June-Mother Nature is in Control

The month of May was another roller coaster-of-a-ride for the  weather, the team was challenged once again with above normal precipitation, making mowing of the playing surfaces, interesting. This translated into plenty of poor lies and unfortunately a few lost balls. A question arose recently about the frequency of cart path only, and how cart status can change so quickly? Excellent question! We have had to shift carts from scattering to the fairway, to cart path only because the cumulative effect of the rain and rising water table on the course. The graphic below, shows that the United States recently finished the wettest 12 months in 124 years of record keeping. Pretty impressive!

We have seen many new springs that have surfaced across the golf course,  one spring very evident is located near the forward tee on #7. The water continues to move through the hillside and flow over the path, making a mess of the turf below. The team will address this area, when we get to a more conducive weather pattern for improving the drainage.

The Zoysia grass fairways continues to heal slowly from the winter injury, we have started extra fertilizer applications and limited aeration to help with healing. Sodding of select areas will begin in early July.  Thanks for being mindful of the cart path only holes of 2, 8, and 18, this will aid in the recovery process.

The month of May also signifies the planting of the summer annuals, this year the team of Bryan, Diane, Jim and a few other folks planted over 3,500 annuals in less than two weeks. Bryan has added many new designs and plant selections that will be amazing when they mature over the coming months. If there is interest from the HP membership we would like to put together a walk around the annual beds for a little Q and A with Bryan. Stay tuned!

A couple reminders:

The practice facility is closed on Mondays, the Pro shop staff does an excellent job of removing all the balls so that we can mow, fertilize and preform other practices to enhance this area. PLEASE do not use this area on Mondays.

Thanks for the help with utilizing a lineal divot pattern while practicing off of the grass and raking the bunkers after usage. The practice area is a busy area!

As always, thanks for the feedback, we are happy to answer any questions!

Thank-you,


Pat O'Brien
Grounds Superintendent