Opening Day???

For the first time in our 45 years Rolling Meadows was officially open in February thanks to Mother Nature and a unusual warm spell. We really only had two days of playable weather but it was good to see customers out enjoying the course.

Just 15 years ago opening day used to be a week or so after the maintenance staff could travel the golf course without damage. Often greens, tees and fairways would be mowed, every stick picked up, bunkers raked and benches and ball washers placed by the tees before the first customer was allowed on the course.

Our philosophy on when to open changed due to the realization early season players are not expecting perfect conditions. For the most part they just want to play and get some exercise out in the fresh air. We now open the first day the course is playable and golfers can walk the course without damage. From a maintenance standpoint we can ease into the season and cleanup the course as customers play.

The decision to open is easy as it is based on when the greens firm up and we do not expect damage from walking golfers. To forecast that date more than 24 hours ahead is difficult because it is entirely up to Mother Nature.

In March of 2016 we went from snowcover and "winter" to green and "spring" in 3 mild weather days. However last week it took 6 record setting warm days to go from snowcover to playable. The difference was frost depth. In 2016 the frost was only 5 to 6 inches so once that was gone the course was firm and playable.

However this year the frost was 18 to 24 inches and although we could probe down a foot the surface was still soft and water was oozing out of the ground until the frost broke enough to allow the water to soak in.

It is too early to mow or we would risk encouraging the turfgrass to green up and grow which could cause damage when the cold temperatures return. We lightly dragged greens to even out the fall topdressing and changed cups. I am glad you enjoyed the short February season before the snow returned.

The next warm spell we should be quicker to open because it is unlikely the frost will go as deep this time of year. We hope to see you again soon!

Monday afternoon despite 4 days of 60 degree temperatures water
was still oozing from 3 green as the frost came out. This green faces north
and was the last to firm up.

 

The grass is still dormant but the greens have firmed up to
allow play on February 22nd.