Sunday, June 22, 2014

What's Happening, Summer Is Here, and The Best Ball Mark Repair Tool!

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Sunday, June 22nd and a big day in American sports.  The final round of the U.S. Women's Open, down the road in Pinehurst, takes place today with American Michelle Wie tied for the lead after 54 holes with South Korean Amy Yang.  Also later today the United States soccer team will take on Portugal in World Cup group play.  Thanks to yesterday's stunning 2-2 draw between Ghana and Germany, the U.S. can secure a spot in the knockout rounds with a victory this evening... Go U.S.A.! 

 Yesterday was the first "official" day of summer.  With temperatures in the 90's F the past six consecutive days, I don't believe summer waited for the solstice this year.  Earlier this week we began implementing some very important cultural practices on our bermudagrass turf.  You may recall back on May 29th I stated the following: "Over the next two months (mid-June through mid-August) we will be making every effort to cultivate healthy bermudagrass turf on the golf course.  We will be aerating, topdressing, fertilizing, verticutting, etc. on tees, collars, approaches, fairways and roughs in order to assist the turf in fully recovering from the ill effects of last winter and ready itself for another busy fall tournament season."

 This past Monday and Tuesday saw us core aerate all tees, collars, and target greens.  We performed a solid tine aeration with sand topdressing in the fairways.  We began a shallow, solid tine aeration in the roughs.  
This coming Monday we will topdress tees, verticut and topdress all approaches and green surrounds, and continue with the aeration in the roughs.  Of course we will also continue our weekly summer treatments to our bentgrass greens.

 Speaking of the greens, recently the club received a very thoughtful note from Charlotte resident Dr. Jim Pearson.  Jim is the reigning North Carolina Senior Amateur Champion and recently finished T14 in the North Carolina Amateur Championship contested here at Carolina just two weeks ago.  His note spoke very highly and appreciatively of the membership, the club, the tournament, and the golf course.  My favorite part was when he stated "the greens were as pure as any I have ever played".  Pretty strong statement.  Since the conclusion of the North Carolina Amateur regular member and guest play at Carolina has resumed, and after only two weeks I am disheartened at the number of ball marks!  

 With summer here in full force it becomes more challenging to sustain the same level of surface firmness on our bentgrass putting surfaces we all enjoyed during the spring tournament season.  One of the greatest benefits to firm greens is the lack of, or reduced severity from ball marks (aka pitchmarks).  As little as two weeks ago you could hardly find a ball mark, and now our greens resemble something other than the #bestgreensintown.  Unrepaired ball marks take a long time to heal any time of year, but unfortunately during the hot, humid months of summer, when our bentgrass greens are under heat stress, unrepaired ball marks linger even longer.  Below are three photos I took this morning as I prepared the golf course for today's play.  The first photo is on the front of the third green and the other two are from the fourth green.
Ball Marks!

Really!
Not Sure How You Missed It!



















If you think you have heard this before, you have.  HERE is a link to the blog in 2012 that addressed this issue.  Today I just want to ask you one simple question.  What is the best ball mark repair tool?  Below is a small sampling of the variety of tools at your disposal for the purpose of repairing ball marks, including the Pitch Pro which are available to you at no charge in the Golf Shop.
Options!

 The answer... one that gets used properly and frequently.  It really doesn't matter if it's a single prong, double prong, made like a tuning fork, or even a golf tee.  It only takes about ten seconds to insert something around the perimeter of the mark, bring the edges together, and tamp smooth with either your foot or putter head.  If everyone would be diligent and repair their marks properly I dare say our greens will look, and more importantly putt, a heck of a lot smoother.  Members please say something to your guests.  Parents please say something to your children.  Kids please say something to your younger brothers and sisters. 

 One of my Twitter friends, Benjamin Dollery, Greenkeeper at West Chiltington Golf Club in the U.K. recently penned an article on the topic of pitchmarks for Greenkeeper International (monthly publication of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association).  HERE is a link to Ben's article.  The statistics he shares about the sheer volume of ball marks from a fairly typical day of golf can be eye opening.  My favorite part is when he says, "... we (meaning greenkeepers) are not the only stewards of the course and we all play a role in its presentation and standards."  My friends at BIGGA and in the U.K. are planning a "National Repair Your Pitchmark Day" on August 14th.  I say why wait, because anyone that ever enjoyed putting on smooth greens knows everyday is a day you should repair your ball marks!

