DryJect Aerification on SVGTC Greens

Yesterday was our first time using DryJect aerification on the Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex greens.    The DryJect machine utilizes a high pressure water jets to make small holes, then using the Venturi effect, sucks sand in to fill the holes.  It is minimally disruptive, but very effective in opening up the thatch layer with a sand filled channel.  Here is a short video showing the machine in action:

The results are impressive, as shown below in a core sample.  A beautiful sand channel penetrates the surface thatch layer allowing water to easily flow downward into the profile.

PG&E Construction Work on Sand Hill Road - 6/24 to 6/29/13

Please follow link below for info on PG&E construction work on Sand Hill Rd. next week......

PG&E Sand Hill Road Construction Schedule

Worms are Gone, Moths are Here!

Most of the oak worms on the Coast Live Oaks have now pupated into moths.   Here is a video of the numerous moths buzzing around.  Their role in the life cycle is mating and egg laying.  The moths eat very little, they mostly just lap up dew and moisture.

Fortunately, most damaged oak trees are now showing amazing recovery!  My guess is that within two more weeks, all the trees will be nearly back to normal.  Typically the second generations of worms in the same year are much milder and the damage is far less obvious.  I'm sure hoping that is the case this year!

Divot Repair Etiquette

Click the link for a video worth watching from the USGA:

USGA Divot Repair Etiquette

Fiber Optic Conduit To SLAC Being Bored This Week

Bore pits are being dug for a new fiber optic line crossing the golf course.  The line will be a redundant network feed from the main campus to SLAC.  Bore pits will be dug near the Clubhouse along Links Rd., between #10 cart path and the parking lot, and above the 14th green.  The line will be installed using remote boring equipment, and be placed 5 feet below the 10th and 11th fairways.

Some work will also be done fastening a conduit onto the bridge over the creek at the 14th green.

The work should not affect play, but some noise and equipment will be present.

Honeybee swarm on #7 Fairway Sunday 4/28

(Click photos to enlarge)

Players found a quite a surprise on #7 fairway Sunday morning!  A swarm of honeybees decided to drop down in the middle of the fairway.  Luckily the swarm moved along later in the day.  

Bee swarms are actually common at this time of year, when newly hatched queens leave the nest with a group of workers looking for a new home.

Beware - Attack of the Oak Worms!

This year looks to be one of the worst years I've experienced for California Oak worms.  Some Coast Live Oak trees on the course have been completely defoliated.  Not only are they destructive, they are pretty much just gross.  I'm hoping the worst is over at this point of their life cycle and will they will begin pupating into moths.

Below are a few pics of the worms in unexpected places!

A link to a good resource for information on the worms is listed below :

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7422.html