2014 Winter Check-up

As all of you who stick around Cleveland through the winter know, it has been a tough one.  With the sub zero temperatures, melting, and freezing there becomes some concern for the condition of the turf.  The concerns are crown hydration for both Poa annua and bentgrass, and no gas exchange due to ice cover.  The health of the turf going into winter plays a big role in how long the turf can tolerate ice covered conditions.  We have only really had one thawing and freezing episode, so my concern for crown hydration is less than that of some ice coverage we have been monitoring.  Below are pictures of some plugs taken from around the course.  One from 11 fairway mounds, one from a low spot on 15 fairway, and one from the bottom of the hill on 17 fairway.  The mounds on 11 fairway have been exposed to two sub-zero stretches of weather.  The mounds become exposed by the wind and therefore don't have the protection of snow cover.  This damages the turf just like over exposure to freezing winds would damage a persons skin.  The good news is, the turf will usually recover from this quickly after a couple mowing's, and increased soil temperatures.  You will notice the wind damage I am talking about on the photo of the plug from 11 fairway.  The good news is, the plug from 15 that was under ice looks great.  We will monitor these over the next couple of days to make sure we see growth.

11 Fairway Mound

Ice Covered portion of 15 Fairway

Bottom of Hill on 17 fairway

Removing Some Trees

As you all know, there are a lot of trees on the course that are dead, dying, or dangerous.  We had some of these trees removed recently, and were able to do it at minimal cost.  An Amish logging firm came out and did the work.  Any usable lumber was applied as a credit to our invoice.  They removed the trees that were too large for our crew and equipment to handle.  These trees were hallow, had less than 50% of the canopy alive, or were growing from a V close to the ground.  Trees with these flaws create danger for golfers and the course.  Below are some pictures of trees that were removed.

This Pin Oak was growing in a V formation, and had little support at the base.

This Oak had very little support at the base as you can see.

New Tees In Preparation for the Web.com Tour

With the PGA bringing its Web.com tour to Lakewood CC, a few minor modifications are being made to the course.  These changes will not affect members playability, but will make the course more challenging for the tour players in the event.  A new Tee is being built on #2 that will add another 50 yards to the hole, and #3 black tee has been moved to the right just a little and expanded considerably.  #3 will also be able to be played at 200 yards now.  Below are photos of the projects currently in progress.

#2

#3