 Go Michelle Wie!  Go Team U.S.A.!  Repair your ball marks and keep your golf cars ONLY in the fairways!


See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton, CGCS
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, June 13, 2014

The Best Of, Pinehurst, What A Difference, and Certification!

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Friday, June 13th and Martin Kaymer is ten under par (-10) in the U.S. Open after 36 holes!  Consecutive rounds of 65 on Pinehurst No. 2 under U.S. Open conditions...that's unbelievable!  Hopefully Mike Davis and company at the USGA can remedy that.

 Last week we hosted the North Carolina Amateur Championship and I promised those of you following along (I blogged daily about course conditions, course setup, and the overall experience) I would share some "best of" moments.  Below are some interesting photos and a link to an interview:
The Week Started With Guest Bradley Klein
Gift From Mrs. Greenkeeper!
Smith Turf & Irrigation Makes a Presentation!
This Is How You Mow It!
JR Inspecting Quality of Cut!
Love the Long Shadows!



On Saturday of North Carolina Amateur Week, Andy Priest, Director of Championships & Association Operations of the Carolinas Golf Association was interviewed on The Golf Shop, a local sports talk radio program (ESPN Radio 730 AM Charlotte). To hear a podcast of Andy's interview CLICK HERE (about 6:24 in length) to find out what he had to say about the club, the golf course, and the tournament.   The Golf Shop also interviewed Club President Will Barr and Assistant Golf Professional Joe Campbell (Big Break Ireland).

Joshua Martin & The Billy Joe Patton Trophy!
Yesterday my wife and I walked all 18 holes of Pinehurst No. 2 for the first round of the 2014 U.S. Open!  I had the pleasure of playing No. 2 in May of 2012 and here is a link to the blog post where I shared my thoughts on the golf course and the recent restoration at that time CLICK HERE.  You will notice from the old post the two photos show a vastly different natural area than today.  In 2012 the sandy natural areas were more sand and less weeds.  They really have a lot more vegetation growing in them now than just two years ago.  I still believe the golf course to be one of, if not the finest tests of championship golf.  I just liked the way the course looked two years ago more so than what I saw yesterday, but hey, opinions are just that and they make for great conversation and debate.  Here's hoping the next 36 holes produce some drama and Martin Kaymer doesn't turn this year's championship into a yawner!  At least next week we get to see how the ladies fare on this masterpiece golf layout!

 After almost making it through the entire North Carolina Amateur without delay, we did receive 0.60" rain during the final round this past Sunday.  Since then we have received measurable rain on 4 of the past 5 days.  Granted our total rainfall for the entire week is only 1.20" (includes Sunday's 0.60"), but the humidity has made things feel more like July than early June.  In one week the golf course went from firm, fast, and lean to softer and lush.  The current weather pattern is one very conducive for bermudagrass growth and I can already see a big difference in certain parts of the golf course.  Conversely, if it is uncomfortable for you when outside, then it is uncomfortable for bentgrass as well.  We aerated Monday and Tuesday and reinstalled our fans for those greens in the most compromised micro-environments.  We are now in full summer maintenance mode with regards to putting green management (mowing heights, rolling frequency, water management, fungicide treatments, etc.) and rain 4 out of 5 days might be great for bermudagrass fairways and roughs, but it is not great for the best putting greens in town.  Here's hoping we see a break in this wet pattern soon.  (I know, I am never satisfied with the weather).

Finally, I joined the Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA) in 1997.  GCSAA offers a voluntary professional certification program that enables superintendents to be recognized for their high level of achievement in professional golf course management.  Candidates that successfully meet all the stringent requirements are bestowed the professional designation of Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS).  Candidates must meet strict guidelines before applying to the program based on years of experience and level of education.  Once accepted, candidates then have one year to successfully complete a portfolio (graded by two Certified Golf Course Superintendents), a three-part written examination, and have their golf course and maintenance operation attested by two Certified Golf Course Superintendents.

