April showers brought May showers

After 11 inches of rainfall hit Lakelands in April, we have had 4 inches thus far in May. It rained 1.75 inches alone on Friday May 13. Amazingly, we allowed carts out on Saturday May 14. We drain very very well on most of the course with exception of holes 7,11 and 13. While most clubs closed for the day after such a huge amount of rain, we were open and carts were out. Most all the bunkers were washed out. The cart path at 7 washed out and required about 45 minutes repair alone.

Additionally, when heavy rainfall hits us, we have a flooded maintenance facility. We have challenges with every step. We try to overcome these challenges with a smile and sense of accomplishment. The team looks forward to some sunny and warm weather.

New member of the turf team

The 2011 maintenance team roster is finally set. We had many apply to be part of our winning team and fortunately we were able to negotiate a compensation package that worked for both parties. Please welcome Reece Philip Matthews to Lakelands. He comes to us with 4 1/2 years of experience and is able to operate most every piece of equipment we have. His is an avid golfer and admits his favorite club in his bag is his driver. When you see him out on the course, please welcome him with a thumbs up.
The weather has certainly changed for the better in the last week. The course is looking great heading into May. Come out to the club and enjoy all that Lakelands is.

Greens Aerification

Healing from aerification typically takes 10 - 14 days. With the cooler than normal temperatures we have had this spring, and the 4'th wettest April on record, recovery is slow. As we all wait for sunny and warmer days, so do the greens. We continue to feed the greens and monitor their progression.
Our summer annual preventative weed and crabgrass applications have been made and the fairways and tees have been fertilized.  You may be asking what are all the flags along the drive coming into the maintenance facility? We are having a new communication cable installed this week. The rainfall of April delayed the installation. The cable will be trenched in right along the gravel road. It will be back filled and flags will be pulled. Greens expansions are growing in nicely. As we continue to work the areas, we ask for your patience with this process.