How will we know when they are ready?

Pictured is a profile sample of one of the new greens. We have root growth down to the 6-8" range which is normal for a new green. These roots thrive in the new greens because there is plenty of oxygen and pore space for the roots to grow. No compaction and limited organic matter is the perfect environment for new root generation.

Long roots does not mean ready for golfers. Right now if you pull apart this profile sample it is loose and does not hold together very well. When we start to develop that important mat in the root mass that will hold together that profile, we will be getting closer to opening. That mat is important to give the grass a chance at surviving once the traffic from golfers gets on the greens. They will look full and beautiful and you may be wondering after looking at some of these perfect looking greens - why can't we play on them? This mat is the primary defense for the plant to withstand traffic and abuse.

Right now with the way they are looking and the weather we have been having for the first part of the winter, I am confident at this point that we are on target for that May 1st target date. Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate through the remainder of the winter and into the spring.