Weather Effects Ponds Too

 

This is 11 pond.  Last week we had early signs of algae starting.  Last Thursday we got frost and all the algae sunk to the bottom.  By the end of the weekend the algae was in full bloom.  When our pond contractor came yesterday to treat the algae, he noticed a lot of little sunny fish that were dead.  This was definitely caused by the temperature inversions in the pond over the last week or so.  Oxygen levels are fine as our contractor tested the pond before treatment.  We will get 50% control with this algae treatment and then they will re treat next week again once temperatures reach normal temperatures.

Aligning Fairways

 

You will notice red dots on all the fairways for the next week or two.  These dots will be centered on every fairway so we can have our black and white mowing patterns balanced.  Over time the center lines change and take away from the appearance of the course.

Here Come The Pond Weeds

 

Its that time of the season again, the dreaded Curly Leaf pond weed.  Arrives in May and is gone by mid to late June.  Our approach this season will be different than last.  We are going to allow this weed to run its course in the pond on 7.  The pond is far too shallow (only 12-18" deep) and has too many fish to treat.  Once the weed starts to die back, it sucks the oxygen from the pond which is detrimental to aquatic life.  Last year our pond contractor did several minor treatments and still had a decent fish kill.  We knew it could happen and they approached it carefully.  Had the pond been another few feet deep, we would not have any issues.  While this will be visually unappealing for a few weeks, it will go away by the summer months.  As far as this weed, the juice is not worth the squeeze.

Bunker Sand Added to All Bunkers

 

The staff installed about 200 tons of bunker sand to all the bunkers on the course.  By checking sand depths and making sure we have the proper amount of sand will lead to improved playability this season.  With the extremely dry season so far, we have not seen many fried eggs, meaning depths are good on faces and our irrigation during the evening hours is enough to keep them firm.  One heavy rain can change the entire complexion of our bunkers, but right now the staff has done a great job getting them ready for 2023.

Great View Today

 

We have seen some increased bald eagle activity at the club near the 13th hole this winter and spring.  Today we saw this juvenile bald eagle hanging with its parent eating fish out of our irrigation pond.  A great sign that we may continue to see eagle activity for years to come.