Greens and approaches are getting a nice coat of sand today. With more rain predicted this afternoon, the timing is perfect. The pencil tining on #16 green will not affect ball roll after tomorrow and was much needed on that green due to the challenges it presents and the current weather...waiting until next week wasn't a good option. Multiple factors including only one entry point with concentrated foot traffic, reduced sunlight and the fact that all surface water moves to the center of the green where it puddles, aeration holes allows water to drain through the profile and provides much needed oxygen to the root zone. More than anyone, I look forward to getting out of this damp weather pattern and back to the conditions members have enjoyed for most of this year. Like I said in another post, rainfall is beneficial to turf in moderation. Excess rain creates stress in a number of ways that negatively impact the turf. It definitely requires your patience, as a golfer. As a Superintendent, I always felt one thing that separates good supers from not so good supers, is knowing when to say when and give in, letting Mother Nature run its course. The entire staff is somewhat frustrated not being able to present the course in all its glory. However, we know that pushing it now could be devastating for the rest of the season, something we don't want to do. When turf growth is halted because of saturated conditions and cloudy weather, superintendents have to pull back on the reins. This may even mean bumping up the height of cut or backing off mowing frequency. At Highlands CC, this is particularly important because many of our greens have their own unique and varying microclimate. It is like raising 18 children- you simply can't treat them all the same. What we can get away with on #9, #17 or #18 greens (full sun) doesn't apply to greens like #2, #15 or #16 (mostly shade). It becomes a delicate balance of managing consistency across the board.