Turf Talk: From Rain Boots to Sprinklers
We have quickly moved from a very wet winter into the early stages of our summer drought season. The good news is that the golf course is in solid shape heading into the warmer weather. While the summer may be off to a slower start, long-range forecasts are calling for one of the driest summers we have seen in many years. In fact, we have already broken weather records dating as far back as 1913 — because apparently 2026 wanted to make the history books before July.
Our plant health program is now in full swing, including regular wetting agent applications, with the next round beginning tomorrow. As always, the greens are our top priority, followed by fairways, tees, and the driving range. We very seldom apply wetting agents to the rough, which is one of the reasons it may not always receive the same level of pampering as the greens. Tough love, basically.
This Wednesday, the team will begin our biweekly greens topdressing program. We will also be combining this work with collar thinning, which helps firm up the edges around the greens and improve overall playing conditions. If time allows — and if the heat doesn’t decide to turn things into a toaster oven — we will also look to level a few tees.
Our new range robot, Ball-ee, is working well and has been a great addition to the team. While Ball-ee cleans the range, our crew is able to focus on other important tasks. That said, like most new employees, Ball-ee still needs a little supervision. Due to the landscape, ponds, and a few areas it simply cannot access, our team continues to assist where needed.
Wednesdays will continue to be range maintenance days. Behind the scenes, we have also installed a new ball washing and delivery system, which is working very well. In addition, new LED lighting and the remaining gas heaters are being installed. These upgrades are all designed to improve your overall range experience — and of course, the new lounge is now part of that experience too. If you have not checked it out yet, it is well worth a visit. Wow is a fair and highly technical review.
Have a great late spring and an awesome summer enjoying the facility. Our team takes great pride in maintaining Highland Pacific to the best of our ability, and we look forward to seeing everyone out on the course and range.
— Geoff Sheffield, Golf Course Superintendent
