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HGCC In The Know: Record Breaking June

 The June chapter for 2022 has come to an end, but not before setting records for heat and lack of precipitation.  Midwest golf course infrastructure and turf varieties are made to withstand short spurts of both heat and drought.  Irrigation systems are designed, at their peak efficiency, to be supplemental to seasonal rainfall not as a long term lifeblood.   Prolonged stretches of both strains the limits of infrastructure, plant survivability, staff, and ultimately playing conditions short and long term.  I am very pleased with the results of the staff's hard work and diligence.  In such a long term wave of tough conditions, we can work to mask infrastructure issues to an extent, yet some cannot be completely overcome.  A prime example is irrigation coverage and control.  This combined with other issues such as growing environment, shade, etc. rears its head.  The 24 year old system has many deficiencies; with one of the most glaring being coverage and control on tee stations.  The picture below shows coverage on 16.  "Single" row spacing cannot adequately apply the proper amounts of water when needed to have full survivability.  Irrigation infrastructure is high on the capital improvement list for the golf course and grounds!  The other picture is of 9 fairway, showing results of  better coverage in this zone.  



A major uptick in Membership began in 2020.  Highland has seen fantastic growth and vitality in the past 2.5 years.  A noticeable change on the grounds resulting from a full and active Membership is the volume use of practice facilities.  It is quite evident upgrades in infrastructure are needed to grow with this new normal.  Those macro changes will come in time.  In the immediate term, using a specific type of divot pattern when practicing will greatly enhance the available turf and the speed of recovery.  Large, open wounds cannot heal from the surrounding turf, the distance is too great.  Seed does not establish well through the summer unless conditions are ideal (warm and moist all day).  What is left is a huge void that will remain for months and often into the following season.   Below are some pictures; one of a sign showing proper divot pattern now on our practice tee, one example of said proper pattern in action, and one of a large void from improper divot creation.  Note:  the picture on the right is after 35 iron shots.  This, once filled with a light amount of mix, will heal in short order.



Lastly, we are in sunscreen, firework, and bug spray season.  Fine turf is very susceptible to these three items and the wounds created will last for quite some time.  Please enjoy the season, apply sunscreen and bug spray on a cart path or parking lot, and refrain from items such as fireworks or alcohol being applied on a green/tee/fairway.  Thanks to all!





  

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