Audubon C.C. Greens and Grounds

New flags, cups and sticks hitting the ground today. Love the new design and look.

Senior Trophy Fund #1 in the books. Thanks to all who braved the cool weather and congratulations to our winners.

GCSAA short story on our use of the TDR moisture meters and how we use them to manage water in the putting greens. Our use of Google Drive helps us to collect the data and interpret. Love technology.

http://www.gcsaa.tv/view.php?id=2794

Local Knowledge: Managing water through technology at Audubon Country Club Golf course superintendent John Ballard shows us the application they designed to help manage water usage and monitor moisture readings at Audubon Country Club.

Local Knowledge: Managing water through technology at Audubon Country Club

GCSAA short story on our use of the TDR moisture meters and how we use them to manage water in the putting greens. Our use of Google Drive helps us to collect the data and interpret. Love technology.

http://www.gcsaa.tv/view.php?id=2794

gcsaa.tv Golf course superintendent John Ballard shows us the application they designed to help manage water usage and monitor moisture readings at Audubon Country Club.

Finished up aerification today with a Dry Ject on the putting green. This is simply another tool to help create pore space in the greens allowing for better root development and oxygen exchange.

The crew continues to show their commitment and how much they love this profession. Greens aerification day 1 in the books. Ready to get at it again tomorrow.

Let's Tee It Up... But Remember It Is Only March Let's Tee It Up... But Remember It Is Only March

Let's Tee It Up... But Remember It Is Only March

usga.org Let's Tee It Up... But Remember It Is Only March

These are the 3 Great Horned Owls rescued on our property. You can keep up with them by following Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky.

These are the 3 Great Horned Owls rescued on our property. You can keep up with them by following Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky.

The owlets are growing up so fast! Sniff!

Busy Monday for the crew as we sodded out some weak areas on #3 green and began the process of edging bunkers and adding sand. Also noticed the zoysia beginning to green up. This is a good 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule. Spring has sprung.

Spring is a mere 16 days away. The wait is almost over!
https://youtu.be/eEPB_gnuP0o

The Wait is Almost Over - #WaitingforGolf Have patience, the wait is almost over.

We made our first application for seed head suppression today utilizing a technique called "Growing Degree Days" to aid our timing. It looks at temperatures to forecast when the poa will start seeding out. We used a check plot on #16 green to see how effective we are and to aid timing in the future. Details matter.

Adam found 3 infant Great Horned Owls behind #3 green today. They appeared to have fallen out of their nest and were stranded. He called a local Raptor Rescue group that came out to recover them. They will be raised by other owls before being released back into the wild. We will make a push for them to be released right back here at Audubon. It's hard not to think all of our efforts to encourage more wildlife isn't paying off.

The warmer weather comes with a windy price tag. Hold onto your hats!

The weekend weather looks to be top shelf. Highs in the low 60's with some much needed sun. While we will be ready, keep in mind that very wet conditions will exist. The snow melt and rain has the ground saturated. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer.

The large elm tree between #1 and #16 is coming down today. This tree posses a serious threat to golfers with the dead and decaying branches that continue to fall. We fairly evaluate all trees when considering removal. We will take a look at replacement options once completed.

Watch your step out there. All drain grates are being brought inside to refurbish. We have 2 posts on either side of the catch basin to identify. Safety first.

We are out taking a little off the greens today prior to another topdressing. Mowing in the winter can be very hit and miss. We watch for top growth, weather patterns and more to help us determine the best course of action. Today's mowing height is higher than an in season mow. The topdressing sand continues to help combat organic material build up and provide smooth putting conditions. Heavy rains over the next 2 days should be just the ticket to rinse it all in.

Our first measurable snow of the season came last night. About 4" total. We are bracing for a bigger one on Friday. Stay safe and warm.

We may be seeing our first real snow of the season. Get your shovels ready.

The golf course has seen almost 3" of rain since Christmas Day. This combined with our last fertilizer application, above average temperatures and no growth regulators in place has caused a flush of growth on putting greens. We are out mowing today waiting on the cool down. Hole location moves to #2 and NO Red flags. Enjoy!

I've always felt that a clean, well defined golf course during the off season is important. Our crew continues to embrace that philosophy. We enter the final days of twenty fifteen in great shape and ready to embark on another successful season.

Final fertilizer application going out today. Love the late feed to promote a fast spring start.

Adam is installing a Wood Duck box along #17 pond today. Great location for these birds to nest.

Before you settle in for a BIG Thanksgiving meal, come get your steps in. Fitbits welcomed.