This Flowering Dogwood between #7 and #8 is one of my favorite trees on the whole property. It is one of the rare Dogwoods left in Highlands. Most have be affected by the Dogwood Blight.
Our roughs may seem overly dense and penal right now. The Poa annua in our roughs is also producing seed head right now which doesn't help. In the next 2 weeks, the seed head stage should be over and the Kentucky Bluegrass will catch up with more warm weather. This will even out the growth and produce more consistent conditions. Right now, we are mowing roughs 2x a week.
On #10 fairway (above), you can see some Take-All Patch, a fungal disease that is active in a couple areas. We've made 3 fungicide treatments this year alone and I am working with NC State University on more consistent control measures. They have established research plots at HCC and are trying to learn more about why we specifically are dealing with this fungus at off times of year. Their initial assessment thinks it may be because of my aggressive maintenance practices in the winter and heavy sand topdressing. We deal with Take-All Patch in the winter months where most golf course only begin to see signs of the disease this time of year. Right now, it is somewhat of a mystery. During Dr. Jim Kern's visit to HCC this week, they took several samples with them back to Raleigh.
Above, you can see some dry areas along the cart path on #12. We are in need of some rain and it looks like we may get some this weekend. This is a prime example of the inadequacies of our current system. We are unable to irrigate the peripheries of the golf course. If this weather persisted, we would really get crispy on the edges. However, this usually isn't an issue in Highlands but this is proof that it can happen if we don't get regular rain.
The bridge on #15 is nearing completion. Hopefully this will be complete by early next week.
All of the wildflower areas on the course were tilled and seeded 3 weeks ago. Please give them time for the seed to germinate and establish. The do look a bit unsightly right now but that is strictly due to the time of year and lack of rain we've had these last 3 weeks. Overall, I don't think you will find a cool season golf course in better condition than HCC for the 1st of May!
On #17, you will see a new type of Hazard Stake. This red stake with a green stripe means the area is treated as a water hazard however, you don't have the option to play it from the hazard...in this case, the Leslie's yard on #17. These stakes will also be complimented with small "NO PLAY ZONE" signage that is on order. This area is treated similar to an environmentally sensitive area. If you would like further info on this new marking, please consult with Head Golf Professional, Ken Mattis.
We continue to battle broadleaf weeds. Please remember, the only control method for broadleaves is post emergent herbicides. These summer annuals cannot be controlled with pre-emergent chemistries.