It is obvious to all of us living in Central Virginia that the weather over the past 6 weeks has been a challenge. With July recording 28 of 31 days in excess of 90 degrees followed by over 10 inches of rain in the first two weeks of August, the summer of 2020 has been tough.
The golf course did very well through the majority of July, despite the heat. The key was that, although hot and humid, we controlled moisture levels. Unfortunately, beginning on Thursday, July 30th and stretching through today, August 15th, we have recorded over 10 inches of rain. Along with that rain, we saw average temperatures/heat indexes hover near 90 degrees. There is no question that our turf was stressed as it exited July, but that combination of moisture and warmth introduced wet wilt, scald and disease that was damaging to the grass.
Fortunately, as bad as the weather has been over the past 6 weeks, the latest 14 day forecast looks wonderful. If the forecast holds, we will see a break in humidity, temperatures hovering near 85 and most importantly, the night time lows should drop below 70 degrees. This weather pattern should be very positive for seeding, sodding, fertilizing (light soluble) and in general, turf recovery.
Throughout the week of August 17th, we will repair damaged fairways on the front 9 and over-seed our weakest tee boxes.
Beginning on August 24th, (if the most updated forecast continues to look good), we will over-seed thin/damaged turf on all 1st cuts.
During the week of August 31st, we will begin to over-seed our primary rough.
In addition, throughout this stretch of weather, we will be feeding all of our turf with frequent, controlled, soluble doses of plant nutrients. If all goes to plan, we should have the turf looking much happier over the next 28 days.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to a fantastic fall golf season.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
August Update
