A week ago Wednesday we had our annual visit by Darin Bevard, Mid Atlantuc Director of the USGA. Darin is the man in charge at next months U S Open at Merion Golf Club
We toured both golf courses and he confirmed we are on the right track with a lot of our programs and improvements. He recommended we continue our aggressive management of the poa annua on Newport. He likes our attempt at balancing nutrient levels in the greens on both courses.
He was surprised at the recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Based on what he has seen our bermudagrass is behind schedule along with other courses due to the record cold April.
He recommended we have an arborist come in and evaluate the sudden decline of the Loblolly Pines out on the marsh holes. My own opinion is if you look at all sides of the marsh there are pines dying on everyone's property. This is a deadly trio of salt mist, age and insect damage. Observe the pines in from the marsh. They are all fine. We are looking into alternative trees on 11 and 12.
We discussed ways to get more bang for our maintenance dollar. It was time well spent.
