HATHERLY GREEN REPORT

From Rich Caughey, Course Superintendent

May 1, 2008 - On Monday, May 5, the greens will be verticut, spiked, seeded and topdressed. I use the term "spike" meaning pin-like holes that will be barely noticeable--not like the larger aeration plugs/cores.

VERTICUTTING

But let's back up a bit and shed some light on verticutting, or what you could call "vertical mowing."

Unlike regular greens mowing, where the blades are horizontal to the putting surface, verticut blades are vertical to the greens. What these blades do is very simple and very important to putting green quality.

On each verticut reel are approximately two dozen blades. These are typically set to only slightly nick the turf. The blades then break up the stolons (stems that run atop or just under the ground) of the plant, allowing the plant to produce more leaves for a denser turf. Older, dying leaf material is pulled up, giving room for new leaves.

Verticut blades may be set lower when thatch removal is desired. When turf renovation is desired, such as when attempting to introduce new seed, verticut blades are set very deep.

In conclusion, verticutting of greens is a time-tested practice that encourages plant growth, dense turf and smoother greens. Among golf course superintendents, it is perhaps the most effective means of grooming the putting surface.

OTHER COURSE MAINTENANCE

Drainage has been installed beneath the bunkers surrounding the eighth green. Bunker floors have been raised and leveled, along with sodding of bunker faces and the approach area. The sand in the bunkers has been replaced. In addition, a cart path has been installed to protect the area from wear injury.

Drainage has been installed in the fairway bunkers on Number 13 and the bunker floors have been raised and the sand replaced.

On Number 14, a drainage pipe running across the approach to the green had over the years created a long hump. The pipeline was excavated and replaced. The remaining section of pipe in the rough will be replaced the week of May 5.

MID-RANGE PLANS

A company that specializes in golf course drainage, Kelly-Ami, has visited the course and evaluated the fairways on Number 7 and 10. They "shot" over 1,100 elevation points and will be back to us with their summary and drainage solution. The Board of Directors last fall budgeted for this work.

COURSE ETIQUETTE

It's early in the season, but that doesn't mean golfers should be abusing the course--and they have been. Divots are not being replaced, bunkers are not being raked, and ball marks are being left un-repaired on the greens. Please do your best to reverse this unhealthy trend.

Bunker Tip of the Month: Enter a bunker from its low side. Climbing up and down the face breaks the lip and creates unwanted paths. Leave the rake outside the bunker and on the tee side.

Thanks!