Dear Members,
As of Saturday, December 19th, the greens are closed for the season. Golf carts will no longer be available. We will have significant snow accumulation over the weekend, with cold temperatures forecast to persist well into January.
There will be temporary greens located in fairways.
Happy holidays to everyone!!
Sincerely,
Patrick Gertner CGCS
PS. Thanks to member Mr. Herb Stevens for his 2009 weekly weather updates sent to us at no cost to Potowomut. This is an invaluable service that enables us to better plan events, and saves us thousands of dollars per season!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Protecting greens and green dye.....
As we have moved into December, we can tell you about our efforts to prepare golf course turf from winter snow and ice, cold extremes and drying winds. This week, snow mold fungicides were applied to greens, tees and fairways. These materials protect plants from two winter turf diseases that form with or without snow cover. The fungicide materials provide protection for the entire winter. Also included was a high dosage of nutrient iron, that will encourage the growth of deep turf roots well into winter months.
Scheduled for next week, the green dye used in previous years will be applied to greens. The dye is a dense waxy covering that protect greens from winter winds. The material's thick viscosity requires two complete and separate applications. Drying winter winds that blow on greens, without snow cover, can dry plants to the point of killing turf. The "Wintergreen" product we use insulates turf similar to fiber or cloth coverings you may have seen protecting greens at other northern courses.
Also this year, we will protect greens with a layer of topdressing sand left over from greens aeration. The sand must be used this year because we have no way to store this special "oven dried" sand during wet winter months. So, the leftover sand will give greens an extra layer of protection from the harshness of winter.
Finally, colder temperatures will arrive this week compared to the last few weeks of great golf weather. Depending on how much snow we receive tonight, we may be able to keep the greens open depending on conditions we see during the next few weeks. We will keep you posted!!!
Scheduled for next week, the green dye used in previous years will be applied to greens. The dye is a dense waxy covering that protect greens from winter winds. The material's thick viscosity requires two complete and separate applications. Drying winter winds that blow on greens, without snow cover, can dry plants to the point of killing turf. The "Wintergreen" product we use insulates turf similar to fiber or cloth coverings you may have seen protecting greens at other northern courses.
Also this year, we will protect greens with a layer of topdressing sand left over from greens aeration. The sand must be used this year because we have no way to store this special "oven dried" sand during wet winter months. So, the leftover sand will give greens an extra layer of protection from the harshness of winter.
Finally, colder temperatures will arrive this week compared to the last few weeks of great golf weather. Depending on how much snow we receive tonight, we may be able to keep the greens open depending on conditions we see during the next few weeks. We will keep you posted!!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Update
We completed the greens aeration project this week. We finished by aerating and heavily topdressing perimeter areas of greens that were extended a few years ago. These "green extensions" as we call them, are predominantly comprised of weaker grass Poa annua, and performed poorly during 2009. We believe that between the greens' three aeration processes and the additional one done to the extensions, greens will be much healthier in 2010.
We are very encouraged over how well greens have healed since their aeration during the last week or so. Greens that go into winter with no visible holes will help to aid my winter slumbers. Winter desiccation damage can be a springtime problem, especially on exposed greens with aeration scars.
We fertilized fairways and the driving range today. We continue to use less fertilizer to maintain fairways, which is safer for the environment and saves precious dollars. We use less fertilizer because with strong aeration programs in place, we continue to eliminate the thatch layer and also provide channels into soils for fertilizers to enter. A significant thatch layer acts as a barrier, similar to a sponge, preventing the healthy flow of rainfall, irrigation water and fertilizers into soil. With less thatch, a higher percentage of fertilizer enters soil as compared to a thatchy fairway where fertilizer particles get tied up and wasted.
Roughs will be fertilized during the next few weeks. The timing of this application will encourage turf to grow healthy roots instead of leaves that need to be mowed. Strongly rooted turf is more reliable turf and will perform better next spring and summer.
Tidbits......Our well contractor performed tests this week on the well that provides irrigation water. Results (unavailable at this time) will give us information on the condition of the pump and underground piping, as well as the well itself....Irrigation pipes are tentatively scheduled to have water removed from them (with compressed air) on November 23-25**....Snow mold fungicides will be applied around those dates as well to greens, tees and fairways....12.1 million gallons pumped during 2009, 7 million less than during 2008......We are lowering the level of water in ponds in preparation for winter....
**To blow out irrigation pipes with water, we usually rent a compressor in the 700-900 CFM range. If you have one to rent to us, please contact me. We prefer to keep the business within the Potowomut family!!
We are very encouraged over how well greens have healed since their aeration during the last week or so. Greens that go into winter with no visible holes will help to aid my winter slumbers. Winter desiccation damage can be a springtime problem, especially on exposed greens with aeration scars.
We fertilized fairways and the driving range today. We continue to use less fertilizer to maintain fairways, which is safer for the environment and saves precious dollars. We use less fertilizer because with strong aeration programs in place, we continue to eliminate the thatch layer and also provide channels into soils for fertilizers to enter. A significant thatch layer acts as a barrier, similar to a sponge, preventing the healthy flow of rainfall, irrigation water and fertilizers into soil. With less thatch, a higher percentage of fertilizer enters soil as compared to a thatchy fairway where fertilizer particles get tied up and wasted.
Roughs will be fertilized during the next few weeks. The timing of this application will encourage turf to grow healthy roots instead of leaves that need to be mowed. Strongly rooted turf is more reliable turf and will perform better next spring and summer.
Tidbits......Our well contractor performed tests this week on the well that provides irrigation water. Results (unavailable at this time) will give us information on the condition of the pump and underground piping, as well as the well itself....Irrigation pipes are tentatively scheduled to have water removed from them (with compressed air) on November 23-25**....Snow mold fungicides will be applied around those dates as well to greens, tees and fairways....12.1 million gallons pumped during 2009, 7 million less than during 2008......We are lowering the level of water in ponds in preparation for winter....
**To blow out irrigation pipes with water, we usually rent a compressor in the 700-900 CFM range. If you have one to rent to us, please contact me. We prefer to keep the business within the Potowomut family!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Why So Much Sand??
After the aeration process, we remove soil cores with snow shovels. When we began turfgrass improvement programs a few years ago, our goals were to change greens' soils, not because our native soils were bad for golf, but because we know that growing greens' turf in sand provides the best possible conditions for golf and reliable turfgrass.
