October 21st: The Oak Stays

We would like to thank the numerous members who responded to our request for feedback on the proposed tree work on the 2nd hole. The input we received whether via email or in conversation around the course was appreciated and illustrates the thought and care much of the membership puts into the well being of the course. Also a big thanks to the Ipswich Greens Committee for all the time and effort they have put into our meetings this entire season. On the subject of the 2nd hole the decision has been made after member input and additional discussions/voting with the ICC Greens Committee to keep the oak tree on the left of 2. This tree will be pruned to thin out the low growing sucker growth while avoiding any large removals that would jeopardize the health of the tree.

The tree work on 2 will consist of the removal of three trees along the cart path edge and the pruning of the oak tree pictured above just left of the approach. Below is a image showing which trees will be subject to the upcoming work. This will allow the agronomy team to grow a healthy stand of turf in this area.

Divots and Ballmarks:

As always please be attentive to fixing your ball marks on the greens. Regardless of what your prefered repair tool is, remember to avoid using it to pry ballmarks up as this actually damages the roots of the green. Instead insert the repair tool around the edges of the ballmark and push inwards towards the center of the ball mark. Repeat this multiple times around the mark and then use your putter or foot to gently tap the area smooth. Repairing ball marks is our best defense againt poa annua contamination.

For divots our courses preferred method of repair is to retrieve and replace the divot whenever possible. The divot mix provided in the cart bottles and buckets should be used when the divot pelt cannot be retrieved or is too damaged to be replaced. The divot mix is good to be used for divots on all Fairways and Tees. The mix should not be used for any divots created in the rough. In the case of the rough if a divot cannot be retrieved simply leave the divot empty. This time of year replacing divots becomes even more important as the seasonal drop in soil temperatures means we will see little seed germination from the provided divot mix. If the divot cannot be recovered it is still better to use the mix for all fairway/tee divots regardless of whether the seed will germinate now or not.

Par 3's:

Per greens commitee request, we will shortly begin moving blue and white tee markers on the par 3's outside their normal tee boxes. For example we might move the white markers on 5 up to the blue tee or the blue tees down to the back of the normal white tee. This is being done to provide a variety of shots and also lessen some wear on the par 3 tees.

November 17th: Course Closed for Deep Tine Aeration of Greens

The course will be closed Tuesday November 17th to allow for the greens to be deep tined heading into winter. This process will utilize a 1/2 inch solid tine punched into the green at a depth of 7-9 inches. These holes will serve as addtional avenues of surface drainage during the winter months and better set up the greens for enduring the winter months. After the greens are punched they will be rolled and there should be minimal impact to the playing conditon of the greens for the last weeks of the season.