Bunker Rake - Out of Commission

The clutch in our nine year old John Deere bunker rake has failed.  Repair parts have been ordered and delivery is scheduled for tomorrow.  Hand raking has been implemented in the interim, but limited man-power this week has hindered our ability to reach every hazard prior to daily play.  The compromise to conditions is temporary and we anticipate having the machine operational by Friday.    

The Buzz surrounding Royal Melbourne

As many of you viewed the recent President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne in Australia, did you notice the “unique” color associated with the greens?  The rich, deep green, almost purple hue is distinctly similar to the pigment reflected in the greens here at Arrowhead Country Club.

The color that has had the golf industry a buzz is the result of a ferrous sulfate (iron) application.  "High" rates of ferrous sulfate, a salt based fertilizer/soil amendment, will refine the leaf blade if allowed to dry on the tissue.  This provides obvious playability benefits from a surface management standpoint.  Ferrous sulfate also provides mild fungicidal benefits, acts as a herbicide, and acidifies the very top layer of the soil with repeated applications.  As a salt, it can act as a desiccant to any recently germinated seedlings and effectively control immature poa annua.  Studies have shown positive effects on root growth, recovery from drought stress, and increased wear resistance.

Foliar applications of FeSO4 promote a quick response and increase in leaf chlorophyll, thus green pigment within the leaves.  The rates we utilize as part of our agronomic program produce a deep green, almost purple hue when left to dry on the plant tissue.  This is very similar to what was witnessed at Royal Melbourne.     

Royal Melbourne

#1 Green (Post FeSO4 application)

#9 Green (Post FeSO4 application)

"Glass Like" appearance of #12 green

Quick Project

As a safety measure, we removed the uneven, rotten, railroad ties that posed as a walk path to the restroom located on Hole #7.  The interior of the path was replaced with a DG product that will alleviate the slipping hazard and a small annual plant bed was added to provide aesthetic balance.  In the future, some additional measures will be taken to "spruce-up" the entire area.

   

Step 1: Address Drainage

As noted, our sand hazards have multiple shortcomings on top of an inconsistent depth and/or limited volume of sand.  An issue that arises during this portion of the "rainy season" creating the bunkers un-playable is the is the ponding of water.  Many of the bunkers either do not have internal drainage or have a faulty drainage system.  The bunker guarding the approach of #11 green has been the largest nemesis to our staff when dealing with weather events for countless years.  Installation of drainage is the first step in remedying the maintenance aspect and playability of this hazard.  Following drainage, the installation of erosion measures need to take place prior to installation of new sand.


During the closure for overseeding in October we began phase I of addressing the issues with the greenside bunker on Hole #11.  We shot grade, hand dug the trench, and installed 4" ADS drainage pipe & approved drainage gravel.  The trench was dug deep enough into the sub-grade to allow us to top up the channel with a minor amount of specified sand.  We will look to address additional bunker drainage issues as time and funding permits.


Attached are a few before, during, and after photos:

It's That Time Again...

As you can imagine, it is never a "joyous" occasion when I walk onto a green in the morning and discover a huge divot in close proximity to the cup.  It happens several times a year and my expression and body language upon seeing this situation hardly ever differs.  As passionate as I am about our greens, the only thing that may change in that initial moment are the expletives that cross my mind.  I have little patience for senseless acts like this, so brutal honesty is what you will receive. 

This act of poor etiquette is NOT ACCEPTABLE as a member of this County Club.  There is no justification, period.  Respect your maintenance staff's efforts, respect your fellow members, and above all: Please Respect Your Golf Course.