Weed removal from Greens.

One of the projects we will be working on this winter is the removal of weeds such as bermudagrass that have started growing in our bentgrass greens.  The only way to remove this weed is to manually remove it by replacing the weed patch with a bentgrass patch. We have a small bentgrass green by the Maintenance Facility that serves as our nursery when doing patch work to the greens.  We will concentrate on removing weeds in the center of the greens this winter and then work on weeds on the edges of the greens in the Fall. 

 (Above photo showing a patch of bermudagrass in our bentgrass greens.)

 (Above photo showing an employee replacing the bermudagrass patch with a bentgrass plug from our bentgrass nursery.)

(Above photo showing the green back to normal.)

Tree Trimming This Winter.

(Above: Before and After view of #8 green from #2 side of pond, showing the removal of Black Willow Trees along the pond edge.)

Over the winter the golf maintenance dept. has been doing alot of work cleaning up the trees on the course.  We've been trimming trees, raising the canopies of the trees and removing sick or weak species of trees.  Trees like the Black Willows removed on #2 are not a quality species and can become a safety hazard to golfers when limbs break off and fall during heavy winds or other bad weather conditions.  We should be done with tree work by the end of February.

The benefits.
Increased sunlight to the turf below, improving turf quality, eliminating dirt/mud patches.
Improved aesthetics where the beauty of the design will become visible.
Improved efficiency when mowing the course out for member play. Mowers get around quicker.
Pace of play will improve.