Quick August Update

Wednesday, August 09, 2017

The golf course finally got a reprieve from a hot, dry July with 1.5" of rain overnight Monday.  We were in desperate need and great color is already returning to the bermudagrass surfaces.  July was the 10th hottest on record and despite the heat, greens held up very well and continue to perform at a high level.  Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and projected rain are always a welcome sight. REMINDER: THE GOLF COURSE IS CLOSED AUGUST 21-25 for putting green aeration.  The greens will be dryjected and a small core will be...

Read More

July Update

Thursday, July 13, 2017

This week has brought very high temperatures to our area.  Our team is busy playing defense against heat and drought damage as well readying the course for summer cultural practices next week.  The golf course will be CLOSED next Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 for fairway, tee, and collar aeration and verticutting.   While the golf course is closed, our team will also be converting the fescue areas on 1, 9 and 18 to bermudagrass with sod and sprigs as well as a few other...

Read More

June Update

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

We could not have asked for a better couple of days at the end of June than we experienced this week.   Cool nights and low humidity are always welcome and our schedule greens aeration on Monday could not have come at a better time.  Our team pulled a small 1/4" core and then blew the cores off on Monday.  This is as little disruption as we will ever see from a core aeration but will set the greens up well heading into the summer.  If the weather had been warmer, we would have...

Read More

Venting

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The golf course has received 3 inches of rain over the last week.  While wet weather is typical this time of year, it still presents challenges.  We have actually fared much better than many courses in the area but the course is very saturated.  All turf surfaces are growing well and the warmer temperatures over the next 7 days will really keep things moving.  Today, our team is venting greens to allow the saturated greens to "breathe",  Venting creates very small holes...

Read More

A Picture Worth Sharing

Thursday, April 13, 2017

I thought this picture from Creative Dog Media was worth sending out.  Creative Dog does amazing work and specializes in drone photography with most of their work in and around Richmond.  Here is a link to their twitter feed: https://twitter.com/getcreativedog.   Greens were rolled this morning and mowed dry this afternoon.  We will mow greens dry whenever possible to avoid picking up too much sand and dulling the mowers.  We will continue to alternate mowing and rolling...

Read More

April Update

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

I feel like the Masters is always the unofficial start to the golf season.  The excitement of the back 9 on Sunday surely inspired most of us to knock the rust off the clubs and get out on the course.  The early warm weather has kicked the golf course into gear.  Greens, tees, and fairways are all growing very well.  Greens are recovering from aeration and fairways are at least 3 weeks ahead of schedule.  We are actively mowing tees and fairways and are finishing the first...

Read More

Aeration Update

Friday, March 31, 2017

There isn't a better way to finish aeration week than with a day of solid rain.  The team worked hard to cram 5 days of work into 4 long days.  The greens were core aerated and then dethatched with the Graden contour sand injection machines.  Overall, we disturbed about 15% of the greens surface, even if it looks like a lot more.  This article, 'Core Aeration by the Numbers', does a good job explaining percent disruption.  We try and accomplish as much at one time so we...

Read More

Spring Aeration

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Aeration is never a fun process.  It is the definition of a necessary evil. We all know the negatives associated with aeration.  Here is a quick reminder of the benefits: 1.  Thatch Removal: Removal of organic matter buildup just below the turf 2.  Relieve Compaction 3.  Allow for water and oxygen to easily enter the soil 4.  Deeper rooting and healthier plants For more information on aeration and thatch management, please check out these articles from the USGA....

Read More

March Golf Course Update

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Today is a good day for an update.  The course received 1.4" of rain Monday night and another tenth of an inch yesterday.  The windchill was below 10 degrees this morning and we are currently preparing for the upcoming greens aeration.  The cold/wet week has also given our team a much needed chance to finish all inside work.  Golf course amenities have been refurbished, the shop has been cleaned and organized, and we are preparing for an exciting event at our shop on Friday. John...

Read More

Navigating this Webpage

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Golf Course Updates are intended to be a source of information about the ongoing course maintenance, projects. challenges, and successes at Willow Oaks Country Club.  We want to make the information as accessible as possible.  The updates can be accessed by visiting the club website.  Once you enter your login information, you will find 'Golf Course Information' under the 'Golf' tab.  You can also bookmark this website: www.woccgolfcoursemanagement.blogspot.com because we...

Read More

February Golf Course Update

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

2017 has brought warm weather and a great extended forecast.  Our team is busy balancing golf course setup and finishing our winter project list.  We don't schedule or budget for 75F weeks in February but we will certainly take them.  The bermudagrass is breaking dormancy and greens are just starting to grow.  It will be a while until we are in full form but the golf course is waking up from its winter nap. I am very proud of the drainage work our team has accomplished, despite...

Read More