After greens are aerated we add 20 to 25 tons of United States Golf Association (USGA) tested and approved sand. The sand is dried in an oven and is worked into aeration holes as aggressively as possible without bruising and injuring turf.
The sand injection process adds another 15 tons of identical sand to the greens for a total of 35 to 40 tons each time we complete this process.
Research behind 100% sand greens was funded by the USGA and has become the accepted standard for new golf course construction since the 1970's. Properly built sand based greens drain excess water within the soil profile much faster than native soil greens. While a good native soil green may percolate water at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, sand based greens drain 12 inches of water per hour. Sand based greens also are firmer, provide uniform pore spaces for water and increased root mass, warm faster for better recovery in spring, accept a well played golf shot, are easier to irrigate, and can better withstand lower mowing heights.
I wrote earlier this season that Golf Course Superintendents prefer to have control when it comes to water. Greens grown in a sandy soil medium will drain water more efficiently. Greens that drain are better greens because we have more control of the amount of water in the soil profile.
The final step in our aeration program was the deep tine aerator. This machine aerated our greens to a depth of 10", as opposed to the other two methods that aerated to 4" and 7". Together with the added sands, all the 4 to 10" aeration channels that are created also help to drain excess water from the soil profile.
Why is there so much sand on the greens? The best method available to older golf courses like Potowomut that desire great modern greens is to aerate, remove cores and add sand! We are still "switching" soils the greens are grown in, from native soil to sands, with the goal of providing great reliable greens that are a joy to play golf on.
After greens are aerated we add 20 to 25 tons of United States Golf Association (USGA) tested and approved sand. The sand is dried in an oven and is worked into aeration holes as aggressively as possible without bruising and injuring turf.
The sand injection process adds another 15 tons of identical sand to the greens for a total of 35 to 40 tons each time we complete this process.
Research behind 100% sand greens was funded by the USGA and has become the accepted standard for new golf course construction since the 1970's. Properly built sand based greens drain excess water within the soil profile much faster than native soil greens. While a good native soil green may percolate water at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, sand based greens drain 12 inches of water per hour. Sand based greens also are firmer, provide uniform pore spaces for water and increased root mass, warm faster for better recovery in spring, accept a well played golf shot, are easier to irrigate, and can better withstand lower mowing heights.
I wrote earlier this season that Golf Course Superintendents prefer to have control when it comes to water. Greens grown in a sandy soil medium will drain water more efficiently. Greens that drain are better greens because we have more control of the amount of water in the soil profile.
The final step in our aeration program was the deep tine aerator. This machine aerated our greens to a depth of 10", as opposed to the other two methods that aerated to 4" and 7". Together with the added sands, all the 4 to 10" aeration channels that are created also help to drain excess water from the soil profile.
Why is there so much sand on the greens? The best method available to older golf courses like Potowomut that desire great modern greens is to aerate, remove cores and add sand! We are still "switching" soils the greens are grown in, from native soil to sands, with the goal of providing great reliable greens that are a joy to play golf on.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Aeration update many thanks.....(somewhat sappy)
Greens have been aerated twice, using conventional aeration and the dry ject method. The deep tine operation will be done this Thursday. To date, all has gone well as greens have withstood the mechanical and physical abuse.
During the season, greens showed us signs that aggressive aeration was needed this fall. The signs we observed included persistent late season anthracnose presence, increased fairy ring disease that required three expensive applications of fungicides, and the hydrophobic situation (inability to accept water) during September. These three problems told us that conditions had changed and needed to be addressed. I believe that our greens aeration program, although disruptive to golfers, is the most important factor to insure great putting surfaces for next year. Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Let me also add that I do not believe there is a better designed aeration program than ours!!
We plan to install three new irrigation heads behind the fifth green within the next few weeks. The project will be done in house by our crews. Since trees have been removed in this area, turfgrass quality has been poor partly because of the lack of irrigation. Another factor are the oak trees and their proficiency to steal water needed by turf. Ironically, this season this area did show improvement, but we believe better quality was related to increased rainfall seen during 2009.
We have many people to thank for our wonderful year. Thanks for the support from you, the wonderful members of Potowomut, including The Board of Governors, past and future!! Thanks to Shawn Campbell, Seth Force, Dan Post-Kennedy, Donna Euell, Deb West and all fellow staff members. Also, thanks to my hard working staff, including Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve Virgulak. Also thanks to Mechanic George Borges, Horticulturalist Dick McNamara, as well as Ron Conde, Ricardo Rangel, Chris Wynne, Kevin King, Efrain Blanco-Cruz, Scott Virgulak, Cliff Rice, Jon Navarro, Mike K., Mike Jolicour and Don Gulfoyle. You guys are the best crew I have had the pleasure to work with. Even though 2009 hasn't yet finished, I can't wait to begin working with you all again during 2010.
Also, I would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge the support of my wonderful family. Yes, I am boasting quite loudly when I tell you I have had many special days this year. Son Benjamin Shields was married to Laura Platino on July 11th, right after I was spoiled for my 50th birthday. Last week I witnessed son Zach Shields play his very first concerts to sold our audiences in Cambridge and Philadelphia after a successful launch of his band's CD. Also last week, daughter Alexandra Shields landed in Kenya to help build schools and teach AIDS awareness to vulnerable young girls, making this Dad quite proud. Daughter Zoe Gertner and I will continue our college search next week in Rhode Island as she prepares for the next chapters of her adulthood. Mom and Dad, brothers and sister Joan, and friend Barbara and her wonderful family...thanks to all!!
Thanks for bearing with me. One last thing, we will NOT thank the millions of leaves as they begin their annual migration from tree to ground next week.
During the season, greens showed us signs that aggressive aeration was needed this fall. The signs we observed included persistent late season anthracnose presence, increased fairy ring disease that required three expensive applications of fungicides, and the hydrophobic situation (inability to accept water) during September. These three problems told us that conditions had changed and needed to be addressed. I believe that our greens aeration program, although disruptive to golfers, is the most important factor to insure great putting surfaces for next year. Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Let me also add that I do not believe there is a better designed aeration program than ours!!
We plan to install three new irrigation heads behind the fifth green within the next few weeks. The project will be done in house by our crews. Since trees have been removed in this area, turfgrass quality has been poor partly because of the lack of irrigation. Another factor are the oak trees and their proficiency to steal water needed by turf. Ironically, this season this area did show improvement, but we believe better quality was related to increased rainfall seen during 2009.
