Fairway top dressing was started at the end of last week. It should be finished this week barring any equipment problems. Continued top dressing will keep thatch diluted and keep the surface firm. Other benefits of top dressing fairways include reduced disease incidence and improved turf health.
The aeration of the driving range tee was completed last week. This should provide a better surface to practice on next spring. The tee has been in need of aeration, but has fallen off the "to do" list a few times in lieu of on course projects.
Last week, a drainage ditch was installed left of 7 green. During periods of heavy rain, the left side of the green holds water. The drain was installed just outside the collar to reduce the amount of water that runs onto the green.
Upon completion of the drain left of 7 green, the focus was shifted to the approach. The approach on 7 has developed a wet soggy area. A deep tine aerator (demonstration with a local equipment distributor) was used on this area a couple of years ago. It worked well, but the results only last so long. The area is located on the left side of the approach, and the project should be finished this week.
The greens are continuing to heal from aeration, and the weather has been great for it. Unfortunately, the weather has also been great for Microdochium nivale, the pathogen responsible for the Microdochium patch disease. This disease is also known as Fusarium patch and pink snow mold. The pathogen thrives in wet conditions with temperatures in the mid 40's to low 60's (Fahrenheit).
Precipitation measured for the month of October was 6.07 inches. This brings the total for the year to 57.71 inches.
