GOLF MAINTENANCE AND AGRONOMY 


DECEMBER 2012 







GENERAL 

· Friday, December 21st at 6:12 am marked the start of winter with the sun at the southern most position. In the following days the sun’s path starts shifting northward. On March 20th in 89 days, the start of spring, the Vernal Equinox, where the day and night are nearly equal.

· The ideal weather, dry and warm (mid 50’s) during the first week of December allowed us to efficiently apply our finial fungicide application on greens followed by a protective lay of topdressing sand. Subsequent days marked the beginning of colder days and night with several snow events.

· Additionally, December begins the period evaluating the past seasons successes and challenges and developing strategies to improve operational effectiveness. Also, equipment maintenance in preparation of the next growing season becomes a main focus for staff.

· Performed annual review with Adam and Eric.


AGRONOMY 

· Applied second application of plant protectant on greens. A combination of traditional fungicide with Civitas a mineral oil based product. Initial observation of Civitas is an enhanced green appearance on applied turfgrass. We will continue to monitor and evaluation performance during the winter months and more importantly spring plant development regarding greenup and disease pressures.

· Sand topdressed all greens after final fungicide spray application. We used a darker colored USGA specification sand, with the darker color, looking for enhance spring green up along with crown protection of turfgrass.

· Prepared paperwork for Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification. Nearly complete with all phases of documentation. A few items will need to be completed this spring; bulletin board communicating our environmental programs, and outreach projects. Emailed completed Site Assessment and Environmental Plan to ACSP 12/20/12.

· Performed soil testing on selected greens, when results are returned, will evaluation and use in developing fertility program adjustment for the next season.


MAINTENANCE

· Preparing equipment of next growing season; basic service and preventive maintenance, and reel grinding and service.

· Snow removal preformed around clubhouse and parking lot on 12/27/12 with 6-8” of snow accumulation.


IRRIGATION

· No activity.


OTHER / EQUIPMENT 

· No major equipment issues. Equipment service and repair for next season.

· Preparing equipment quotes of capital request.

· Reviewing operational procedures for recycling, spill containment, and other safety and environmental considerations.

WEATHER (as recorded from Niagara Falls weather station)

· Mean Avg Temp 35 – Max Temp 63 (12/04) – Min Temp 15 (12/28).

· Precipitation measured on site 1.64” (rainfall) – 11” snowfall.

NEXT MONTH (JANUARY) 
· Continue equipment service and repair.

· Agronomic and maintenance program development continue.

· Start hiring process, evaluating candidates and setting up interviews.

· Continue with environmental initiatives; Audubon, KemperSports Green Level and IPM programs.