We have many people to thank for our wonderful year. Thanks for the support from you, the wonderful members of Potowomut, including The Board of Governors, past and future!! Thanks to Shawn Campbell, Seth Force, Dan Post-Kennedy, Donna Euell, Deb West and all fellow staff members. Also, thanks to my hard working staff, including Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve Virgulak. Also thanks to Mechanic George Borges, Horticulturalist Dick McNamara, as well as Ron Conde, Ricardo Rangel, Chris Wynne, Kevin King, Efrain Blanco-Cruz, Scott Virgulak, Cliff Rice, Jon Navarro, Mike K., Mike Jolicour and Don Gulfoyle. You guys are the best crew I have had the pleasure to work with. Even though 2009 hasn't yet finished, I can't wait to begin working with you all again during 2010.
Also, I would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge the support of my wonderful family. Yes, I am boasting quite loudly when I tell you I have had many special days this year. Son Benjamin Shields was married to Laura Platino on July 11th, right after I was spoiled for my 50th birthday. Last week I witnessed son Zach Shields play his very first concerts to sold our audiences in Cambridge and Philadelphia after a successful launch of his band's CD. Also last week, daughter Alexandra Shields landed in Kenya to help build schools and teach AIDS awareness to vulnerable young girls, making this Dad quite proud. Daughter Zoe Gertner and I will continue our college search next week in Rhode Island as she prepares for the next chapters of her adulthood. Mom and Dad, brothers and sister Joan, and friend Barbara and her wonderful family...thanks to all!!
Thanks for bearing with me. One last thing, we will NOT thank the millions of leaves as they begin their annual migration from tree to ground next week.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Organic pesticide, dyed greens, aerification preparation....
Fairways and tees were treated late this week with fungicides as disease "dollar spot" was seen on these areas. Dollar spot is caused by the fungi Schlerotinia homeocarpa, and is the disease most commonly seen in our climate from May until October. This year we have sprayed tees and fairways a record seven times for dollar spot. As we cover over 22 acres with each application, seven applications adds up to an expensive, yet important maintenance operation.
Fairways and tees are sprayed on a "curative" basis. This means that these areas are treated only after disease is seen. The other method is to treat on a "preventative" schedule. Prevention management is far more costly because it results in far more actual fungicide applications.
Greens have greatly improved since our last blog posting. They are accepting water again after wetting agent applications, and dry edges are healing. Steady rains Saturday (1.77") and last weekend have helped.
On Friday, we again treated for disease anthracnose on the greens. We used a new Canadian organic material, Civitas, that is environmentally friendly. For a reason I have yet to understand, a dark green dye component is required when spraying Civitas. Expect the greens to stay this odd color of green for a week or two.
We are in the process of preparing greens for three aeration processes that begin after October 13th. Heights of cut are being raised five thousandths of an inch a week, and greens were heavily fertilized Friday October 2nd. Our intent is to get greens growing very aggressively this week despite colder temperatures, so greens heal quickly after renovation. Our challenge is to promote turfgrass growth so aeration holes are not present during winter weather. Greens that haven't healed for winter are referred to as "open greens" and are more prone to excessive desiccation (drying) if we see a windy, snow-free winter.
We should note that forcing quick growth of greens' turfgrass is the opposite management philosophy we employ during the true golf season. During the season, we prepare the greens' surfaces for optimum playability and speed using daily low mowing and occasional double mowing, rolling, and little fertilizer use. Growth regulators are also used to slow and even stop grass growth. Desiring thick, lush growth on greens is new to us!!!
Enjoy your week, and go Sox, Pats, and Nittany Lions!!!
Fairways and tees are sprayed on a "curative" basis. This means that these areas are treated only after disease is seen. The other method is to treat on a "preventative" schedule. Prevention management is far more costly because it results in far more actual fungicide applications.
Greens have greatly improved since our last blog posting. They are accepting water again after wetting agent applications, and dry edges are healing. Steady rains Saturday (1.77") and last weekend have helped.
On Friday, we again treated for disease anthracnose on the greens. We used a new Canadian organic material, Civitas, that is environmentally friendly. For a reason I have yet to understand, a dark green dye component is required when spraying Civitas. Expect the greens to stay this odd color of green for a week or two.
We are in the process of preparing greens for three aeration processes that begin after October 13th. Heights of cut are being raised five thousandths of an inch a week, and greens were heavily fertilized Friday October 2nd. Our intent is to get greens growing very aggressively this week despite colder temperatures, so greens heal quickly after renovation. Our challenge is to promote turfgrass growth so aeration holes are not present during winter weather. Greens that haven't healed for winter are referred to as "open greens" and are more prone to excessive desiccation (drying) if we see a windy, snow-free winter.
We should note that forcing quick growth of greens' turfgrass is the opposite management philosophy we employ during the true golf season. During the season, we prepare the greens' surfaces for optimum playability and speed using daily low mowing and occasional double mowing, rolling, and little fertilizer use. Growth regulators are also used to slow and even stop grass growth. Desiring thick, lush growth on greens is new to us!!!
Enjoy your week, and go Sox, Pats, and Nittany Lions!!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Aeration, dry soils, Caddyshack and tidbits....
Aeration, anthracnose and lingering summer issues remain....
Fairway aeration is well over half done, and will continue until completed. Not all fairways have messy soil cores brought to the surface, due to equipment ruining rocky conditions. Fairways with rocky soil are aerated with a solid tine where we only poke a 3/4" round hole down four inches or so. Read below for a few reasons we aerate turfgrass. Thanks for everyone's patience!!
Anthracnose continues to injure a few greens in small areas. (Disease first appears as dime sized or smaller, yellowed damaged areas of turfgrass that can spread and kill turf overnight) Mostly greens 1 and 6 are affected. This disease is still present in late September despite 20 fungicide applications designed to combat this "scum, slime and menace to the golfing industry." Apologies for the (Caddyshack quote), but it's getting too late in the season to see this turf disease on greens day after day, despite its minor presence from my viewpoint. Colder temperatures and continued vigilance to its control should eliminate Anthacnose remnants very soon.
You may have noticed areas on a few greens' that have weakened during the last week or two, especially on a few outside edges. (1,3,8,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,PG) These weakened areas' soils are dry, despite adequate and sometimes excessive irrigation. We can explain the condition, and what we are doing now and in the future to re-wet the soils, and thus improve these turfgrass areas.
