April Newsletter

Hello SFCC Members; what a wonderful spring it has been. We, like everybody else, could use some rain though to help with the transition and knock down this pollen that is on and in everything. I personally am getting tired of swallowing the stuff and can’t imagine what is like for those with an allergy to it.

I trust everyone has been getting out and playing a little more golf than usual due to the great weather. I for one am still at around one game a week and I know that’s not going to help with consistency, but I am going to play a little more soon.

For those of you that have not heard, my Assistant/Teaching Professional Brian Altman, has been offered and accepted a Head Professional job in Sumtner, SC at Sunset CC. It’s a plan for all aspiring PGA professionals to become Head Golf Professionals and to “run the show” so to speak. Brian was a wonderful addition for not only for me but for Snee Farm and I wish him and his family good luck and I am sure our paths will cross every now and then.

As for the upcoming golf we are fairly busy in the month of April;
Wed. April 6th Snee Farm Ladies vs. Wild Dunes Ladies
Sat. April 9th MGA Breakfast Blitz
Wed. April 13th & Thur. April 14th LGA Stroke Play Wed.
April 20th T-F League vs. Dunes West
Tue. April 26th & Wed. April 27th Wando High School Regionals in the afternoon.
Fri. April 29th – Sun. May 1st Member – Guest.

As you can see it will be a very active time of year so I implore you to call and get your tee times and not take for granted that the tee will be open like it is during the winter season. We are also asking for all to please start to ride with others in your group when it is available. The heat is coming and we are having issues with the batteries of our carts and we don’t want to run out because of a foursome out there with four carts. I am going to, for now, leave it up to you as individuals to help us out or if this does not work, then we will have to start to pair you up as you go.

Jeff T

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April 2011 Newsletter By Brent

March gave us some warmer weather which was a nice break from the long winter we had. I always love this time of year (minus the pollen) with everything starting to come alive.

With the grass actively growing again, we will start our regular mowing routine again and we will also start “grooming”, verti-cutting and topdressing the greens on a regular basis. The process of grooming and verti-cutting is actually mowing the grass vertically rather than horizontally. This process helps with the removal of thatch and also helps promote vertical growth which keeps the greens rolling better. Topdressing is lightly and evenly spreading sand over the green surface and then brushing it in. This helps keep the greens smooth and also helps with keeping the thatch layer open allowing for water and nutrients to reach the soil and become available to the plant. Both of these processes provide a better growing environment for the plant which in turn makes a healthier plant.

We are looking forward to another great growing season. Please remember to fix all ballmarks and fill all divots. These two simple things go a long way in helping keep the course in good condition.

Brent Bagwell
Golf Course Superintendent