Frost damage ...

While walking a few holes with the morning members last week we discussed whether frost delays were a real issue. We also discussed whether the damage differs based on conditions and time of year. I gave them my opinion that October, November, and early December frost delays are more crucial.

I told them to take a look at the area along Hamilton Road, where we had removed the old split rail fence. We were doing this as a "frost job", or a job we would work on during frost delays.

We are about 10 to 14 days out from a few mornings in which we had a heavy frost and had worked on the fence. The damage appears pretty significant, at least aesthetically and isn't growing out anytime soon.

First picture you can clearly see the tracks made by the carts and machines. Second picture shows an area with no traffic versus one that had traffic.

Some information on frost delays:

USGA: 5 Things to Know About Frost Delays

USGA: Frost Delays

USGA: What Is So Important About Staying Off Frost

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope everyone has a nice day. I hope those of you playing in the two shotguns this morning hit a low ball! The wind is howling ...

Let me introduce you to Cocoa. She is my nine-year old Chocolate Lab. This is her third golf course duty and she still loves everyone minute of it. She isn't able to chase the deer and geese as much as she once was due to a knee injury, but she still gets pretty wound up out on the course. She is very friendly ( too friendly! ), loves being petted and doggy treats. 

More bunker progress!

Some more pictures of bunker detail and overall green complex clean up.

#1 Green complex after ... 

#10 Greenside bunker before and after ... 

#10 and 11 Green complexes after ... 

Welcome!

Welcome to the Royce Brook Golf Club Agronomy Department blog. It is odd, writing this knowing I'm speaking to no one. Will that change? Who knows. But in my short three weeks here at Royce Brook I've seen as much if not more member and guest engagement than I've seen in 17 years as a Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.  I think we do an interesting job as Golf Course Superintendents and so far it seems there is plenty of interest from our guest. I thought this would be a fun way to share what we are doing on the course as well as give those of you interested in golf course maintenance some added insight. I think you will find that I'm pretty available on property, especially to those who play here often, but this will serve as an extra avenue to get information out about the whys, hows and whens of the RBGCAD and maybe, if you ask nicely ( lol ), answer some questions. This will also act as an another form of documentation for myself moving forward. 

Since my arrival we have tried to catch up on the detail work that was being overlooked. In particular, we have made a conscious effort to spend more time and energy on bunker complexes, especially around the greens. I think we are making progress and a few of the members have given us positive feedback about it. 

Bunker rakes ... we are in the process of removing any broke, bent, or otherwise damaged bunker rakes. So if you end up in a bunker with limited or no rakes, there is a reason. At this point in the season it doesn't make sense to put new rakes out. 

What a beautiful place Royce Brook is. I'm sure I don't have to tell anyone that plays here that. I'm happy and thankful for the opportunity at RB!  

Be on the lookout for the two Bald Eagles frequenting the area around the cell tower!

Some recent pictures ...

#1 post bunker clean up:

#11 post bunker clean up: