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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there no water coolers on the course?
Following the advice of the National Golf Course Owners Association we have removed all water coolers from the course. Our decision to remove the coolers was not an easy one. At the Diamond we pride ourselves on customer service and we’re concerned this decision will have a negative impact on our patron’s perception. However when we looked at all the information provided to us, we decided the health & safety of our players was the important issue.
There has been much discussion in the golf industry about the safety of water coolers on the golf course, since the death of a young golfer in Arizona as well as more than 80 golfers being stricken with gastrointestinal ailments. When you add Walkerton to the equation there is cause for concern.
The fact of the matter is we cannot guarantee the safety of the drinking water in the coolers. Bacteria are present in all things and loves to double every 20 minutes. In order to keep water safe at all times it either has to be held below 41 degrees F or above 140 degrees F. It is not feasible for us to do this economically.
We encourage you to bring your own bottled water with you or purchase a bottle at the course.
What is the purpose of Aeration & Topdressing and why is it done during play?
As you already know maintaining a golf course in top condition requires several everyday procedures. Procedures such as cutting grass, changing holes, moving tee blocks, filling divots and watering are necessary to produce playing conditions every one expects. These day-to-day jobs are a part of every maintenance department’s daily routine and are easily performed with limited interruption or disruption of play.
There are however, several other jobs that must be performed to keep the course in great condition. Unfortunately, these jobs can and do interfere with play. These procedures include monthly topdressing and monthly aerating. We do our best to complete these jobs with as little play disruption possible. It is these jobs (necessary evils) that help to keep the turf healthy under the extreme conditions that are desired.
Our topdressing program for the each season will begin the week before the course opens at the end of April. From there we will be topdressing the first week of every month until the end of the season. These topdressings will be coordinated with the Pro Shop to avoid disrupting play before or during tournaments or on important days like Thursdays. Topdressing has a number of important functions including thatch control, provides a smooth playing surface, root zone modification and area consistency.
The aeration program will coincide with the topdressing as it to will be done on a monthly basis. The week before the course opens we will do a deep tine aeration to help with surface drainage as well root zone establishment. Starting the first week of June we will begin our monthly aeration program using venting tines, which should keep play disruption minimal. Another deep tine aeration will take place on Labour Day with the final deep tine aeration after Thanksgiving weekend. The purpose of aerating is to increase root depth, increase water and nutrient infiltration and provide a place for the exchange of gases.
Aeration on the fairways will begin as early in the season as possible and continue until all fairways have been completed. The tees will be done in June on a day when the course is not too busy as this task can be completed in a little over a day.
Should bunker rakes be left in or out of the bunkers?
Although there are no set rules as to the correct placement of the bunker rakes, the maintenance department would prefer that you left the rakes in the bunkers. This makes maintaining the bunker surrounds much more efficient.
Why do we have sprinklers running during play?
The irrigation system that was installed during the original construction of the golf course was for single row coverage. Therefore when we run our irrigation at night only the middle of the fairways receive water. In order to keep the property green and healthy we must then water the areas that don’t get water at night. The best and most efficient time for us to do this is first thing in the morning before evapotranspiration (water lost to evaporation) rates get too high.
Why do we have frost delays?
While frost delays may seem like an inconvenience to the golfer they are much more of an inconvenience for the maintenance crew. The issue regarding frost is that walking or driving on frosty grass will result in death to the turfgrass plant. Frost is the result when the water inside the grass blade freezes leaving it susceptible to traffic injury. When the leaf blade is frozen it can be crushed as the crown of the plant actually breaks, resulting in death to the plant. When the turf is not frozen the plant is able to withstand the impact of a foot or another form of traffic. Imagine stepping on a thin piece of ice. You will shatter the ice as though it were a pane of glass. Now imagine stepping in a shallow puddle. Once you step out of the puddle it returns to the state it was in before you stepped in it.
Why should I fill divots and repair ball marks?
The main reason for performing these tasks is because it is proper golf etiquette. By filling divots and repairing ballmarks you leave the course in the condition it was in before you got here. This way the course will play the same for everyone on that particular day. Doing so also allows the maintenance crew more time to complete other jobs that may otherwise not get done.
Are we involved in an established environmental plan?
Yes, our environmental program has been established and our maintenance practices are geared towards this program. The Diamond 'in the Ruff' environmental program is based around the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. By satisfying 6 designated categories we can have the Diamond recognized as a wildlife sanctuary. The categories are: Environmental Planning, Water Conservation, Integrated Pest Management, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Water Quality and Outreach and Education. So far we have received certification in the Environmental Planning category, with the Water Conservation category pending.
We are also working towards full certification in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Our maintenance person has written and passed the exam and is recognized as the IPM agent for the golf course.
Our environmental program is somewhat involved and a full explanation would take more time than we have here. If you are interested in learning more about the program or being involved please contact us anytime.