Golf Blog
Do you ever wonder why something is done a certain way or in a particular spot on the golf course? I would love to hear your questions so I can get you the answers. One common question that comes up every year is aeration. Fall aeration typically happens in late August or September depending on the weather. As many of you fear those words, they are actually extremely important for the course and to keep those top-notched conditions you love. “Aeration is an essential program to keep playing surfaces healthy and in good conditions. Aeration primarily is performed to control organic matter, relieve soil compaction, stimulate root growth and improve drainage. If organic matter becomes too think, it acts like a sponge and holds water at the surface after rain or irrigation. Excessive organic matter also inhibits root growth, reduces oxygen levels in the soil, encourages disease and eventually can lead to turf failure. Furthermore, excessive organic matter creates soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions. Aeration and topdressing are the most effective ways to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces.” (USDA.org) For more information on aeration please visit; https://www.usga.org/course-care/forethegolfer/why-do-golf-courses-aerate-so-much-.html
For a few weeks every year we have little friends make homes in our sand traps. These fast fliers are officially known as the Bembix Sand Wasp. They dig numerous burrows in soft sand (ie-bunkers) to lay their eggs. Juvenile wasps, known as larvae, emerge from the eggs where they remain in the sand and grow into adults. Adult females congregate together in large numbers when making nests to bait their prey. The higher populations of larvae in nesting sites attract flies, beetles, caterpillars, and grasshopers. These insects are captured by the female sand wasp and taken back to the sand burrows to be fed to the growing larvae.
The existence of these critters in the bukers is a nuisance to golfers but beneficial to the course as they help to control the population of plies and detrimental turf beetles by preying on them.
The greatest concern for golfers is that they will get stung by these wasps when entering a bunker to play a shot. Studies have proven that this particular wasp is not aggressive and of no harm to humans. Both male and female wasps will not sting humans unless they are stepped on or smashed between your hands. When approached by a human the sand wasp will initially swarm, looking for food, and then go back to their burrows to protect their larvae.
It may be s distraction when trying to play a shot from a bunker but keep in mind, bunkers are hazards and populations will dissipate in September when new adults emerge from the sand.
Check out this article about green speed!
Want to bomb it like Bryson? Here is the diet that helped build the physique that averaged 350.9 yards off the tee in route to winning the Rocket Mortgage classic. Feel free to give it a try and track your results!
Breakfast
-Four (4) eggs
-Five (5) bacon strips
-Toast
-Two to three (2-3) Orgain protein shakes
While playing
-GoMacro bars (several)
-Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
-Orgain protein shake every six holes (three total)
Post-round
-Snacks, protein shake
Dinner
-Steak
-Potatoes
-Two (2) Orgain protein shakes
Pro Tip: we know, we know. You don't even want to talk about the shanks for fear bringing the subject up will cause you to catch them. But like it or not, you might find yourself in a situation where you're going to want to know a solution. Though awful, the plague of the shanks is curable.
First thing you have to do is take a break from the course. You need some alone time to sort this out on the range. Start by checking in on a few basics. Make sure you’re standing tall with your chest up during the swing, don’t hold the club too tightly, and make sure your weight isn’t sneaking up towards your toes. David Leadbetter told us that not tending to all of these little things could be the root of your struggles.
He also gave us a drill that will cure your shanking woes.
Set up like you’re going to hit it, and then put a tee in the ground just outside the toe of the club. While you’re swinging, think about keeping the grip end of the club near your body. “Miss the tee at impact, and you’ll hit the ball in the center of the face,” says Leadbetter