Venting greens today

We are venting the greens again today. The tunes we are using are even smaller than the ones used a few weeks ago (check prior post to compare photos). I do not expect there to be any disruption once yet are mowed, but I wanted to increase gas exchange after rolling wet greens 5 times in 4 days for the Member-Member.

Patience pays off

I am pleased to report that giving the greens a brief rest at the beginning of the week has paid off. The majority of the Member/Member participants are very pleased with the condition of the greens. At the beginning of this mornings round the greens were very smooth and pretty quick. In fact, according to the CBS coverage of the Travelers Championship, our greens were as fast, and in some cases faster than the pros were putting on today. Unfortunately the persistent rain made them softer than I would like, but everyone I talked to was more than understanding.
I want to thank everyone that offered their kind words and support, and congratulate my crew for a job well done. I am looking forward to the conditions tomorrow now that the sun has come out, and the guys are catching up on some work we had to postpone due to the wet conditions on Friday.

Pete Gorman
Golf Course Superintendent
Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club
Branford, CT

No need to panic...

The greens seem much slower today than they were over the weekend. We are giving them a break so they will withstand the stress of preparing for the 3 Day Member/Member this weekend. The growth regulator that had people so concerned a couple of weeks ago has worn off, and the turf is extremely healthy. I applied a less aggressive regulator today, and may reapply later in the week if necessary.
We will be working on smoothness, firmness and speed all week, and I expect the greens to improve each day. If The weather cooperates they should be in great shape for the weekend.
There is no need to panic, this is all part of the plan.

Pete Gorman
Golf Course Superintendent
Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club
Branford, CT