Nicholas Daak
My career started off in high school where I worked for Renville County Parks Department. At first I maintained the 7 county parks but eventually helped out the director as a supervisor overseeing a crew of 6 and helped develop a new RV park. At that time I was also appointed to the county park board, youngest appointed board seat in county history.
I later attended Anoka-Hennepin Tech College to pursue my career in landscaping, but instead found interest in Turf and Golf Course Grounds Management. I have golfed since my early teens and was always appreciative of what my local course’s Superintendent did. I found with my interest in landscaping, curiosity of golf course management, and the love of golf that this was a career for me.
While attending Anoka-Hennipen I interned at Dacotah Ridge Golf Course in Morton, MN. Dacotah Ridge is an upscale resort style facility. After graduating with a A.A.S in Turf and Golf Course Grounds Management I continued working at Dacotah Ridge, eventually becoming a Second Assistant in which I was responsible for spraying, fertilizing, irrigation, and crew supervision.
In 2008 I was hired at Pine Island Golf Course as Superintendent. My crew and I enjoy the responsibility of maintaining this beautiful 18 holes golf course to supersede member and guest expectations.
In 2009 I had the opportunity to volunteer at the 91st PGA Championship held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, MN. There I worked alongside Superintendent Jim Nicol, his staff, and fellow colleagues. During that week I got to experience the daily set up and maintenance for a worldwide golfing event.
I am a member of Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and Minnesota Golf Course Superintendent Association. With help from these associations I continue my education by going to classes, seminars, and online workshops. I have had the privilege of being accepted as a Class A Superintendent from both associations, second highest class behind Certified Golf Course Superintendent in which there are less then 3,000 in the world.
I currently reside in Pine Island with my wife Lisa and our three children Mikenna, Collin, and Ava. You will occasionally see us on the course during the evening having some family fun. Lisa is also the current Ladies Club Champion.
I will be continuously updating this page with a blog of various information including course updates, explanation of maintenance practices, and a calendar of specific dates for these practices.
Topdressing
Topdressing is the most effective practice available for biological control and/or dilution of the thatch on putting greens. In addition, topdressing is used to correct irregularities in surface smoothness; provide a firm, tight, fine-textured turf; and minimize turf grain formation. It is somewhat expensive, but well worth the investment in achieving a high-quality putting green surface. Proper topdressing preparation requires long-term planning of up to one year in advance.
There are two basic approaches regarding the frequency of topdressing. One is to topdress only as needed to correct surface irregularities or a developing thatch problem. With this approach, cool-season turfgrasses usually are topdressed in the spring and/or autumn at a minimum. A second approach is to topdress frequently, such as a 2-to-3 week interval at light application rates with the specific timing based on the shoot growth rate.
Light rates of topdressing are preferred for quality putting greens. The typical maximum rate for established creeping bentgrass greens is 0.3 cubic yards/1,000 square feet or 0.1 cubic yards/1,000 square feet on greens topdressed monthly.
** To learn about our aerification practices please click on attachment below
