Thursday, April 30, 2015

Slow Start...

As the warmer weather is finally upon us. I felt that it was a great time to give you a course update. Hopefully I can clear up any questions you may have. As of Friday, (May 1) the driving range tee will be set up on the grass from now until fall. The mats will only be used for certain events, and Extremely wet conditions. How do we determine win the tee is set up on the grass? The answer to this is soil temperature. As the soil temperature rises and the grass becomes steadily active, it is able to compete with the divots taken. It also allows the seed in the divot mixture the ability to germinate. Had the practice tee been open in early March, we would not have much of a playable surface come June. Another reminder is to begin to change your warm up pattern to the picture below...
This will greatly improve the practice surface throughout the year. Higher soil temperatures will also help heal divots, ball marks (if properly repaired) and slowly start to green things up consistently throughout the course. Respectfully, Andy Perry Golf Course Superintendent

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Welcome Back!

As the 2015 golf season approaches us, I wanted to take this time to welcome everyone back to Blackstone!  After a very long and depressing winter, it is a pleasant relief to see that the course didn't suffer any winter damage.  You may notice some areas in the rough that mice have chewed thatch and leaf tissue, but once soil temperatures increase we get a flush of spring growth, these areas will no longer be noticeable...

If you were able to play the course before the recent snow fall, you may have wondered when we will be mowing the greens.  The answer to that is hopefully soon.  We are waiting for soil temperatures to increase and see some growth activity.  My best guess would probably some time next week, once the snow and moisture soaks in.  We were able to get 3 good rolls on them, which really helps smooth them out after the freeze/thaw cycles of winter. 

All we can do now is wait and hope for better weather. 

Hope to see you all soon!

Respectfully,
Andy Perry
Golf Course Superintendent