Tuesday, August 3, 2010

August Again

Well, were back in the thick of it again. August is here and feels as if its been here for the last 2 months. This summer has not been very kind as far as the weather has been concerned, but it is what it is and we will deal with it to the best of our ability.
I would like to thank all of you who have been comming out and playing over the last 2 months. It has not been the most comfortable weather in which to play, but thanks none the less for comming out.
I have been watching people carefully here in the last month or so to try to determine some of our ball mark problems, and other areas that we could get batter. I have noticed that most people do not know how to properly repair a ball mark on the Green. Most people are sticking the repair tool in the ground at a 45 degree angle, and proceeding to lift the injured center of the mark up until level. This is incorrect. I would prefer that you stick the repair tool in the ground at a 90 degree angle on the outside edge of the mark and push the good grass to the center of the mark. Twisting the mark to get the grass to the center is also an acceptable method.
I have people tell me all the time that they fix theirs and any more they see while their out there. I greatly apprecieate their efforts, and I wish that everyone did this. But, we have to make sure that we are repairing the marks properly or it will not heal for quite some time. If they are repaired properly they should heal in about one week.
We are also dealing with soft greens right now, due to shallow roots under the surface. This makes it very easy to leave big ball marks. which is all the more reason to repair yours and someone elses.
I do have a video posted on the blog in the archives of how to properly fix a mark. Please if your not sure on my description, check it out.
Thanks

Brad