 When I became superintendent of Carolina Golf Club in 2005 I was eligible to apply to the program based on my Master's Degree and my years as superintendent of Swan Point Yacht & Country Club.  It was definitely a goal of mine and something I wanted to accomplish having worked under a CGCS after graduation.  In 2005 we built holes one and two.  In 2006 we built the practice facility and short game area.  In 2007 we built the dam and started the golf course restoration.  In 2008 we built the Turf Care Center and completed the golf course restoration.  In 2009 I was elected to the Board of Directors of the North South Turfgrass Association (one of thirteen local chapters comprising the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association).  I spent five years serving the NSTA, the last of which as President in 2013.  Needless to say my goal was placed not just on the back burner, but the burner was turned off.  I am happy to tell you with the love and support of my wife, Darless (aka Mrs. Greenkeeper), along with General Manger Roger Wolfe, CCM, they encouraged me and prompted me last year to pursue something I should have achieved many years ago.  It is my pleasure Carolina Golf Club to tell you that as of May 30, 2014 your golf course is tended to and cared for daily by a Certified Golf Course Superintendent.

See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton, CGCS
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, June 8, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 7

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Sunday, June 8th and today we crowned the champion of the 54th North Carolina Amateur!  This morning's course tour felt like yesterday's as temperatures (72 F) and conditions were the same (cloudy). There was significant rain moving towards Charlotte out of Greenville/Spartanburg, but it continued to dissipate as it approached. 

 For the final time, the boys and I hit the course precisely at 5:30 am for morning setup.  Once again greens were mowed and rolled (soil moisture readings gathered and water applied by hand where necessary), dew removed from fairways, teeing grounds walk mowed, bunkers smoothed and hand raked, etc.  The golf course has been in championship condition all week thanks to the tireless efforts of my staff and team!    
Best Golf Course Maintenance Team in NC!
I am extremely proud of them for their accomplishment and extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication.  My staff is a very diverse group representing six countries (El Salvador, England, Mexico, Thailand, Ukraine, and United States), but they are one solid unit!  Thanks guys!!

 Play got underway under grey skies and breezy conditions this morning.  We monitored the sky and radar all morning.  Just when the leaders reached the tenth green our luck for the week ran out and play had to be suspended (12:10 PM).  We definitely had rain headed our way, and the decision to suspend play was made due to lightning in the area.  The course was cleared of competitors and spectators just before the rain began to fall.  Fortunately, we only had rain (0.60" to be exact).  With no wind associated with the system we did not have any debris to clean up before play could resume.  The golf course soaked up the rain quite nicely and play resumed at approximately 2:30 PM.

 When play resumed the last group had a gallery following them and those spectators were treated to some excellent golf.  The tournament came down to the two young men who had led over the past three days, Joshua Martin of Pinehurst and Charlotte's Bailey Patrick, Jr.  A couple of untimely bogeys down the stretch for Mr. Patrick coupled with outstanding birdies from Mr. Martin (the young man is only 17) allowed Joshua Martin to capture the Billy Joe Patton Trophy and the 2014 North Carolina Amateur Championship with a four-round total of 270 (-14).
Joshua Martin, Pinehurst, NC

 Official North Carolina Amateur Championship Web Page

 Joshua Martin joins an impressive list of past winners including Billy Joe Patton, Scott Hoch (two-time winner), Charlotte's Nolan Mills (his son Nolan III competed this year), Michael Bradley and Paul Simson (four-time winner).

 I want to thank the Carolinas Golf Association, Executive Director Jack Nance, Director of Championships Andy Priest and their staff for being such a pleasure to work with!  It is easy to bring your A game when you are working with a Class A organization!


Next week I will post a "Best Of" recap along with some information regarding course conditions, and a special announcement.  Until then...

 See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, June 7, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 6

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Saturday, June 7th and it was moving day at the Carolinas Golf Association's 54th North Carolina Amateur Championship!  This morning's course tour was met with slightly warmer temperatures (72 F), mainly due to some overcast conditions but there was some breeze.  After two days of hearing about how the course was yielding so many low scores, the guys and I were excited because we had a feeling today the course would provide a more stern test.  