A few factors are involved here. Many greens' soils are now somewhat "hydrophobic," in that they are resisting wetting, they are repelling water from any source instead of accepting water, which we as turf managers obviously desire. Standing with my trusty hose attempting to add water to a few areas has been a bit frustrating the last week or two. Instead of disappearing into soil to be used by roots as is normal, irrigation water is puddling on some greens' surfaces, rendering them un-puttable (and strangely, still with dry soils.) Today, I watched a 2 minute irrigation cycle on the 2nd green form a river of water in the center of the green after only 60 seconds. No water was entering the green.
Typically, sandy soils have higher potential for being hydrophobic; and it is not a coincidence that the top few inches of Poto greens' soils are comprised of sand. (Despite hydrophobic soil conditions, sandy soils remain the preferred growing medium for golf turf, because of its excellent drainage and playability characteristics.)
We have applied wetting agent materials during the last week. These "soap like," waxy chemicals are designed to pull water into the soil profile, and the product we used works very well for our current situation. These applications have helped the hydrophobic situation but have yet to totally change conditions.
Other factors have contributed to the greens' inability to get water. Soils close to greens' surfaces have been compacted, or squeezed out by foot traffic, mowing and maintenance equipment, and even the awesome weight of 25" of rainfall we've seen since April 3rd. Compaction happens when the important air component of soil is removed, squeezed out by weight and pressure. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles, and 50% spaces for air, water and roots. Imagine a time lapse photo of our 18th green from April until today. The effect of golfers, equipment and water are factors that cause soil compaction. Over time, pore spaces disappear. To me anyway, its affects are impressive.
With less pore space available because of compaction, there is less room for the water to go within the soil, which limits the amount of water the greens can accept.
Of course, the above diatribe partly explains the need to frequently aerate greens, as scarring the surfaces of the greens helps to address the problems mentioned above. Aeration (planned this year for October 13th, until completed) will help to change persistent hydrophobic soils and improve soil compaction issues. Aeration also removes the organic thatch layer that acts as a barrier between plant and soil. Aerating creates channels to direct water to soil, thus eliminating hydrophobic conditions. Aeration also cures soil compaction issues by physically creating additional soil pore spaces.
Late this fall, our greens aeration program will consist of three different processes. First, we will aerate greens with our conventional 4" deep aeration equipment. Soil plugs will be removed with snow shovels and oven dried sand will be added to fill the holes. Secondly, we will aerate with a deep tine machine to a depth of 8", with pencil shaped tines. The deep machine will add more oxygen availability to soils and create deep pore spaces for water. Thirdly, we will use the sand injection aerators that inject sand into fine small holes using high pressure water. (5000 PSI) This third machine also helps to smooth the greens after the three processes. Upon completion, I believe this is the best aeration program designed for greens in our climate.
Finally, we despise greens aeration almost as much as you do. At the same time, it is our only method available of cultivating soil, and the most important cultural tool to guarantee wonderful greens for the 2010 season. Again, thanks for everyone's patience and understanding!!
Tidbits......11,500,000 gallons of irrigation water have been applied so far this season. This is far less than the 18,000,000+ we pumped last year......Hyperoides weevils were able to munch on the 18th approach for a week or two before they were controlled. Turf damage was evident. Usually a late June or early July pest, the second or third generation of these small grubs caused the damage, which is rare. 2010 control programs will continue insecticide applications well into August......We have re-applied through Coastal Management to extend the three year permit for proposed berm work on 17........Irrigation system is in excellent shape as Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve get more proficient diagnosing and repairing problems.......As mentioned earlier in the year, after selling a few pieces of older, unused equipment during winter 2009, we were able to purchase two pieces of the most modern reel grinding equipment available. An unbelievable deal for us!! (2002 original purchase price was close to $40,000 by Newport National) Quality of cut will improve drastically as we begin using both machines over the winter......
Fairway aeration is well over half done, and will continue until completed. Not all fairways have messy soil cores brought to the surface, due to equipment ruining rocky conditions. Fairways with rocky soil are aerated with a solid tine where we only poke a 3/4" round hole down four inches or so. Read below for a few reasons we aerate turfgrass. Thanks for everyone's patience!!
Anthracnose continues to injure a few greens in small areas. (Disease first appears as dime sized or smaller, yellowed damaged areas of turfgrass that can spread and kill turf overnight) Mostly greens 1 and 6 are affected. This disease is still present in late September despite 20 fungicide applications designed to combat this "scum, slime and menace to the golfing industry." Apologies for the (Caddyshack quote), but it's getting too late in the season to see this turf disease on greens day after day, despite its minor presence from my viewpoint. Colder temperatures and continued vigilance to its control should eliminate Anthacnose remnants very soon.
You may have noticed areas on a few greens' that have weakened during the last week or two, especially on a few outside edges. (1,3,8,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,PG) These weakened areas' soils are dry, despite adequate and sometimes excessive irrigation. We can explain the condition, and what we are doing now and in the future to re-wet the soils, and thus improve these turfgrass areas.
A few factors are involved here. Many greens' soils are now somewhat "hydrophobic," in that they are resisting wetting, they are repelling water from any source instead of accepting water, which we as turf managers obviously desire. Standing with my trusty hose attempting to add water to a few areas has been a bit frustrating the last week or two. Instead of disappearing into soil to be used by roots as is normal, irrigation water is puddling on some greens' surfaces, rendering them un-puttable (and strangely, still with dry soils.) Today, I watched a 2 minute irrigation cycle on the 2nd green form a river of water in the center of the green after only 60 seconds. No water was entering the green.
Typically, sandy soils have higher potential for being hydrophobic; and it is not a coincidence that the top few inches of Poto greens' soils are comprised of sand. (Despite hydrophobic soil conditions, sandy soils remain the preferred growing medium for golf turf, because of its excellent drainage and playability characteristics.)
We have applied wetting agent materials during the last week. These "soap like," waxy chemicals are designed to pull water into the soil profile, and the product we used works very well for our current situation. These applications have helped the hydrophobic situation but have yet to totally change conditions.
Other factors have contributed to the greens' inability to get water. Soils close to greens' surfaces have been compacted, or squeezed out by foot traffic, mowing and maintenance equipment, and even the awesome weight of 25" of rainfall we've seen since April 3rd. Compaction happens when the important air component of soil is removed, squeezed out by weight and pressure. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles, and 50% spaces for air, water and roots. Imagine a time lapse photo of our 18th green from April until today. The effect of golfers, equipment and water are factors that cause soil compaction. Over time, pore spaces disappear. To me anyway, its affects are impressive.
