July 2011 Roots

Proper management of Bentgrass in Southern California can yield dense, deep roots.  These photos were taken today, July 21st, on the thirteenth green.  Bring on the heat....


(triplexed greens cut at .095")

Five Year Difference

Similar locations, several years apart:

 #6 green

 #6 green

 #2 green

#9 green

New VFD Installation

The newest component to the irrigation system is a V.F.D. for one of the 75 horsepower pump motors.  The variable frequency drive eases the electrical load on a motor when 100% demand is not required.  This upgrade will save in electrical use, utility costs, and wear on the old hydraulic pipe system.




  

Mowing Practices

Several members have inquired about our mowing practices and frequency.  The short answer is that our mowing frequency is dictated by clipping yield and varies based upon time of season.  This time of the year (July) we cut the bermudagrass fairways, tees, and approaches two to three times per week.  In the winter months, the Ryegrass is cut once or twice per week depending on growth rate.  Consuming fuel and "burning-in" mowing patterns for aesthetics is a strain on the diminished budget and limits the man hours and energy we can devote to improvements and detail work in addition to unnecessary wear and tear to equipment.  In this industry, mowing is a very under estimated mechanical stress that negatively impacts plant health.