 We hit the course precisely at 5:30 am for morning setup.  Just like the past three mornings, greens were mowed and rolled (soil moisture readings gathered and water applied by hand where necessary), dew removed from fairways, teeing grounds walk mowed, bunkers smoothed and hand raked, etc.  This morning during setup I tweeted about the setup on the short par 4 14th.  
Me and my thumbs, that should have read 280, but I believe you get the idea.  The staff was treated to breakfast this morning courtesy of Vereen's Turf and Mark Rogers!  I want to thank Mark for his help and generosity making this a special week for my staff!

 We put the same amount of water on the course last night as the night before, just enough to maintain what we have without changing the firmness of the turf.  We once again had to dodge the potential for rain, and there was a decent sized cell that brought rain just to our south early in today's round.  This system did prolong the morning cloud cover which made the greens slightly more receptive than I originally anticipated, and led to some solid scores.  Wesley Conover from Holly Springs fired the low round of the day with a five under par 66 and Beau Cutts of Henderson fired a four under par 67.  Conover now sits at -9 (T4) and Cutts is T7 at -8.  First round leader Bailey Patrick, Jr. of Charlotte fired a three under par 68 to vault to -12 and take the 54 hole lead.  He leads by two shots over Charlotte's Jim Pearson and 36 hole leader Joshua Martin from Pinehurst (both -10).

 Round 3 North Carolina Amateur Results and Bailey Patrick, Jr. Interview

 To cap off our final evening course prep of the week, Mrs. Greenkeeper with the help of the world's best Equipment Manager, JR Bailey treated the crew to another cookout.  Afterwards we posed for team photos (will post tomorrow) and then had one final "Red Parade" as we took to the course for the evening mow.
Post by Carolinas Golf Association.



The mowing plan for this evening was as follows: Tees walk mowed at 0.325" (6-12 direction).  Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways triplexed at 0.375" (9-3 direction).  Fairways were mowed at 0.475" in a clockwise "shadow" cut.  Our fairways should really show the light/dark contrast tomorrow and the approaches are in full "checkerboard" mode.  When you take into account everything leading into this tournament (weather, growing conditions, previous events, etc.)  I am very pleased with the condition of the golf course and very proud of my staff!  

We tended to the driving range tee (mowed, filled divots, etc.), filled divots on all tees, front 9 bunker faces were hover mowed, collected soil moisture readings on all greens, hand watered where necessary, and collected firmness readings.

Knowing the end is finally in sight, I am proud of the crew for embracing this week and this championship the way I have.  We are excited for tomorrow's final round and we look forward to putting the finishing touches on the golf course tomorrow morning!  Now, time for me to go mow the lawn.

See you on the course,

Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, June 6, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 5

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Friday, June 6th and Day 5 of North Carolina Amateur Week.  This morning I toured the course before the crew arrived at 5:00 am, and enjoyed the fresh air and 67 F temperature (more comfortable than yesterday).  Knowing we had the makings of a perfect day I was excited and felt refreshed...plus I had my coffee! 

 At this point the guys know what they are supposed to do, but jobs were still posted on the board.  We took to the course at precisely 5:30 am for the morning setup.  Like the previous two days, greens were mowed and rolled (soil moisture readings were taken and water applied by hand only where necessary), dew removed from fairways, teeing grounds walk mowed, bunkers smoothed and hand raked, etc.  Sidebar: for those members wondering why I would allow this golf course to yield a competitive record 62 yesterday, we physically cut the daily hole locations and place the tee markers, but the placement of each is chosen by the Carolinas Golf Association.  The North Carolina Amateur is a CGA Championship.

 During our morning setup I managed to pause long enough to capture an image of the 12th green I thought was appealing.  As the shortest hole on the course it often gets overlooked, plus I love the way this hole looks in low light!
Breakfast this morning was courtesy of Rick Henderson with Greenville Turf and Tractor.  Rick and I attended Virginia Tech together in the late 90's and have been friends ever since.  I want to thank him for being a part of our special week, it means a lot to me!

 I put just a small amount of water on the course last night, not too much as I didn't want to take the "fire" out of these firm, fast fairways.  Today's weather was considerably more comfortable with lower humidity, but with an extremely high UV index.  The golf course played firmer and faster than the first round but still yielded good scores to those deserved.  Joshua Martin of Pinehurst is now the 36 hole leader at ten under par after shooting one of three 65's today (low round of the day).  Carter Jenkins of Raleigh and Jeff Krieger from Arden were the others.  Jenkins is currently T4 at -7 and Krieger sits T11 at -4.  Yesterday's first round leader Bailey Patrick, Jr. of Charlotte is one stroke off Martin's pace at -9 after an even par round 71 today.  Greensboro's Scott Harvey is also one back as he followed yesterday's 66 with a solid round of four under par 67 today.  Trevor Cone of Concord and Charlotte's Jim Pearson also sit T4 at seven under par.  The 36 hole cut fell at 145 (+3).  Below is the link to the official web page with all this and more.