With less pore space available because of compaction, there is less room for the water to go within the soil, which limits the amount of water the greens can accept.
Of course, the above diatribe partly explains the need to frequently aerate greens, as scarring the surfaces of the greens helps to address the problems mentioned above. Aeration (planned this year for October 13th, until completed) will help to change persistent hydrophobic soils and improve soil compaction issues. Aeration also removes the organic thatch layer that acts as a barrier between plant and soil. Aerating creates channels to direct water to soil, thus eliminating hydrophobic conditions. Aeration also cures soil compaction issues by physically creating additional soil pore spaces.
Late this fall, our greens aeration program will consist of three different processes. First, we will aerate greens with our conventional 4" deep aeration equipment. Soil plugs will be removed with snow shovels and oven dried sand will be added to fill the holes. Secondly, we will aerate with a deep tine machine to a depth of 8", with pencil shaped tines. The deep machine will add more oxygen availability to soils and create deep pore spaces for water. Thirdly, we will use the sand injection aerators that inject sand into fine small holes using high pressure water. (5000 PSI) This third machine also helps to smooth the greens after the three processes. Upon completion, I believe this is the best aeration program designed for greens in our climate.
Finally, we despise greens aeration almost as much as you do. At the same time, it is our only method available of cultivating soil, and the most important cultural tool to guarantee wonderful greens for the 2010 season. Again, thanks for everyone's patience and understanding!!
Tidbits......11,500,000 gallons of irrigation water have been applied so far this season. This is far less than the 18,000,000+ we pumped last year......Hyperoides weevils were able to munch on the 18th approach for a week or two before they were controlled. Turf damage was evident. Usually a late June or early July pest, the second or third generation of these small grubs caused the damage, which is rare. 2010 control programs will continue insecticide applications well into August......We have re-applied through Coastal Management to extend the three year permit for proposed berm work on 17........Irrigation system is in excellent shape as Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve get more proficient diagnosing and repairing problems.......As mentioned earlier in the year, after selling a few pieces of older, unused equipment during winter 2009, we were able to purchase two pieces of the most modern reel grinding equipment available. An unbelievable deal for us!! (2002 original purchase price was close to $40,000 by Newport National) Quality of cut will improve drastically as we begin using both machines over the winter......
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Summer reflections
I beg your apologies for the extended time since my last post.
The summer of 2009 finally arrived in August, and proved to be a challenging month for both your golf course and our staff. The combination of typical summer heat and humidity proved to be quite stressful for plants because of low August rainfall, combined with a prolonged battle against different diseases present because of earlier wet conditions. Two near misses from potentially damaging Hurricanes Bill and Danny added to our anxiety a bit late in the month. Sincere thanks to Meteorologist and Potowomut member Herb Stevens for many daily updates relating to both storms, as well as his valuable weekly updates throughout the year that he sends us at no charge.
All turf areas have performed quite well during the season to date. We worked this year to increase green speed and consistency, along with improved mowing practices for better fairways. Also, growth regulation programs continue to be fine tuned for Potowomut; greens and fairways were improved due to these programs as well. Roughs continue to improve because applied fertilizers work more efficiently due to our established liming programs. I would be remiss however, if we didn't mention that rough improvement was also due to ample rainfall that fell during May, June and July.
LINES ON FAIRWAYS
On fairways 15-18, you may have seen a 4" to 6" band of turf that appears in long lines up and down those fairways. (See picture below) This was caused by a single nozzle from the fairway sprayer that was spraying too much chemical in an incorrect pattern. The growth regulator herbicide that caused the damage is applied in very small amounts; this over-application actually removed the Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass) from these bands. What we are seeing is darker green colored ryegrass now dominated these areas, with no lighter colored annual bluegrass present. Potowomut fairways are comprised of many different grass species including perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrasses, and fescues. We did catch problem after applying a single tank of the material. I expect these lines will not stand out as much during the future as the annual bluegrass will again invade these areas.
AERATION
As August departs, and with it the severe weather that stresses turfgrass, we immediately begin to prepare golf surfaces for next season. To legally assist the turf get as tough as a well trained athlete, we begin aeration programs. Aeration returns needed oxygen to soils, helps to relieve compaction and removes a thatch layer that slows or stops water, fertilizers and pesticides from entering. We will complete tees, green collars and approaches during the month, and will begin fairways during September as well. On some fairways we will pull a soil core, on fairways where rocky soils are present, we will only poke a hole with a solid tine to save our equipment.
As Shawn mentioned in an email last week, greens will be aerated beginning October 13th. We are planning on aerating with three methods between that date and October 23rd. The three methods are conventional aeration with a 5/8" tine, deep tine and sand injection aeration. We perform one operation, while contractors get the other two done for us. Greens need each of these programs this fall so they can perform as we expect them to during 2010.
PARKING LOT
On Wednesday, September 9th, a contractor will apply a asphalt based material to fill cracks in our parking lot. They will arrive early during the day and try to get parking areas closest to the clubhouse completed. However, we may need to direct some members to park in unconventional areas (maintenance shop, 10th rough, areas near the big rock on 13) so we may efficiently get the work done. We will be there to direct you that morning. Thanks for understanding!!
The summer of 2009 finally arrived in August, and proved to be a challenging month for both your golf course and our staff. The combination of typical summer heat and humidity proved to be quite stressful for plants because of low August rainfall, combined with a prolonged battle against different diseases present because of earlier wet conditions. Two near misses from potentially damaging Hurricanes Bill and Danny added to our anxiety a bit late in the month. Sincere thanks to Meteorologist and Potowomut member Herb Stevens for many daily updates relating to both storms, as well as his valuable weekly updates throughout the year that he sends us at no charge.
All turf areas have performed quite well during the season to date. We worked this year to increase green speed and consistency, along with improved mowing practices for better fairways. Also, growth regulation programs continue to be fine tuned for Potowomut; greens and fairways were improved due to these programs as well. Roughs continue to improve because applied fertilizers work more efficiently due to our established liming programs. I would be remiss however, if we didn't mention that rough improvement was also due to ample rainfall that fell during May, June and July.
