The golf course is in great shape for the Bob Jones. I am a little disappointed in the wetness. As I said, when we determined it would rain based on a 100% chance, I made the decision to spray wetting agents on numerous fairways to re-wet the soil. These chemicals need to be watered in or else they can burn turf. I was under the impression Mother Nature would handle that part for me. After 7pm, it was clear it wasn't going to rain. This meant I had to run irrigation against my will. No irrigating will take place tonight in order to create the firmest surfaces possible.
The greens were stimped late morning and are rolling 12'0". There are in great shape considering the season we've had and the amount of play we are exposed to.
Above is an area left of the cart path on the 7th hole. It is comprised of predominately Bentgrass. During a normal, cool, wet summer, it thrives. During heat and drought, it doesn't fair too well. It begins to thin out as you can see. This is why Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG- far more heat and drought tolerant) is the desired species in the rough.
The 6th hole roughs were recently sodded this past winter with new KBG. This morning, we are spot spraying some very small bentgrass infestations with a product called Tenacity. Tenacity eliminates bentgrass in stands of KBG. It will turn the bentgrass bleach white before it begins to die. After 3 applications, it will eliminate a majority of bentgrass. I have experimented with this product in years past with some success. It would be devastating if broadcast applied to all roughs. However, using in new roughs may prove beneficial. This will be discussed at the next green committee meeting.