 Official 2014 North Carolina Amateur Championship Web Page

Following dinner evening prep went very smoothly, as the crew is now dialed in.  Tees walk mowed at 0.325" (9-3 direction).  Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways triplexed at 0.375" (10-4 direction).  Fairways were mowed at 0.475" in a clockwise "shadow" cut.  
The driving range tee had divots removed and filled, filled divots on all tees, bunker faces were hover mowed, pond and creek banks hover mowed, collected soil moisture readings on all greens, hand watered where necessary, and collected firmness readings.

 Spirits are still high among the crew, and that's a good thing as we still have the entire weekend to go.  That's all for now.

 See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, June 5, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 4

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Thursday, June 5th and Day 4 of North Carolina Amateur Week.  Although we are into our fourth day of event week, today was day one of tournament competition.  Mother Nature greeted me and my staff this morning with temperatures in the mid 70's F and with a little breeze (not exactly what we were looking for but nothing we can't handle).

 Jobs from the morning before were on the board (that's why you have dress rehearsals), and the crew was ready to go when I gathered them to share something.  I knew our club president was going to be stopping by yesterday morning, but I did not plan for a guest pep talk today...but we had one anyway.  At 5:07 am my good friend Tim Carpenter, Golf Course Superintendent of Gaston Country Club sent me the following text message, "To you and your staff good luck this morning and the rest of the week - I know you will make our area shine - Light'em up it's showtime!"  I read Tim's text aloud to the crew, and then we embarked onto the course.  Tim and his staff are hosting their annual Member-Guest this weekend, and for him to take a moment to recognize what we are doing is special and speaks volumes about the brotherhood that exists between golf course superintendents!  I wish Tim and his staff much success with their event!

 Once the team was out the door greens were mowed and rolled (we also collected soil moisture readings and hand watered where appropriate), dew removed from fairways, teeing grounds walk mowed, bunkers smoothed and hand raked, etc.  Breakfast this morning was courtesy of David Wrenn with Southern Agriculture!  The crew was dismissed until 4:00 pm.

 As I was looking for a good photo to tweet this morning, I found this message from golf course architect Kris Spence.

Kris led our four phase Ross Restoration that began in 2005 and wrapped up in 2008!  It was nice to see he was thinking of us on this momentous occasion for Carolina!

 Today we managed to dodge the threat of severe weather as thunderstorms stayed well to our north.  As a result an already firm and fast golf course firmed up even more.  Despite the firmness, the course managed to yield a handful of low scores including a nine under par 62 to tournament leader, and Charlotte native Bailey Patrick, Jr.  The young Mr. Patrick leads by three shots over John Eades (also of Charlotte) who shot a six under par 65, and by four shots over Scott Harvey of Greensboro (66).  Defending champion Steven Brame of Henderson is currently T8 after a three under par 68.  Carolina Golf Club's own Brett Boner fired an even par 71 and currently is T36.  You can find out more and see a video with Head Golf Professional, Jeffrey Peck at the official web page for this year's championship linked below.

 Official 2014 North Carolina Amateur Championship Web Page

 We treated the staff to pizza this evening before our late mowing session.  Evening course prep consisted of the following: tees walk mowed at 0.325" (9-3 direction).  Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways triplexed at 0.375" (8-2 direction).  Fairways were mowed at 0.475" in a counterclockwise "shadow" cut.  The driving range tee had divots removed and filled, filled divots on all tees, smoothed and raked bunkers, collected soil moisture readings on all greens, hand watered where necessary, and collected firmness readings.

 Earlier I mentioned receiving words of encouragement from a fellow superintendent, and how this profession truly is a brotherhood.  Just before 5:00 pm I received the following text message from Tim Davis, Golf Course Superintendent of Cabarrus Country Club, "Hello buddy.  Just a note to say GOOD LUCK this weekend and I got you in my prayers with your tournament.  If you need anything let me know."  As I said before, we all pull for one another every week of the year, and it is nice to know my friends are pulling for us!