LINES ON FAIRWAYS
On fairways 15-18, you may have seen a 4" to 6" band of turf that appears in long lines up and down those fairways. (See picture below) This was caused by a single nozzle from the fairway sprayer that was spraying too much chemical in an incorrect pattern. The growth regulator herbicide that caused the damage is applied in very small amounts; this over-application actually removed the Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass) from these bands. What we are seeing is darker green colored ryegrass now dominated these areas, with no lighter colored annual bluegrass present. Potowomut fairways are comprised of many different grass species including perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrasses, and fescues. We did catch problem after applying a single tank of the material. I expect these lines will not stand out as much during the future as the annual bluegrass will again invade these areas.
AERATION
As August departs, and with it the severe weather that stresses turfgrass, we immediately begin to prepare golf surfaces for next season. To legally assist the turf get as tough as a well trained athlete, we begin aeration programs. Aeration returns needed oxygen to soils, helps to relieve compaction and removes a thatch layer that slows or stops water, fertilizers and pesticides from entering. We will complete tees, green collars and approaches during the month, and will begin fairways during September as well. On some fairways we will pull a soil core, on fairways where rocky soils are present, we will only poke a hole with a solid tine to save our equipment.
As Shawn mentioned in an email last week, greens will be aerated beginning October 13th. We are planning on aerating with three methods between that date and October 23rd. The three methods are conventional aeration with a 5/8" tine, deep tine and sand injection aeration. We perform one operation, while contractors get the other two done for us. Greens need each of these programs this fall so they can perform as we expect them to during 2010.
PARKING LOT
On Wednesday, September 9th, a contractor will apply a asphalt based material to fill cracks in our parking lot. They will arrive early during the day and try to get parking areas closest to the clubhouse completed. However, we may need to direct some members to park in unconventional areas (maintenance shop, 10th rough, areas near the big rock on 13) so we may efficiently get the work done. We will be there to direct you that morning. Thanks for understanding!!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Money Saving Good News!!
A fearless prediction:
We will NOT need to purchase any water from the City of Warwick this year.
Currently, irrigation ponds are holding about 1.4 million gallons available to us for irrigation, after last night's additional 2.5" of rainfall. This month's rainfall totals 7.78", with a week until August.
Anyone for a swim??
We will NOT need to purchase any water from the City of Warwick this year.
Currently, irrigation ponds are holding about 1.4 million gallons available to us for irrigation, after last night's additional 2.5" of rainfall. This month's rainfall totals 7.78", with a week until August.
Anyone for a swim??
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
News for the week
Happy spring again, Potowomut golfers!!
First, we have a correction. A few weeks ago, we reported an incorrect figure regarding gallons of water pumped this year. As of July 21, we have applied 4,100,000 gallons. The Excel spreadsheet was set up incorrectly by yours truly before that blog posting. Last year at this point, we had applied 8,100,000 gallons of irrigation water. Since April 1st, 17.55 inches of rainfall has fallen on our golf course. That is almost a foot and a half of precipitation!!
Fairway extensions are in place. We have not shortened the golf course, but we have shortened the distance from tees to fairways by around 225 yards. Hopefully, the golf course will be more fun to play for everyone. The irrigation system has been adapted to irrigate these extensions as fairway. In the fall, we will complete the project, aerating and adding more fescue and bentgrass plants via overseeding, then lowering the height of cut to fairway length.
Dead and ugly turf present on the 9th fairway was caused from a hydraulic hose failure from a fairway mower. The fairway area was sodded from our turf nursery, and the rough area will be aerated and seeded soon.
Grub control programs have begun. Grubs are small, white colored worm like creatures that feast on turfgrass roots. They begin feeding between August 10th and 20th. An untreated golf course in our climate would be devastated by both grub damage itself, and by skunks digging up turf looking for the grubs. 100% of our golf course and rough area will be treated within the next two weeks.
The hoses are back!! Crew members will be out the next few weeks cooling off the greens on hot and sunny days. If you encounter us "hosers" while playing, please be patient, as each green takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Thanks!!
Thanks also for everyone's wonderful compliments of our golf course's condition. 2009 has provided different challenges than previous years, and we have been lucky to stay on top of most of them...so far.
First, we have a correction. A few weeks ago, we reported an incorrect figure regarding gallons of water pumped this year. As of July 21, we have applied 4,100,000 gallons. The Excel spreadsheet was set up incorrectly by yours truly before that blog posting. Last year at this point, we had applied 8,100,000 gallons of irrigation water. Since April 1st, 17.55 inches of rainfall has fallen on our golf course. That is almost a foot and a half of precipitation!!
Fairway extensions are in place. We have not shortened the golf course, but we have shortened the distance from tees to fairways by around 225 yards. Hopefully, the golf course will be more fun to play for everyone. The irrigation system has been adapted to irrigate these extensions as fairway. In the fall, we will complete the project, aerating and adding more fescue and bentgrass plants via overseeding, then lowering the height of cut to fairway length.
Dead and ugly turf present on the 9th fairway was caused from a hydraulic hose failure from a fairway mower. The fairway area was sodded from our turf nursery, and the rough area will be aerated and seeded soon.
Grub control programs have begun. Grubs are small, white colored worm like creatures that feast on turfgrass roots. They begin feeding between August 10th and 20th. An untreated golf course in our climate would be devastated by both grub damage itself, and by skunks digging up turf looking for the grubs. 100% of our golf course and rough area will be treated within the next two weeks.
The hoses are back!! Crew members will be out the next few weeks cooling off the greens on hot and sunny days. If you encounter us "hosers" while playing, please be patient, as each green takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Thanks!!
Thanks also for everyone's wonderful compliments of our golf course's condition. 2009 has provided different challenges than previous years, and we have been lucky to stay on top of most of them...so far.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Problems repaired!!
Pumped irrigation water has returned to the golf course. New components and software have been successfully installed, and irrigation is running tonight.
Thanks to DAF services of Windsor Locks, CT for wonderful support when we needed it most!!
Thanks to DAF services of Windsor Locks, CT for wonderful support when we needed it most!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lightning damage report
The severe line of thunderstorms that came through on Tuesday did major damage to our pump station. The damage is not visibly evident within the building or to the pump station. Damage was done from a heavy electronic surge and ruined the main pump computer, and the electronic module that controls the three main pump's speed. Without these components, we cannot move a single gallon of water.
There are many ways for the surge to enter the building and do damage. A lightning strike could have hit a tree near the building, hit the ground nearby and traveled back to the pump station, struck either pond, or even hit the ground and traveled into the pump station via pipe or wires. All this damage happened despite many protections installed within the entire irrigation system for lightning protection, including lightning rods on the building itself. Lightning is quite unpredictable.
