Sorry for the delay, I'm back

It's been a trying year as we manage through one of the driest hottest years on record. We've implemented many new practices to our program since last fall and we have seen much improvement.
Tree removals, drill and fill and improved water management has translated into deeper roots, better drainage and improved playing conditions.
Rome was not built in a day and we need to continue implementing our new routine for a number of years before we reach our goal. Also expect a few hiccups along the way. 
Our troubles are continuing with the first green. This green is our poorest draining green along with the 6th, 10th and 11th. The sunken design of the 1st green restricts air movement attracts heat  and is becoming an environment difficult to grow turf in. I will use the analogy of a bath tub filling up with water which is what we are dealing with even in this drought.

Poa Annua Decline on 1st Green July 31, 2012

Our annual visit with the USGA is in a couple of weeks and our focus will be on specific hot spots through out the course. The 1st green being the most significant. We need to improve its ability to drain water through the profile immediately. Items we will discuss are doubling up on the drill and fill in the fall and the use of deep tine spiking machine called a verti-drain which can penetrate up to 12 inches and with a slight kicking action can crack soils and improve water percolation through the sub soil.
After Club Championship we will be aerating and seeding the first green to help in its recovery.