Good Morning,
It is getting to be that time of the year when we start to prepare for the possibility of snow season. Nobody likes when it arrives but we live in Iowa and tolerate the cold weather. This season I am going to set an official closing date for the golf course. The last day we will remain open is Saturday, November 6.
The main reason for the close is the extended forecast is calling for colder temperatures. The colder temperatures cause the ground to freeze on the top couple of inches. This is followed by warmer weather that can thaw the very top part of the ground but there is still the frozen layer below. This is a stressful time for turfgrass.
The amount of revenue is also minimal when the golf season enters November. Financially, it is best to set a close date and limit our expenses. If there is a warm stretch that arises, and there is no threat to the turf, I will open the clubhouse and work those days for golfers.
We finished cutting the ten remaining tree stumps off at ground level. I am going to get assistance from the Country Club to remove these stumps and fill the holes in with black soil. In exchange, I will help them fill the stump holes they have accumulated. It will save me the removal expense I pay every year and it will save the Country Club some labor dollars.
There are two apple trees and three amur maple trees, at the old Woodcliff intersection, hindering the vision of drivers. The state wants the trees removed. I called in for locates, on Tuesday, and the trees will be moved to the golf course early in the coming week.
The fall aerification process has now reached a point where the greens would not have time to heal prior to the arrival of winter. So, the greens will be aerified early in the spring. This process works out quite well between both golf courses, since our tractor is used to run the aerification machine.
The irrigation system will be blown out toward the end of the upcoming week. I am just waiting for the Park Department to finish their work with the compressors, then I will start on the golf course irrigation. It usually takes about 10-12 hours to complete the process.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have questions, comments, or
Spencer Municipal Golf Course 