After consulting with Club President Mr. Cianciarulo, parts were ordered today, will be shipped overnight and be installed by our pump station contractor on Friday. Estimates for parts alone is $ 6,600, plus the service calls to install and test the system.
We will investigate insurance possibilities.
There are many ways for the surge to enter the building and do damage. A lightning strike could have hit a tree near the building, hit the ground nearby and traveled back to the pump station, struck either pond, or even hit the ground and traveled into the pump station via pipe or wires. All this damage happened despite many protections installed within the entire irrigation system for lightning protection, including lightning rods on the building itself. Lightning is quite unpredictable.
After consulting with Club President Mr. Cianciarulo, parts were ordered today, will be shipped overnight and be installed by our pump station contractor on Friday. Estimates for parts alone is $ 6,600, plus the service calls to install and test the system.
We will investigate insurance possibilities.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sounding like a broken record....
After over 30 years on a golf course, I cannot remember another season quite like this one. Although June didn't set any records for rainfall at 3.32", it was the fifth most humid month we've seen since record keeping began four years ago.
Superintendents always prefer a dry year versus a wet one. In a dry year, we get to control how much water turfgrass surfaces see through irrigation. In a wet year, we have no control. Warning, you may have a control freak watching over your golf course!!
In simple terms, turf that doesn't dry and is mowed at heights for golf is going to become infected with one of many fungi caused diseases. The lower the height of cut, the higher chance for infection, despite any aggressive disease prevention regimen.
There are many costly fungicide options to prevent and cure disease. Some work by eliminating the fungi on contact when the fungicide is applied. (Contacts) The second method (systemics) is for the plant to uptake the chemical, protecting the plant from within. During "normal" summer weather, contacts usually have a seven to fourteen day window of effectiveness while systemics can last up to a month. Neither type lasts as described with constant rainfall we've had this summer, hence the issues we've discussed this year.
Rainfall of the first two days of July has compounded disease problems discussed in this and earlier postings. Present on some greens Friday morning are two different turf diseases that will need "curative" fungicide treatments during the next two days. You may begin to understand our frustration a bit, because rain remains in both short and long term forecasts. The forecasted heavy rains can either wash away an application, or severely shorten its effectiveness. We are now waiting for the proper time to apply fungicides to eliminate slight infections of "summer patch" and "anthracnose" diseases present on greens to be cost effective for the longest period of time. We enjoy applying chemicals that work as designed, and abhor spraying and wasting dollars from the sprayer!!
Please ask questions or email me if I have failed to explain these issues adequately!!
Due to member comments, we are shortening tee to fairway distances on many holes. Our plan is to maintain these new areas at intermediate rough height until later in the season. During August and September, these areas will be aerated and overseeded with our fairway mixture of fescues and bentgrasses. By next spring, fairway extensions will be maintained as fairway. As with the fairway re-contouring, we will make additional changes to these areas before they are renovated later this year.
Can anyone teach me and the crew the Potowomut anti-rain dance? Soup??
Superintendents always prefer a dry year versus a wet one. In a dry year, we get to control how much water turfgrass surfaces see through irrigation. In a wet year, we have no control. Warning, you may have a control freak watching over your golf course!!
In simple terms, turf that doesn't dry and is mowed at heights for golf is going to become infected with one of many fungi caused diseases. The lower the height of cut, the higher chance for infection, despite any aggressive disease prevention regimen.
There are many costly fungicide options to prevent and cure disease. Some work by eliminating the fungi on contact when the fungicide is applied. (Contacts) The second method (systemics) is for the plant to uptake the chemical, protecting the plant from within. During "normal" summer weather, contacts usually have a seven to fourteen day window of effectiveness while systemics can last up to a month. Neither type lasts as described with constant rainfall we've had this summer, hence the issues we've discussed this year.
Rainfall of the first two days of July has compounded disease problems discussed in this and earlier postings. Present on some greens Friday morning are two different turf diseases that will need "curative" fungicide treatments during the next two days. You may begin to understand our frustration a bit, because rain remains in both short and long term forecasts. The forecasted heavy rains can either wash away an application, or severely shorten its effectiveness. We are now waiting for the proper time to apply fungicides to eliminate slight infections of "summer patch" and "anthracnose" diseases present on greens to be cost effective for the longest period of time. We enjoy applying chemicals that work as designed, and abhor spraying and wasting dollars from the sprayer!!
Please ask questions or email me if I have failed to explain these issues adequately!!
Due to member comments, we are shortening tee to fairway distances on many holes. Our plan is to maintain these new areas at intermediate rough height until later in the season. During August and September, these areas will be aerated and overseeded with our fairway mixture of fescues and bentgrasses. By next spring, fairway extensions will be maintained as fairway. As with the fairway re-contouring, we will make additional changes to these areas before they are renovated later this year.
Can anyone teach me and the crew the Potowomut anti-rain dance? Soup??
Friday, June 26, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
Despite all the rainfall we have seen this season, we still occasionally run irrigation cycles. You may wonder why.
This morning, (Friday) we ran a 12 minute irrigation cycle on fairways to water in the growth regulator that was applied on Wednesday and Thursday. This particular chemical enters turfgrass plants from roots only. Therefore, we needed to send the chemical into soil so it can be picked up and utilized by plants.
Other materials need to be watered in as well. These include:
1. All granular fertilizers. Salts present in these materials can burn turf leaves.
2. Insecticides applied to control subsurface feeders like grubs.
3. Pre-emergent crabgrass herbicides. These materials prevent seeds present in soil from germinating.
4. Most wetting agents. Wetting agent materials work to hold more water in soil so plants use less.
5. Fungicides that target soil borne disease, such as fairy ring.
6. Fertilizers applied that supply nutrients to cure soil deficiencies.
On the flip side, other materials do their work by staying and drying on turf leaves. If these materials are watered in, they move into soil where they won't work. These include:
1. Fungicides applied to prevent or cure fungi that attack turf leaves. (Anthracnose, dollar spot, brown patch)
2. Insecticides for surface feeders and for products that get inside plant cells where they do their work.
3. Foliar applied soluble fertilizers.
4. Herbicides applied to control existing weeds.
5. Growth regulators that work by entering plants through leaves, where they slow cell elongation, and thus growth.
Tidbits....To date, we have pumped 4 million gallons of water, much of which was used to water in fertilizer and chemical materials!! Last year we used 4.8 million gallons as of June 26th.
