150 RULE

 So what is the 150 rule? 

Add the nighttime and daytime temperatures together and what do you get? 

The ideal growing combined temperature is 150 degrees, with this ideal combined temperature number you get results in the growth of turf. When the combined temperatures add up below this 150 rule the grass is either in a dormant stage or growing at slow pace. The same will generally occur when temperature reach the 100 to 105 degree during the summer months.

 Here's some examples of March 2014;

Week 1-average low 51 degrees average high 66 degrees =117 degrees

Week 2-average low 62 degrees average high  71 degrees = 133 degrees

Week 3-average low 64 degrees average high 73 degrees = 137 degrees

Week 4-average low 69 degrees average high 79 degrees = 148 degrees

April 2014

Week 1-average low 52 degrees average high 66 degrees = 118 degrees

(2 morning were in lower 40's-ouch)

Week 2-average low-61 degrees average high 74 degrees = 135 degrees

Forecast for Week 3 

Average low-51 degrees average high 68 degrees = 119 degrees

So far no combined average temperatures have reached the 150 degree rule of thumb. Yes there has been a day here or there, but overall temperatures are well below where we need them to adequately maintain a good stance of turf.

Everybody hang in there before long we will be wishing for some cooler weather to come in and cool things down.

Thanks

Willy Plowman

Golf Course Superintendent

#16 Cart Path Repair

A few minor bumps was repaired after you pass the green on hole #16.

#10 Cart Path Repair

This damage to the cart path was due to the ground sinking in an area where a storm sewer pipe was installed back in the early 90's. Just as you passed the ladies tee box on #10 you would feel it.

Lots of broken concrete and really confused on what we found below the existing cart path???

Apparently this area had already been repaired one time before. Huge slabs of concrete was found underneath the existing cart path.

Concrete being poured-45 bags were used. Today the ride is smooth when you go past the ladies tee box!!!

#9 Cart Path Repairs

Evidently there is some type of electrical lines or storm sewer that runs underneath #9 fairway. The sink-age to the cart path was due to the ground settling from a previous dig. 

35 bags of concrete was used in this repair.

I had some signs made just to let the membership know that the golf course maintenance staff was doing these repairs. I had several members approach me for a business card to the contractor that was doing this work. No contractor!

Signs says:

CART PATH REPAIR

GOLF COURSE MAINT STAFF

THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER

An additional repair as well on #9 cart path.

#8 Cart Path Repairs

The following repair to #8 cart path behind the green has to be one the most rewarding. How many years have we all been taking this bump???

After I took this picture I realized the amount of roots the staff had removed.

The roots towards the front of the picture were approx. 4" to 5" round. That root provided the bump we have experienced for how many years????

31 bags of concrete was used.

#6 Cart Path Repairs

This is pebbles, she is the leader of the pack. She supervised the repairs completed on the #6 cart path. 46-80 lb. concrete bags was used in this repair.

This shows the broken concrete that was removed. If you look on the same edge of the cart path towards the top of the picture you can see the repairs that has been completed already.

This shows the repaired cart path. look to the left of the path and you can see all the concrete that was broken and we removed it.

A different view of the cart path repairs on hole #6.

This repair is around the 150 or less distance from the green

Cart path Repiars #4

Hole #4 cart path repairs at the turn and approx. 150 yards out from the green.

Serafin admiring his work.

Romeo preparing the 2nd are of repair.

Serafin & Romeo pouring concrete.

Starting the finish work.