Fall Aerification 2012

Everything went well with our fall greens aerification and we couldn't have asked for better weather.  Every year we aerify the greens in the spring and fall to reduce compaction, promote new root growth, and to get much needed oxygen and nutrients back into the soil profile.  With the rain that is on its way from Issac, we should see the sand wash in well and get the greens back in shape quickly. 

This picture is one of our star operators Luiz Aramas topdressing #2 green.  We apply two coatings of sand and then drag the greens in, forcing the sand into the aerification holes.  The sand we use is the same sand used in the original soil profile of the green, with the organic matter removed.  This "straight sand" mix allows the roots to adhere to the sand particles and create a new mass of healthy and young roots for the upcoming year.

Paige, our Goose Dog

All great golf clubs have a talented supporting staff.  Our maintenance crew at Laurel Springs is pleased to have one of the most highly trained goose removal tools in the industry, Paige.  Paige came to us about 6 years ago from a farm in northwestern Virginia.  Her mother won the Seclusival Sheep Herding Trials in Scotland. 

Paige is in the shape of a marathon runner.  She runs the golf course every morning without stopping.  All 7 miles of cartpath at full speed. Over the years, Paige has become very attached to not only the staff here at Laurel Springs but also golf balls!  She loves them.  If I ever need a ProV1, I just take Paige to the wetlands at number 10 and I will have a 1/2 dozen in just a few minutes.  Of course this has become a huge problem for us because we can't allow Paige on the course during member play.  She thinks all golfers are there to play fetch with her!

This past weekend, I drove Paige back to her home for some much needed refocusing work.  She will begin her refresher this week and I will return in a month to bring her back to us.  Below are some photos of the farm and Paige.  We can't wait to get her back!

The sign for the farm.  Not only do they raise cattle and sheep, their main source of revenue is Border Collie Training.

The training grounds for Paige and the sheep. 

Paige after a hard days work.  Flat wore out!  This dog is a machine!