14 North Shore Towers Courier n May 2015 (continued from page 13) During the season, O’Neill resets the system daily after surveying and checking the moisture of the grounds the day before to ensure even water distribution. The pipes are winterized at season’s end, compressed and flushed of water, to prevent freezing in the winter. Come spring, the system is re-pressurized. Water is carefully fed into the pipes, so as not to cause bursting, and all the junctures are evaluated, as well as the sprinklers to ensure theirs heads are popping up and rotating properly. Plus, the computer system is powered up and the satellites are checked to make certain they are talking to one another. It’s a labor-intensive process, and cannot be rushed. O’Neill and his crew take a pro-active stance when it comes to applying herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. “Pathogens, like Pythium Disease and Summer Patch, are lying in wait,” he says. “They awaken when the soil warms above 60°. You want to hit it before it manifests. It’s a lot harder to kill once it arises.” Other pests include the Annual Bluegrass Weevil and the White Grub, which brings additional pests of the four-legged variety. Attracted by their smell, raccoons and skunks dig holes in the turf looking for the grubs, which rise to the surface in the warmer weather. “On rare occasions the raccoons are careful,” O’Neill explains. “They create a flap that can be easily put back in place.” The greens are mowed and rolled smooth every morning during the season. O’Neill’s crew gets an early start before the first golfers hit the course, giving themselves a 4-5 hole lead, so they don’t interfere with play. Soil tests are periodically undertaken to monitor any imbalances in the levels of calcium, potassium, iron and such, which can be adjusted with careful chemical applications. Still, there are no certainties. “The golf course can be great one afternoon and terrible the next,” O’Neill says. “It’s all Mother Nature-based.” O’Neill has about a dozen members in his crew, who work tirelessly throughout the season. But there are others off the course, without whom O’Neill could not operate as effectively. “I’m fortunate to have General Manager Glen Kotowski and Country Club Manager Mary Anne Langone on my team. They have the utmost confidence in my abilities and support my ergonomic decisions. Their help is invaluable.” Mowers await their day in the sun Winter kill ice damage has forced closure of the putting green until proper reseeding Gum “balls” litter the fairway Computer system controls sprinklers throughout the course Drag Mat awaits hook-up Photos by Stephen Vrattos
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