Spring

As February comes to a close this week our thoughts turn to Spring. We are seeing the signs such as grass greening up a bit, return of red wing black birds, warmer weather. It was 39 this morning but they are predicting 50 today. I played 18 holes Saturday and most of that time it was stunning. The sun went away which made the last couple of holes chilly but still nice for Winter. It rained all day Sunday so we still have not broken last years rainy cycle. The records keep on being broken with temperatures and rainfall. Last week we did not have the 70's like the rest of the area, instead a marine layer socked in and kept us in the 40's. We did set a February rainfall record, at least for my 23 years, with 8.38" so far. This is on top of 5.96" in January. Most are saying it is better than snow but my Superintendent brain keeps thinking this trend has to stop at some point. I am planning for a very dry summer.

2 Green with weak looking Poa

3 Green new shot

3 Green Test plot

3 Green same test plot different angle

5 Green

The golf course is extremely clean thanks to the work of Chris and Will this winter. They have been diligently cleaning up after every storm. The turf for the most part looks healthy. I am a little concerned about the Poa Annua on a couple of greens. It does not look good on 2 and 3 but it is hard to tell to what extent since it is still covered with dye. The check plots, where we skipped the last application, are real ugly looking on many greens. You can see the yellow squares in the pictures above. Yet, on some greens such as 5 it is hard to see the square so things are greening up for sure. Once we get through the Nor Easter coming this weekend we will be turning the corner into Spring. Since the year 2000 the earliest I have mowed greens is March 14th. I do not see that record being broken but you never know.