FCCGROUNDS

I hope everyone has been enjoying some great fall golf here the past couple of weeks.  Even though we are over half way through the month of October, the temperatures have been well above normal. The grass is actively growing and with the recent rains, has been a challenge to keep up with.  Many parts of the course need to be mowed 2-3 times per week, which is a lot for this time of year.  We haven't had a hard frost to slow the growth yet.  Turf color is still very green and the leaves are slow to change color as well. Even with the turf growing like its early May, we are beginning to shift our focus to other areas of the course such as flower beds, leaf clean up, and tree work. We are saying good-bye to annual flowers and planting mums and bulbs in their place. Chris and Eric are having fun helping Peggy plant bulbs and prep the beds for winter. Leaf clean up consists of blowing, mulching, and vacuuming leaves.  Our leaf vac w...

This picture did not turn out very clear, but the small brown spots you see in a few of our fairways are actually worm casting debris.  Worm activity is more noticeable during the spring and fall as they come to the surface during the evening hours.  Then, in the mornings, we see small mounds of debris from where they burrowed their holes.  Hose dragging and frequent mowing help to some extent, but if there is too much activity chemical control may be warranted.  The debris can actually dull the cut on our reels and bedknives over time.    Cultural practices are performed more frequently during the fall as well.  Topdressing, aerification, verticutting, and grooming are all beneficial and each practice improves plant health and playability in their own unique way.  Here are two pictures of some material that has been brought to the surface of a putting green via verticutting.  This practice done consistently helps to keep organic matte...

This month has been extremely busy with many of the golf events originally scheduled for July being rescheduled into August.  The United Way began the month with well over 500 rounds taking place within a 48 hour period.  Shortly after that, we held our Gentlemen's Invitational on August 11th and 12th.  Anniversary week, another 800 plus rounds, and the University of Findlay outing took place during the middle of the month as many new guests were able to enjoy our facilities.  Rounding out the month included our Women's Member-Guest Invitational, Fresh Encounter, Senior Club Championship, and Chamber events.  While all of these events are very important to us, we have seen an increase in wear and tear on the golf course because of the short period of time in which these events took place.  We have spent significant time cleaning up divots from the driving range.  Here is Michael raking up the debris that was blown off the range tees.  These divots...

What a busy schedule over the past few weeks!  A two-day United Way event produced over 500 rounds of golf within 48 hours.  Our Gentlemen's Invitational was recently held this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Most recently, we hosted The University of Findlay golf outing.  It has been both an exciting and challenging time prepping our course for these wonderful events. After being very wet throughout the month of July, we have been equally dry for the month of August.  Periods of high temperatures and humidity have also been stressful to our cool season grasses and has kept our grounds department on high alert for the development of turf grass diseases such as brown patch, anthracnose, dollar spot and pythium.  All of these diseases are typical for this time of year.  Constant scouting and observation has kept us ahead of any large breakouts and our greens, tees, and fairways have been mostly disease free to this point. Here are a few picture...