I want to update you with a spring
“state of the course” report and address an issue I see currently affecting your golfing experience. The golf course has received numerous
complements since the start of the season but one subject has been consistent
from most members I speak with - ROUGH!
“The rough is too thick”
“I can’t find my ball”
“Have you raised the height of cut?”
And my favorite – “do you hate
us?”
Allow me to give you a brief history
of our rough. When I first started at
ANCC 20 years ago, the rough was just that – ROUGH. It was sparse and inconsistent and the
desired turf was bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. These two varieties do not thrive in our
Mid-Atlantic summers and are disease prone.
In 2005, I changed our management practices
to promote tall fescue. This included spring/fall
aerification and over seeding along with an aggressive
organics program to help modify the poor soil.
The height of cut has remained consistent since that time. The result is what you see today, thick
healthy turf that can withstand more environmental stress.
The unintended consequence however
is a difficult spring golfing experience. It bears repeating that we have
NOT ‘raised the mowers’ as some have suggested.
Nonetheless, based on generally improved turf stand and conditions, the
rough has become too penal and we will be making an adjustment to the height of
cut (HOC) until summer temperature take hold.
Depending on the weather patterns, I will raise the height back to
current standards in order to maximize plant health and playability.
NOT AN OVERNIGHT PROCESS
Lowering the HOC will take 7-10
days. Starting on Monday May 18th
the HOC will be lower and clippings will be abundant. Clipping removal is labor intensive and will
take priority over other maintenance activities during this time.
WEEDS
All maintained turf has been treated
with a pre-emergent herbicide application made in early April. The coverage and timing has been good and I
don’t see significant crabgrass breakthrough.
It is designed to last until we over seed fairways in September. Post-emergent broadleaf weed control will continue
as needed.
NATIVE AREAS
Weed control in these areas has
been the highest priority yielding a much cleaner look. Multiple applications have been made and will
continue. As they have matured, some
have become too penal and just don’t fit the landscape. These will be modified
or removed. Last season we removed the
native grasses between the fairway and #7 Blue Tee and seeded to Tall Fescue. Although still tough, the golfer now has a chance
to advance the ball.
PRIORITIES
Exceeding Member Expectations
Continue to raise the bar on
course conditions.
Native Areas – Weed control and
trimming to promote clean appearance. Modify selected areas to promote pace of
play and golfing experience.
Sincerely,
Carmen
A. Giannini, Jr.
Golf Course Superintendent
