GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
A seasonal shift is occurring with shortened days, and of recent, we have been blessed with outstanding weather conditions with cool overnight temps and dry conditions! The plants are happy and beginning to prepare for winter dormancy. While we tallied 11 inches of rain in July, August has been arid with only 0.30 inches, and looking at the 7-day forecast on August 27 , there is no immediate relief to begin the month. Do we dare say this is like twelve months ago when we went 45 days without any measurable rain? We hope not! th As we prepare for 2026 seasonal, a few timely applications and tasks will occur this month. First, with the use of the winter covers, we have seen an uptick in the development of Poa annua, or annual bluegrass, on the main practice tee and the perimeter of the South Course greens. We will apply a pre-emerge product in the first part of the month and follow this up with an additional application approximately 28-days later. This will be done to both the main practice tee (Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass) and the South Course greens and approaches (Tyee bentgrass). Throughout the month, we will progressively begin to raise the height of cut on the practice tees. The number one reason is for survivability through the winter, while the rear tee will be overseeded with ryegrass. This past winter, there was one week in January that had an effect well into the spring for delayed green-up of the warm season turf variety we have on both practice tees, and the flat approach on 18 North used for the BMW Practice Tee. Raising the height of cut will allow the perennial ryegrass seed to sow into the turf below, acting as a cover crop for the dormant Bermuda grass. This overseeding program will also allow us to have some turf to use when we open in April of 2026. Although we would love for some rain time-to-time, the dry conditions do certainly help our turf systems prepare for the paradigm shift of seasons and grow roots to survive until spring green-up. Conversely, the overabundance of precipitation in the spring did not allow for root development, resulting in more hand-held hose watering by our staff throughout the summer season. More water equals shorter roots, while drier conditions make plants of all types push their roots deeper into the soil to search for moisture. The weather has aided tremendously with recovery of a few areas where summer stress took hold. Our efforts of inter-seeding on some of the South Course fairway edges have taken well, as evidenced by the pictures with this update. As this pattern continues, you will see an uptick of activity on our maintenance Mondays such as tickling the putting surfaces such as vertical mowing, applying a dusting of sand to greens, tees and fairways.
Earlier this summer, we had the contractor from Connecticut attend to the paddle courts for the start of the season later this month. Screens were tightened and other cosmetic items were checked off the list.
The fall months are the best to enjoy the outside offerings at the Club. Be it on the clay or grass tennis courts, pickleball or the golf courses, the daytime temperatures and fall colors allow for much excitement. Please keep in mind that as the turf begins to slow down it’s normal growth pattern, it is important to keep in mind the need to adhere to our policies on golf cart traffic, maintaining at least 30 feet from any greens or tees, and to continue to scatter all traffic on the fairways. Even though it is hard to believe, we have had several instances where golf carts drove across greens and tees (see picture below with arrow). Every season has its own challenges year-in and year-out. We mentioned at the start of this note we had 11 inches of rain in July. Add to the mix 10 days of 90° or above temps with 26 nights of temps 70° or above, these three data points alone are the beginning of a great recipe for turf diseases! With this said, we are committed to managing the fluctuations in a smooth manner, like a duck gliding across a pond. Lastly, orchard picking season is upon us and our Weekly Happenings update sent out each Monday by the communications department will have the latest information about what fruit is available for harvesting. Also, you can stop by the Front Desk or in the Golf and Racquet Shops to grab an orchard map to locate the varieties you like for eating or cooking. In the most recent GAP Magazine, the orchard on 9 North was featured and you can access the article by clicking https://gap.mydigitalpublication.com/2025-summer/page-48. We hope you and your families have a great month! Jon Urbanski
12
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator