be removing the covers on the South greens today. The turf on the South greens looks great with minor mechanical damage from the snowblowers.

Course Closing

The South Course will close after play on Sunday, November 7th.

The last day for carts on the South will be Sunday, October 31st.

The North Course will remain open as weather permits.

South Course Opening

The South Course will open for play .... walking only ... on Wednesday, March 31st.

First Cut

We mowed the green on #1 South today to see if there was any growth ... and yes we did mow some grass! So that's a good sign and we plan on getting all the South greens cut by next weekend. The North greens are not yet ready to be cut.

Carts on North Course

Carts will be allowed on the North Course as of Wednesday, March 24th.

North Course Greens

Wednesday, March 17th.

The North greens are open for play as of Wednesday the 17th. We have some sand remaining on the surface from the winter topdressing, but the greens are dry enough to sustain moderate traffic.

Walking only ... no carts.

The South Course will remain closed.

Course Opening

We keep records of every Opening and Closing date of the golf courses. History tells us that we have opened the North Course as early as March 6th (2000) and as late as March 28th (2006). The South Course typically opens between the 1st and the 15th of April.

The following is taken from the Golf Course Standards:

The North Course greens will open once the subsurface has thawed to the level that damage will not occur to the turf. Minor damage – at the discretion of the Golf Course Manager, General Manager and Green Committee - may be deemed acceptable if member accessibility is a consideration. Historically this has occurred between the third week of March and the first week of April.