What a summer this has been! As many of you have probably figured out, this summer has been one of the hottest summers on record. Temperatures have routinely hovered around the century mark since early July. On top of that, we have had very little precipitation to speak of. It has certainly stressed out the turf as well as our maintenance staff. We have spent hours nearly everyday cooling greens, watering green's surrounds, and even hand watering zoysia. Mowing requirements have been cut by over half due to the slow growth of turf.
Even after a record setting summer, I believe our greens have held up as well as any summer before. This is attributed to many different factors, but starts with our dedicated staff. We have a crew of guys that is passionate about the golf course, and have exceeded my high expectations. Syringing greens in 100 degree weather day after day can begin to wear on you, believe me. Our guys have never complained and continue to keep our greens looking as good as they possibly can.
I would also like to say thank you to the many golfers who have braved the warm weather over the past month, and put up with our maintenance staff being on the greens during play. Often times, we have no choice but to water greens while groups are putting. We appreciate the patience and understanding most of you have had while we complete this necessary maintenance practice.
It is still early August, but it appears that we have made it through the brutal part of the summer. I am hoping for a cool and wet fall to help the thousands of pounds of seed germinate that we will be putting out later this month.
