I am sure many of us are tired of the cold mornings and surprise snow squalls that make traveling to work a hassle; but at the maintenance facility it gives us a little extra time to prepare the course for the season. Things to look for while on the course this Spring are freshly painted tee markers with new decals, freshly painted ball washers, cart directional signs, new tee towels, new flag poles with flags and bunker rakes to name a few. The extended winter weather also allows us to remove some unwanted trees that were effecting turf health and playability. Some noted trees that have been removed this season are located next to number nine Orchard and number nine Grove greens. These trees were dead and posed a safety concern to golfers and golf course workers. The tree next to number nine Grove green was an iconic tree to Treesdale but was hanging onto life. The pines next to number nine Orchard green were also hanging onto life and starting to interfere with bunker and putting green maintenance.
As you play the course this Spring you may also notice purple/reddish spots on the greens. Have no fear this is not a disease or fungus. They are just a build up of sugars in the leaf tissues from the cold weather. The following article will explain why traditional bentgrass putting greens look this way in the Spring.
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/turfx/article/1999jan4.pdf