SWEET RELIEF!!

After 40 days with above average temps and .3" of rain (yes, that is correct, point 3) since April 21 we finally received a MUCH needed soaking rainfall. At the time of writing we have received 2.1" of rain and coupled with cloudy, cool temps, this will go a long way to alleviate and help to recover some of the brown(wilted) turf.

When I'm forced to rely solely on irrigation water for extended periods certain issues arise.

      One is that our pond water contains very high levels of sodium and bicarbonates.
If a high rate of bicarbonate is added this will bind up pore spaces and cause nutrients in the soil to fall out of suspension making it more difficult for the plants to recover.
      When sodium levels increase dehydration becomes an issue. The problem that occurs is every time we introduce more water the sodium continues to rise and the cycle repeats until a good rainfall flushes the soil. Another issue that can take place with high sodium is a condition known as sodium induced wilt. Wilt can occur within a short period even after it was just watered.
       Last week alone, my staff and I put down 1.7 million gallons through the irrigation system. That is unbelievable considering the total amount used last year was a little over 8 million.

For the numbers people: To irrigate greens,tees and fairways with just 1" of rainfall we would need to run our pumps from 1:00 PM until 12:00 PM the next day and would use 1.4 million gallons. Our irrigation pond holds about 3 million total.

     This past weekend we had a very successful Member/Member tournament with the course in fantastic playing condition. The weather was perfect for the event but remained in the high 80's with bright sunshine and strong breezes which dramatically increased the likelihood of wilting grass.

I will always try to maintain this course on the dry side which helps with root growth especially heading into the heart of summer. Shorter roots can't reserve water and will dry out quickly. They also can't retain essential nutrients that help a plant recover in times of stress.


The wilted spots on the course that were on the edge are recovering quickly and plenty of new green shoots are emerging due the perfectly timed rainfall that flushed that sodium. The brown tips that were effected will grow out and be cut off with the mowers in a few days.