'Autumn can be a perfect time to play' - A message from the General Manager of Golf

Although the golf season is starting to wind down, fall is a great time to play golf at Ocean Pines. It is also a time that we use to work on and improve our course.

Summertime heat causes stress on the turf at the course and we are continually working to combat the changing characteristics caused by the growth of the community surrounding the course over the past fifty years. As the trees get taller and thicker each year, sunlight and airflow are negatively affected. Likewise, as homes have been built bordering the course, stormwater runoff and drainage have been affected. These changes through the years provide constant agronomic challenges that we work to overcome.

The golf maintenance crew will be busy with several projects throughout the fall and winter season:
 

• Over the next several weeks, we will be removing tree stumps and adding topsoil and seed over several areas of the course to improve playability on the holes. Once completed, these areas will be roped off to prevent foot and cart traffic. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve these areas of the course.
• We are currently in the process of seeding fairways, rough and tees to fill in weak areas of the course.
• Several tree removal and drainage projects are planned throughout the winter to help improve sunlight, airflow and water removal.
• Through the first week of December, we will be aerating and topdressing greens using Ninja Tines, which should help remove the layer of organic material two inches below the surface. This will allow roots to go deeper and stay healthier under the stress of the season. It will also help with drainage. The holes created by the Ninja Tines are so small that they will not affect playability of the greens.

The cooler temperatures that fall brings with it provide a great opportunity to play golf, and the rates for Ocean Pines residents drop to $35 for 18 holes and $20 for 9 holes. I hope to see a lot of you out on the course this season!