GREENS AERIFICATION SCHEDULE


We have set a tenetive date in which we will try to aerify the greens. As I mentioned before they desperately need to be done. With the severe weather that we have had many greens have "sealed off" not allowing the plant to breath and drain properly, thus causing a dysfunctional root system. Any moisture that accumulates seems to be adding to our problems. We have noticed a thin algae crust on several greens and a black layer on many others, again this is not allowing the roots to be healthy.
My biggest concern with aerifing them this early is the weather. If high temps persist we will put it off a week or two, but for right now August 9th and 10th will be the date to start. The past few years our late summer aerification we have used a method know as dry-jecting our greens. This is a good technique which has the greens recovered in just a couple days. This year, we have to "pull cores" or dirt out and replace it with sand in an effort for the greens to drain faster
eliminating these layering problems. I plan on doing this process twice this fall along and possible a third aerification known as "drill & Fill" aerification. I will explain this later on if we are able to get it scheduled.

Thanks for your patients during this tough weather.

Golf course update:
   We finished paving the cart paths last week on # 8 and 18. We still have to put some seed and soil along the edges to finish the job.
The lights in the back parking lot area are on back order. We hope to have them in and working shortly.
Our irrigation pond is holding up well with the amount of water we have used this past month. In the month of June we have used over 6 million gallons from our storage pond. In past years we were only allocated 3 million gallons for irrigation purposes for the month. Spending the money to change our water use registration has proved to be a worthwhile investment.
Weather- the weather has not been very optimal for growing vigorous and healthy turf. Rain fall for the month of June was 1.15 inches,most of that occurring early in the month. Last year we had 7.3 inches of rain in June. The lack of rainfall and the high temperatures has stressed many turf areas on the golf course. To combat this, we have applied extra chemical and wetting agent applications. We have also reduced our mowing schedule to relieve some of the stress on the turf. Cooler weather and some nice timely rains should bring all of these areas back to normal quickly.
Ballmarks- with the additional water applied to the putting surfaces the greens are a bit softer than normal. It should be easier to find a ballmark to fix, so lets try and take care of this housekeeping issue.
Greens- I last reported that we had some disease and insect problems with several greens. Multiple chemical applications worked well on those problems. Rutgers has also suggested that we increase our aerifications on greens to help with these problems in the future. Therefore, we will be aerifing them several times between August and November to decrease thatch problems and increase turf rooting. I will let you know about the aerification dates as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Gregg Armbruster
Superintendent


Medford Lakes Green Committee
Ed Ciel, Chairman
Jill Kessler
Jack O'Brien
Gerry Reis 		Robert Roth
Barbara Schwait
Mike Stabile

 
For questions (FAQ) about the Golf Course Click Here
 

 

Monthly Question
For The Green Committee:

Why don't we do special projects on the course before 7 AM when play starts?

    I am sure you are speaking to the work on the 9th Green last month which was done during the middle of the day. While we understand that we may inconvenience a small group of players on a given day, it is not possible with our staffing levels and the amount of daylight in the morning to do special projects AND prepare the course for the day prior to the start of play. We could have closed the green for the day to accommodate the work, but the effort needed to prepare a temporary green would be the same as the project itself. Unfortunately, some play was affected and we apologize for that. The work was completed in short order and the green has improved. Consult the White Board at the 1st tee for upcoming projects and plan your play accordingly.

Mark MaGrann - VP Green Committee


REMINDERS:

FIX YOUR BALL MARKS ON THE GREENS
EXIT ALL CARTS - INCLUDING PULL CARTS - AT THE WHITE STAKE WITH THE GREEN TOP!

Have a question about our golf course?
Ask the Green Committee.
No question is too big or too small.
Remember, the Green Committee is concerned
with everything OUTSIDE the clubhouse.
Direct your questions to: green@medfordlakescountryclub.com

Green Committee Update
April 30, 2007
The purpose of this letter is to update our Members on issues relating to the golf course
Irrigation Pond Project
 

MLCC GREEN COMMITTEE COURSE RULES AND REGULATIONS
REPLACE ALL DIVOTS in fairway. It is better to replace Divot with its natural turf. If not feasible, fill with divot mix at stations located on the course.
RAKE ALL BUNKERS. Enter bunker from low side. Leave rake in bunker parallel to line of play.
FIX BALL MARKS ON GREENS. Please use a repair tool and fix pitch mark in the proper manner. Please repair any other ball marks in the area.
MOTORIZED GOLF CARS.
 
 Follow designated car path whenever possible.
Keep cars on cart path on ALL Par 3 holes.
Keep cars at least 30 + feet from all tees and greens - including green banks. Follow all directional signs as you approach greens. Exit fairway at white post (w/ green top).
Observe daily rules on use of golf cars, example. "90 Degree Rule", "Cart Paths Only".
Exceptions allowed with certification by medical doctor. Submit requests for exception with the Director of Golf.
Golf cars are not allowed on the bike path on the 3rd hole. Park in designated area.
PULL CARTS
  Keep carts at least 30 feet away from tees and greens and off of green banks.
Observe all directional signs and roped areas. Please do not pull your cart over the ropes. Exit fairway at white post (w/green top)
Take carts around green complexes maintaining 30-foot distance. Please do not pull carts between bunkers and greens.
Please use and refill divot mix containers attached to pull carts.
PRACTICE AREAS
 When the course is closed, the practice areas are also closed, including the putting green. The range may be open at the discretion of the Golf Professional.
Do not practice on the course. Hitting multiple balls to the greens is prohibited.
The putting green is intended for putting and chipping only. Please do not hit pitch shots or "Flop" shots onto putting greens.
On the range, please hit from designated areas. Do not hit from outside the ropes or in the grass areas between the mats. Pull carts and motorized golf cars are prohibited on the range.
Adhere strictly to the "IRONS ONLY" rule when posted on the range.
GENERAL
 Observe the designated Ground Under Repair (GUR) areas.
Entrance into designated Environmental Areas is strictly prohibited.
Use designated "Drop Areas" where appropriate.
Please do not drop pin flags on the green after removing from hole. Careful placement will prevent damage to the green.
Dispose of cigarettes and cigar butts properly. Do not throw on course. Ash trays are available on golf cars and walkers should carry their own container.
Please remove ball from cup properly using hand or suction tool. Removing ball with putter head can damage the cup. Do not drag feet on Greens. Soft spikes can cause damage to the Greens.
Park only in designated spaces in the parking lot. Cars blocking access ways will be towed at the Owner's expense.

Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated!
   These rules and regulations are in place in order to improve the golf experience of all players as well as to help to reduce maintenance costs.
   Those found in violation of these rules will be subject to club sanctions that may include suspension or elimination of playing privileges.

   Suggestions and comments may be put in the suggestion box on the course (Fence/Hole #2)
or by E-mail to green@medfordlakescountryclub.com

Thank you.

MLCC Green Committee

Mark MaGrann, Vice President
Gregg Armbruster, Superintendent

Please Observe These Cart Regulations


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