Persistent rains inspire drainage upgrades.

This is a section of a drain from the 3rd fairway. The pipe has holes along the bottom of the pipe for water to enter. It is plain to see that the pipe has been rendered all but useless by sediment that has clogged the bottom of the pipe. I have added a 12" sump in a low area that will not only collect water from the surface, it will also allow us to flush the pipe periodically to prevent this condition.

We are installing a similar collector at the bottom of the 5th fairway. 

Venting greens today

We are venting the greens today. This was originally scheduled as part of last weeks greens maintenance day, but was postponed so that we were sure all of the greens would be top-dressed in time for the rains. The topdressing was a success, and the venting will help dry the greens out after a week that delivered 9" of rain. Not only will this help the greens dry out, it will provide much needed oxygen which will stimulate root growth heading into the dog days of summer.
We will mow and roll them throughout the week, and I expect them to be in excellent condition for the Ladies Guest Day and Member/Member later in the week.

Golf Course Greens Drainage System

The greens at Merion are holding up to the persistent rains thanks to the XGD system installed in the greens. This internal drainage system has preserved classic greens across the country by allowing them to perform up to modern expectations without having to be rebuilt.
Here is a link to their website that explains more about the design and installation process.
FYI, this is different than the subaire system that has been mentioned during broadcasts of previous golf tournaments this season, which involves the use of suction to remove the water from the drainage system.

http://www.greensdrainage.com/default.aspx

If you look at the list of clubs in their portfolio you may find a few familiar names from the Northeast.  Share a comment about any that you have played, or if any are on your "bucket list".

Sent from my iPad

Greens topdressed today

Today is one of our greens maintenance days. We verticut, mowed, topdressed and brushed the greens. The surface has been significantly disrupted and will be bumpy and slow until we mow them tomorrow.
There is a good batch of rain headed our way this afternoon which will help wash the sand into the turf canopy. Over the next few days the greens will become increasingly more firm and smooth. I expect them to be in very good shape this weekend and ready to handle the stress of preparing for the Member-Member at the end of the month.

Flooding forces cancellation of golf breakfast

Flooding on the 1st fairway after 5.25" of rain lead to the cancellation of the golf breakfast. After the fairway renovation project the elevated fairways and increased storage in the wetlands will make it possible to play after extreme rain events such as this, most likely with carts on the fairway. 

The fairway drained over the course of the morning but flooded again when the gate closed at high tide. After the project is complete the tide gate will remain open longer allowing the watershed to drain faster.

Fwd: IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED - Call legislators to OPPOSE - HB6385

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED - Call legislators to OPPOSE - HB6385

Dear CAGCS members: As part of the coalition, we (The Golf Community) should oppose HB6385. The stated goal of the folks who are moving this legislation forward is to target municipalities, institutions and businesses next. These environmental groups  see Golf as having "big sprinklers" ,  hence the water diversion laws. The same strategies will be used to legislate our even "bigger sprayers." This will eventually affect golf. IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED- Call legislators to OPPOSE - HB6385 An Act Prohibiting the Use of Pesticides on School Grounds We are OPPOSED to this legislation and are asking you to call your member of the House of Representatives at: House Democrats: 860-240-8585 House Republicans: 860-240-8700 Unsure of who to call click here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp or call us at 203-758-7297. The state legislature is expected to vote on HB6385 - EXPANDING the pesticide ban on school grounds to all schools K-12 and CHANGING the definition of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to eliminate pesticides. To Read the Bill Language/Summary: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/FC/2013HB-06385-R000293-FC.htm Need more information? Please call the office at 203-758-7297. Talking Points: Oppose HB 6385, Prevent the Loss of Safe & Effective Management Practices for School Grounds The bill will disallow sustainable and thoughtful approaches to the control of pests: weeds and insects, jeopardizing the safety and quality of playing fields. Background: IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM has provided for safe, reliable and judicious use of pest control applications in lawn care, turf management, farming and inside buildings. IPM allows for well maintained athletic fields and playgrounds, free of pest hazards. Greatly reduces the use of chemical pest and weed controls Prevents injuries to student athletes from rough playing surfaces, weed and insect allergies. Reduced liability claims against towns and schools due to injuries. Protects the financial investments towns have made in athletic fields and school grounds. Greatly reduces the amount of pest control utilized for maximum effectiveness. Utilizes IPM trained, regulated and licensed professionals for pest control applications. EPA calls for IPM to be in every school by 2015. Scott Ramsay, CGCS Government Relations Chairperson

Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Inc P.O. Box 3678, Woodbridge, CT 06525 Telephone: (203) 387-0810 Toll Free: (888) 561-7778 Fax: (203) 387-7866 E-Mail Address: cagcs@cagcs.com Website: http://www.cagcs.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CAGCS

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