Spring 2022 Update

Irrigation project on Hole 4

Winter has finally turned to spring here in Geneva and with it the unpredictable and often frustrating weather patterns associated with the transition period. Below average temperatures and a wintry mix of snow and rain have been commonplace for late March and early April putting some of our spring maintenance efforts on hold. Mowing frequencies have lagged due to saturated soils but we must avoid doing damage by sending out heavy equipment before turf conditions are ready. Plus, grass plants have been slow to come out of dormancy with soil temps still on the chilly side so we have yet to see a tremendous amount of top growth on the highly managed playing surfaces, i.e. tees, greens and fairways. The good news is that we have been able to cautiously prepare the course for play in all other areas. Course clean up is completed, all amenities are in place, a much needed drainage project on Hole 1 is in final phase, and we have been able to complete a few irrigation projects that will enable us to more effectively maintain turf health in the summer.

Even with saturated soils, we have been able to mow and roll greens with some regularity and like what we're seeing.

First mow on greens

 

The putting surfaces overwintered in good shape and the conditioning that we have performed to date is yielding good results for play. The better news is that we're entering a drier weather pattern that will allow the course to dry out and mowing frequency to increase. More mowing of tees and fairways and less pumping of bunkers and backed up drainage areas will be a welcome change of pace.

Transfer pump on Hole 2 drain

Golf season is here and the Eagle Brook Grounds Crew is hard at work making sure spring course conditions are the best they can be. We look forward to seeing you out on the course.