Winter On the Grounds of Hyde Park

Mother Nature has thrown us curve ball this January, with many unseasonably warm and very wet days. This has created a set of new challenges to completing some of the ongoing projects with these wet condtions; however there are a couple bright sides with all of the rain.

We have been able to measure the success of the infrastructure improvements such as the added green drainage and our sand topdressing program. These investments by the membership at HP have allowed in many instances opening the golf course much faster in comparison to even 3 years ago. The excess water in the sand profile, drains much faster, reducing the threat of soft conditions and damaging the turf stand. We are still very careful and strategic not to allow foot traffic on the surfaces, when the sandy profile is thawing to reduce root shear. Please keep in mind, all courses and green conditions vary around the region and the opening of each facility is dynamic based upon many factors!

The recent drainage added to the 17th fairway is working well and we are anxious to see how it performs next season. Could these drainage systems be applied strategically across the property to improve turf conditions and reduce cart path only days? Evaluation and time will tell!

Sand Topdressing and Aeration; Key to long term success!

Over next few weeks our team is finishing a few key processes on the golf course:

Fan stored away, ready for action on 14

• Fan installation on 14
• Recruitment of our Grounds Team for next year
• Drainage behind the first green to capture seepage
• Tournament volunteer opportunities
• Refinement and assessment of current agronomic and department strategies
• Legacy project planning for practice facility and details associated with other areas
• Tree management program
• Split rail fence installation on 14
• Snow and ice removal around the grounds and platform tennis

Exploring further concepts of practice area

As always, please do not to hesitate to contact us with any questions? Email: ground@hydeparkcc.com or follow us on Twitter for the latest course conditions and updates.

Thank-you

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

Posted with Blogsy

Happy Holidays!

The 2016 golf season is coming to a close at HP with the grounds staff putting a few finishing touches across the entire property. The staff is spending the majority of their time these days cleaning leaves; fortunately the weather has been dry, allowing for heavy equipment to move leaves efficiently.

Leaf Clean-Up in the Swales

Recently, the staff did a wonderful job finishing the applications of pre and post emergent herbicides (weed control) across the entire property for next season; the graphic below shows the attention of detail to where various herbicides were applied.

Herbicide Applications to Property

Over the winter months the staff will be busy with the tree managment program, installation of a turf fan on 14, continuing education and preventative maintenance on the equipment. The staff is also responsible for snow removal for the parking lots and platform tennis.

In the near future, the cart traffic will be restricted to the cart paths, due to the Zoyisa being dormant, not allowing for any recovery from damage. Also, please be aware the opening of the course could be delayed by frost or even frozen soils. Please follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc, our blog; hydeparkgolfandcountryclub.blogspot.com or call the Proshop for potential delays.

Frost Delays are Common

Please forward any questions, concerns or feedback to grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Happy Holidays!

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent