Handling the unexpected

Since starting here at Wilmette Golf Club I was informed that major storms only took place every 10 years. After last months 7" flooding, the stories seemed to transform into an every 5-7 year storm. After yesterdays 2.5 inches its hard to know what  to believe.

The bottom line is that mother nature is completely unpredictable and we can only handle what she throws at us when it arrives.  It has been a  hot and humid summer what has been reported as the hottest in 50 years. Needless to say the grass and golf course as a whole have been very stressed. Since the flood the poa annua has begun to thin and weaken.  Poa has the ability to adapt to its surroundings and it will grow back, however it will take a long time. The unfortunate part is that we don't want the poa to come back, if it  does rejuvenate, we will only repeat this cycle of stress and disrupted playing surfaces.

stressed poa annua has turned yellow and brown

Your maintenance staff is dedicated to reseeding portions of the golf course and get the Kentucky Bluegrass into our Approaches and Fairways where it was once intended. This will be a lengthy process and it will take time for the new grass to grow and fill in.

seeding #4 Approach

seed channels 

The goal of the seeding will be to create a playing surface similar to #5 and 13 fairways which was reseeded last year. We appreciate everyone's support as staff has worked very hard just to keep the golf course open. Please continue to do your part by respecting ropes and stakes, filling divots, and fixing ball marks. If you have the opportunity to play lift clean and place please do so.  

Newly germinated Kentucky Bluegrass

Thank you,

Golf Course Superintendent
Nick Marfise