 As for the low round today and competitive course record, hats off to Bailey Patrick, Jr.  I do believe Mr. Ross himself would be proud, because there is nothing to be ashamed of for someone playing quality golf and getting the ball in the hole.  Good luck to everyone the rest of the way... me and the boys are off to get some rest!

 See you on the course,


 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent  
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 3

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Wednesday, June 4th and Day 3 of North Carolina Amateur Week.  Today the course was closed to practice rounds only, and unlike yesterday the course was bustling with activity.  There were numerous practice rounds played today and Andy Priest, Director of Tournament and Internet Operations of the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) was on site with his team to setup the competition course.  The CGA marked hole locations and tee placements for Rounds 1 and 2 today, along with conducting several other tournament administrative duties.  Today's weather was warmer than our previous two days as this morning's low was around 62 F and our high today reached 90 F (felt like summer).

 Today was "dress rehearsal" for morning course prep.  Before the staff got started we had a special guest deliver an enthusiastic pep talk, Club President Will Barr!  I want to thank Mr. Barr for taking the time to stop by and show his and the club's appreciation to my staff for the work they perform.  It was a great start to a special day.
Club President Will Barr
Once the team was out the door greens were mowed and rolled (we also collected soil moisture readings and hand watered where appropriate), dew removed from tees and fairways, bunkers smoothed and hand raked, along with the usual changing holes, refreshing drinking water, and emptying trash.  When the staff reconvened at our turf care facility they were met by Chris Simon of Harrell's with breakfast!  
Chris Simon of Harrell's
I want to thank Chris for helping make today, and this week a special week for my staff!  The crew was dismissed until 4:00 pm (with the exception of key personnel to watch greens in the early afternoon).  I met with the Greens Committee at noon before returning to the facility to prepare for the evening mowing.

 When the staff returned they were treated to a cookout before hitting the course.  I need to give several big shout outs!  My wife, Darless (a.k.a. Mrs. Greenkeeper); JR Bailey, Equipment Manager; and Vinnie Balducci, Executive Chef for their various roles in making today's cookout happen!
This afternoon we were visited by special guests Steve Smith and Brent Miller of Smith Turf and Irrigation.  They were joined by Dale Getz and Jeff Clarke of Toro.  These gentlemen stopped by to show their appreciation and support, and see their equipment in action.  Their presence on the course this afternoon really helped cap off a special day!  Thank you again for being here!

 The evening course prep consisted of the following: tees walk mowed at 0.325" (6-12 direction).  Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways triplexed at 0.375" (9-3 direction).  Fairways were mowed at 0.475" in a clockwise "shadow" cut.  We also mowed the driving range tee and target greens, filled divots on all tees, smoothed and raked bunkers, sprayed greens and collected firmness readings.

Straight Lines!
Tight Formation!


















In The Action!

 Right now the crew is excited and I sincerely hope the adrenaline lasts the remainder of the week!  Today was fun but tomorrow the curtain is lifted, the lights go on, and the show starts for real.  Rehearsals are over and tomorrow play begins for the Billy Joe Patton Trophy!

 Good luck everyone!

 See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 2

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Tuesday, June 3rd and Day 2 of North Carolina Amateur Week.  Today the course was closed to practice rounds only.  The temperature this morning was 58 F and today was a "normal" day for my staff as we kept to our usual summer start time of 6:00 am.  Today we mowed the entire course before play and tomorrow we will begin our split shifts for the remainder of the week with a start time of 5:30 am.  Today was about mowing all short-cut turf again, touching and tidying up the place, tying up loose ends, and laying the foundation for the rest of the week.

 Today greens were mowed (single cut only), we collected moisture readings, and hand watered only where necessary.  We also collected firmness readings to determine our starting point and establish rolling requirements beginning tomorrow (greens were rolled this past Saturday, Sunday, and yesterday).
Fairways were mowed again today at 0.475" utilizing a "traditional" or "shadow" cut in a clockwise direction.  Tees were walk mowed in the 6-12 direction at 0.325" (0.025" lower than yesterday).  Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways were triplexed right-to-left at 0.375".  Also, we completed the mowing of all roughs.

