| Rough Stuff!
Over the past several weeks we have heard a lot of concerns about the height and thickness of the rough. The rain this summer, warm weather, and height of cut were all contributing factors to this challenging situation. We can’t change the weather, but we can change the height of cut. This particular time of year is not the best time to do it, but we are going to take the chance anyway.
As bermuda grass plants prepare for winter they naturally get thicker and more hardy. This natural phenomenon makes life more difficult for golfers and turf managers alike. It’s harder to hit out of, and more difficult to cut. Normally turf managers will raise the height of cut on mowers to compensate for this. When we did so this year, it was pleasant to the eye, but nearly impossible to find a golf ball.
So, how do we remedy the situation?
Short term: We have decided to sacrifice some asthetic aspects of the golf course in order to make it easier to find a golf ball and hit it out of the rough. The height of cut on our mowers has been lowered. As we mow the rough, there will be some scalping. If the weather stays warm long enough, we may see the scalped areas green back up before the first frost. We certainly hope that will be the case.
Long Term: Next spring we will start mowing at a much lower height of cut. As fall of 2018 approaches we will be able to raise the height slightly, without drastically affecting the playability of the golf course. With the addition of new mowing equipment, scheduled to arrive soon, we should be able to more easily keep the rough in check through next growing season.
In short, you spoke, we listened. We want to give you the best possible golfing experience at Beechwood Country Club. Please come see us and play a round today!
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