Fine Fescue Conversions and Grow-In

We have begun the process of incorporating more naturalized areas throughout the course, including the right side of 1, behind 2 green, behind 4 green, along the right side of 5, between 7 and 14, the left side of 12 and between 16 and 18. While most areas will be seeded into, there will be two areas that must remain roped off and under repair for the majority of this year’s golfing season- between 7/14 and 16/18. Treat these areas as ground under repair until the stakes and ropes have been taken down. The goal over the next few months is to establish a blend of fescue grasses and strong root system.

Well established fescue area

The purpose of these areas will be to bring back the natural feel that was lost due to the significant number of trees planted on the course- over 750+ trees of which there are still 580 that remain. Between 7 and 14 the grove of oak trees made it impossible to establish turf. The area is currently being graded with clean soil and will be hydroseeded toward the middle of May.

Area between 7 and 14

Hydroseeding is a planting process that allows seed to mix with mulch, water and a tackifier so that seed may stay in place on the soil surface. A proven method, hydroseeding will be cost effective and allow for an expedited establishment of the fescue blend.  With proper care and  help from Mother Nature these areas will become defining features of North Hempstead in the years to come.

 The hydroseeding process

Aeration and Greens Expansion

Thanks to your cooperation, over the last three days we have been able to complete aeration of all the desirable playing areas and beyond- high traffic rough areas, a first at North Hempstead!

10 Rough Tee to Fairway

 In conjunction with aeration we will be expanding some greens during the heal-in process.  These expansions include greens 12 and 18, pictured below.

12 green

18 green

The expansions on each green will allow for 1-2 additional pin placements per green. Aeration provides the perfect time for these expansions as the expanded areas can be aggressively aerated, blanketed with sand then cut down to greens height as the green heals without damaging the growing point of the plant, the crown. The crown is protected by the thick layer of sand so that the mowers do not cut into it.

Continued light, frequent topdressing of the expansions as well as all the greens throughout the course of the season will continue to protect the crown, eliciting a drier surface, preventing mechanical damage such as scalping and protect against one of the most feared of diseases, basal rot anthracnose, a disease that is promoted by wet saturated conditions in the crown area of the plant.

Basal rot anthracnose

Sand topdressing worked into the canopy

In all areas aerated throughout the golf course, we anticipate a 10-14 day window for recovery.

8 tee box

The railroad tie wall on hole 8 had become a severe safety hazard in the last few months. In conjunction with the cart path extension and resurfacing on this hole, the wall was rebuilt and an additional set of steps was added at the back of the gold tee box. Attached are our before and after pics.

Additional cart path areas throughout the course are being resurfaced. All work should be complete by Opening Day. We will post signs of any detours needed to be taken throughout the next week.