 We touched up the bunkers, freshly painted all hazard lines, and did the usual tidying up of things (string trimming, pulled weeds from native areas, trimmed irrigation heads, and etc.).  Today it was also necessary to mow the clubhouse entrance, front lawn, and event lawn.

Tonight there was a function at the clubhouse featuring Bradley Klein from Golfweek.  Mr. Klein was briefly involved with the golf course restoration/renovation in 2008 by Kris Spence.  Bradley arrived around lunch time today and had an opportunity to tour the course before tonight's presentation.  The audience featured many Carolina members and distinguished guests.  Bradley's talk focused on our favorite architect, Donald Ross and he tied most of his presentation back to Carolina and the wonderful restoration work by Kris Spence and his team!  

It was an honor to be able to attend tonight's event as it was a celebration of Carolina Golf Club.  Tomorrow morning is "dress rehearsal" for the staff as it applies to morning setup for the remainder of the championship, so that's all for now as I am off to get a few minutes rest.

 See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, June 2, 2014

North Carolina Amateur Week - Day 1

Hello and welcome to "The Greenkeeper"!  Today is Monday, June 2nd and Day 1 of North Carolina Amateur Week.  Just this past Thursday, I touched on the magnitude of this event as it relates to the club historically, and my staff and I have been counting down the days on the job board for one year.  You plan for the worst and simultaneously hope for the best!  Over the past year we have endured one of the more challenging winters this region has experienced, and the golf course still has a few scars.  Winter injury and spring dead spot are still evident in places as a cool spring as yet to really kickstart bermudagrass growth in this region.  As a result, the rough is not as robust (my word for this season) in high traffic areas as I would like (hence the late decision to implement a new golf car operation policy banning cart traffic in the rough permanently).  Despite these challenges and setbacks, we press on mowing, grooming, and preparing the golf course to the best of our ability so Carolina Golf Club is the best it can possibly be at this moment in time for the 54th North Carolina Amateur Championship!

 Saying it was an exciting morning would be an understatement.  It was 55 F this morning, a lightweight pullover was an excellent compliment with the morning coffee, and the course was closed today for maintenance.  We did receive 1.78 inches rain last week (Tuesday and Thursday) and that definitely helped green things up.  This was our first maintenance day in a month with two corporate outings and a holiday tournament the past three weeks, so the staff was excited to jump right on the golf course.

 I greeted the crew today with a "To Do List" so long it seemed I needed the back of the dry erase board.  Tasks this morning were broken down to greens, practice areas, short-cut turf, and other.  The putting greens were rolled to remove morning dew followed by a light topdressing.  The topdressing sand was immediately brushed in and the greens irrigated for 3 minutes.
Topdressing the 6th green
Brushing the 18th green

 The putting greens also received a dry mowing in the early afternoon following the lunch break to smooth the surface from the morning brushing.

 On the practice areas we mowed the driving range tee, short game fairway, target greens, and driving range floor (main landing area).  We also mowed all rough height turf in and around the practice areas.  All divots on both the main range tee and short game fairway were filled and smoothed.
It was a busy weekend!

 With the practice areas complete we started on the golf course.  We mowed rough (we are only lightly "topping" the rough today and tomorrow for the entire week).  All fairways were cross-cut (9-3) at 0.475" and tees walk mowed at 0.350" in the same direction.
9 - 3 Mowing Direction

 Approaches, surrounds, and par 3 fairways were triplexed left-to-right at 0.375".  Bunker faces were mowed with hover mowers.  Clippings were blown from the bunker floors, the floors probed for proper depth, smoothed and hand raked.  
One of Seventy-Seven Ross Style Bunkers!

 Some other housekeeping duties including removing tee markers from the course, spraying tees, trimming around irrigation heads, removing stakes and ropes from certain areas, and completing the hole sign installation we began on Saturday morning.  

Feels Like a Major!

 The hole signs from the Carolinas Golf Association really give the golf course a unique look and feel.  They stand out like beacons in the night, and you can tell gazing across the golf course this week is something special, this week we identify the 2014 Champion Amateur of North Carolina!

 See you on the course,

 Matthew Wharton
Golf Course Superintendent

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)