Winter finally coming to an end!

After a very long and brutal winter, it is looking like spring and opening day are very close to reality. As you all know this winter has been cold, windy, icy and snowy for about the last 100 days or so. Snowfall that occurred in December is finally melting away, which has allowed us to to fully inspect the golf course. After walking the golf course several times last week and this week, it is safe to say that we are going to make it out of winter fairly successful. Greens appear to be in great shape, considering the amount of ice and snow. This is why it is important for us to keep Poa Annua out as much as possible which is very susceptible to winter kill. The golf course has very little snow mold, other than a couple of tees that lack air flow. The one thing that many of you will notice as you play your first round or two is the amount of Vole damage that we received is fairly extensive. Voles are large field mice that burrow under the ice and snow, and feed on plant tissue and insects. Damage usually occurs in taller grass, but as we have found, they weren't afraid to venture out on to fairways and a couple of tee boxes. Many areas will soon grow back as soil temperatures rise, and spring fertilizing takes place. Some areas may not, which we will take an organized apptoach in repairing with seed and or sod. Below is a few pictures of the damage which we have also began the process of repair...

http://purdueturftips.blogspot.com/2014/03/melting-snow-reveals-tiny-trails.html

With the soil temperatures rising, we will be actively be prepping the course for a much anticipated golf season at Blackstone. As the Golf Course Superintendent, I want to say that I am excited and look forward to another great year! Hope to see you all soon! Andy Perry Golf Course Superintendent Andy@blackstonegc.com