The course superintendent here at ‘the ranch’ uses 150 as a benchmark for ‘the growing season’. I’m sure there’s more to it but when the combined high temperature during the day is added with the overnight low and the sum is equal to or greater than (+/>) 150, it’s officially growing season.
We’re not there by any stretch but the past week or so has seen some wonderfully sunny and warm weather – it was great to break out the shorts but very hard on the eyes. Speaking of shorts, I want a pair of these. The glare from all those untanned legs was similar to hitting a tee shot due east about 15 or 20 minutes after sunrise. No sunglasses made can adequately protect your eyes from either.
While it’s not growing season, the grasses are starting to green up. The greens will very soon need regular mowing and work has already begun on the fairways, rough, and native areas. We saw significant turf improvement last year and we are expecting more of the same. Later this month, we’ve scheduled fairway and rough aeration. When this course was built, some fairways got sod and some got sprigged. The sodded ones thrived and the sprigged one’s not so much.
Like any new development, most of the top soil was excavated out and what was left has taken the better part of five years to rejuvenate.
Next up, we will likely be grousing about green verticutting, core aeration, and top dressing. One things for sure, I can’t wait.
Bring on the old 150!