Busy times for Tam Turf

The storms that ruined many towns in Indiana and Illinois made their way through southeastern Michigan. Although we have no business complaining, we did experience 2 full days of high winds topping at over 50 mph. Over a quarter million homes lost power for days. 

As we are in the process of putting the course to bed, Mother Nature gave us some extra work to deal with.

The handful of willow trees on the course were whipped up. These soft wooded weeds littered the place.

Being the optimist , this is just natures way of cleaning up the dead wood in the tree canopies. This is a good thing, but never comes at a good time.

During the cold wind and rain the storm brought in, we were able to blow out the irrigation system. After 2.5 days, this process is complete. All went well , and we've crossed it off the list. 

An important process heading into winter is the practice of deep tine aerification to the greens. 

This machine, called a soil reliever, punches solid spikes deep into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. These deep holes help relieve compaction and allow for better drainage through the winter months. 

We have also completed our final chemical applications to greens, tees, and fairways. This application is primarily for a disease (snow mold) we see during the winter months and in cold wet conditions. 

So much completed yet so much more to be done before snowfall. As we head into Thanksgiving and Hanukkah , my staff and I wish you all a peaceful  holiday with family and friends.

Drainage installation

We began installing drainage today on hole 4. The piping network starts in the bunker on the left and flows into the pond. We also improved run off installing drainage along the cartpath at the front tees on hole 5. 

We found old drainage coming out of the bunker that had been severed and crushed during the irrigation install back in 1999-2000.  Yes, the bunker has had less than adequate drainage performance for almost 13 years, leaving it water logged and unplayable.

Drainage plays such an important role with healthy, playable conditions. It is also so very easy to forget about because it is something you can not see. However, just like everything else, it too needs regular maintenance and attention to perform properly.

This work being done now will aid in better playability and will allow for dryer, more consistent conditions. 

Thank you for your patience during these overdue installations.