Pump problems

Well the irrigation is on, but now we are having problems with the pump. We are only able to operate with city pressure at this point, which is only 40psi and is 3 times less than the needed pressure to get sufficient water and coverage. The reason that we aren't able to resolve this problem is because the screen on the pump control panel is broken and doesn't show any readings to diagnose the problem. These screens are very expensive and we were able to get by without it last year, but my boss was able to find a screen for a reasonable price through a company in the UK. So we have it ordered and it's on the way. Once we install the screen hopefully, we will be able to diagnose and successfully resolve our problems. The greens are extremely dry and for now we are fortunate that we got a good rain this weekend.

The Greens Are Thirsty!

Due to the large amount of courses in the Milwaukee County Park system, the plumbers haven't gotten around to Warnimont to turn the irrigation system on yet. They are suppose to come out this Wednesday and we should get the system rolling. In the mean time the higher temperatures and the lack of rain is beginning to take a toll on the turf grass in the greens. We have also had some pretty windy days which can increase evapotranspiration just like a hot, sunny 85 degree day. This could also lead to hydrophobic activity on the greens which can make the soil almost impossible to retain water. With no irrigation system and no rain in sight we really can't fertilize the greens to get the nice lush look we had last year. In order for optimal plant uptake of the nutrients from the fertilizer they need to get watered in, which delivers nutrients to the root zone. With the lack of water and nutrients for the greens, the grass will have a chlorotic or wilting appearance to the plant because of insufficient chlorophyll formation for photosynthesis. On the upside of things the greens are healthy due to our past management practices, allowing the turf grass plant to store carbohydrates and close the stomas to retain as much water as possible. Once we get the water back on we will get a wetting agent down to allow the soils to hold sufficient amount of water, reverse the hydrophobic areas, allow for optimal plant uptake of water, and producing nice healthy looking greens!

-The First Entry-

Thank you for visiting my blog which I have created to keep my golfers at Warnimont informed, and in order to present my ideas, goals, problems, and accomplishments, as I journey through my golf management career. I have recently finished my first year of the Rutgers two year golf turf program, and I'm excited to be back to the course and apply the knowledge I have gained while I was away. I have been the greens keeper of Warnimont GC Since August of 2008. Since I have been at Warnimont, my crew and I have been able to maintain beautiful greens, renovate much needed irrigation coverage to the greens, repair 6 out of the 7 leaks which I inherited, address the sclerotina homoecarpa (dollar spot) issue which was resolved, and return irrigation to the tees for the first time in 10-15 yrs. With my maintenance man layed off I have not only taken on the challenge maintaining the course but also the equipment. My first project since I've returned from Rutgers was to reshape the fairways, adding aesthetics and character to the course and giving it a much needed fresh new look. The next problem I plan to address is to fix the tee signs which have been vandalized, weathered, and dilapidated. During the off season I have constructed new signs and am hoping that we can get them installed in a timely fashion.

The greens have come out of the harsh Wisconsin winter beautifully with virtually no damage. Hopefully this will be a sign of good conditions and golf at Warnimont.