This morning, (Friday) we ran a 12 minute irrigation cycle on fairways to water in the growth regulator that was applied on Wednesday and Thursday. This particular chemical enters turfgrass plants from roots only. Therefore, we needed to send the chemical into soil so it can be picked up and utilized by plants.
Other materials need to be watered in as well. These include:
1. All granular fertilizers. Salts present in these materials can burn turf leaves.
2. Insecticides applied to control subsurface feeders like grubs.
3. Pre-emergent crabgrass herbicides. These materials prevent seeds present in soil from germinating.
4. Most wetting agents. Wetting agent materials work to hold more water in soil so plants use less.
5. Fungicides that target soil borne disease, such as fairy ring.
6. Fertilizers applied that supply nutrients to cure soil deficiencies.
On the flip side, other materials do their work by staying and drying on turf leaves. If these materials are watered in, they move into soil where they won't work. These include:
1. Fungicides applied to prevent or cure fungi that attack turf leaves. (Anthracnose, dollar spot, brown patch)
2. Insecticides for surface feeders and for products that get inside plant cells where they do their work.
3. Foliar applied soluble fertilizers.
4. Herbicides applied to control existing weeds.
5. Growth regulators that work by entering plants through leaves, where they slow cell elongation, and thus growth.
Tidbits....To date, we have pumped 4 million gallons of water, much of which was used to water in fertilizer and chemical materials!! Last year we used 4.8 million gallons as of June 26th.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Turfgrass Disease Education
Cool and wet weather continues. Because of these conditions, we are witnessing outbreaks of different minor turf diseases here at Potowomut. Turf disease is more prevalent after periods of wet weather because these conditions favor development of the fungi that damage turf.
Please note that none of these diseases we will discuss today are severely damaging to the overall health of the golf course. I am not writing today to raise alarm; my purpose is to raise your awareness of these issues, and to further your turfgrass education!!
DOLLAR SPOT
On fairways, turf disease Dollar Spot is caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia homeocarpa. (See picture below) Annually, this is the most common disease we see on fairways during the growing season in our climate. Dollar Spot shows itself as silver dollar sized spots of damaged turf. If left untreated, Dollar Spot will coalesce into larger areas and kill turf plants, leaving an ugly playing surface that will need to be re-established. This disease is the focus of our preventative fungicide program on fairways all season long.
Our fairways have been treated twice for Dollar Spot, yet the damage we see this spring has "leaked" through preventative fungicides. Eventually, damaged plants will recover. Damage we see is aesthetic and not a huge concern, but rather a reminder that Mother Nature is always in charge!!
To help fairways heal faster, we will suspend the next scheduled growth regulator treatment planned for later this week. Allowing fairway turf to grow at its normal (faster) rate will hasten the healing process. Also, last week's fairway fertilizer application will help turf recovery, as dollar spot is a rare disease that is slowed by higher nitrogen soil fertility. Most turf diseases spread aggressively with nitrogen fertilizer applications.
LEAF SPOT
Another disease present (in roughs) is called Leaf Spot. It is caused by many different fungi from the Helminthosporium species. Leaf spot is present as partly circular patches one to two feet in diameter. (see picture below) Leaves of infected turfgrass have small brownish areas of damage evident. Again, we are seeing leaf spot this year because of the weather conditions we have seen. Warmer weather will stop the damage on plants, and turf should recover nicely during later June and July. Damage has not spread to greens, tees or fairways because all these areas have been treated with fungicides this year. Leaf spot present in roughs is not a serious situation that warrants expensive fungicide treatments.
FAIRY RING
Fairy rings are present annually and show up on greens and fairways around June 1st. Named from European fokelore because "inside the circles is where the fairys danced." Fairy rings can be both small (6 inch to 12 inch) or larger areas (up to 60 feet in diameter) of circular darker green areas of turf. The fungi use, then release excess nitrogen to the turf. The turf roots find the nitrogen giving the infected areas darker green turfgrass. Sometimes, toxic mushrooms also grow within the darker green circles.
We treat to control fairy rings on greens only, due to potential uneven putting conditions if left untreated. This year, fungicides were applied on May 28th. Fairy rings on fairways are not treated, due to expensive $ 1,500.00 per acre cost for fungicide treatments that would be necessary for successful control.
RED THREAD
Finally, we have seen a few patches of disease Red Thread this spring. Red thread is fascinating in that turfgrass infected has vibrant pink or red strands growing from mowed leaves. It tends to be injure turf in 4 to 18 inch sized circular patches of damaged turf. If left untreated, Red Thread can damage fairways severely, but we are safe because of the two fungicide treatments during 2009.
Please note that none of these diseases we will discuss today are severely damaging to the overall health of the golf course. I am not writing today to raise alarm; my purpose is to raise your awareness of these issues, and to further your turfgrass education!!
DOLLAR SPOT
On fairways, turf disease Dollar Spot is caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia homeocarpa. (See picture below) Annually, this is the most common disease we see on fairways during the growing season in our climate. Dollar Spot shows itself as silver dollar sized spots of damaged turf. If left untreated, Dollar Spot will coalesce into larger areas and kill turf plants, leaving an ugly playing surface that will need to be re-established. This disease is the focus of our preventative fungicide program on fairways all season long.
Our fairways have been treated twice for Dollar Spot, yet the damage we see this spring has "leaked" through preventative fungicides. Eventually, damaged plants will recover. Damage we see is aesthetic and not a huge concern, but rather a reminder that Mother Nature is always in charge!!
To help fairways heal faster, we will suspend the next scheduled growth regulator treatment planned for later this week. Allowing fairway turf to grow at its normal (faster) rate will hasten the healing process. Also, last week's fairway fertilizer application will help turf recovery, as dollar spot is a rare disease that is slowed by higher nitrogen soil fertility. Most turf diseases spread aggressively with nitrogen fertilizer applications.
LEAF SPOT
Another disease present (in roughs) is called Leaf Spot. It is caused by many different fungi from the Helminthosporium species. Leaf spot is present as partly circular patches one to two feet in diameter. (see picture below) Leaves of infected turfgrass have small brownish areas of damage evident. Again, we are seeing leaf spot this year because of the weather conditions we have seen. Warmer weather will stop the damage on plants, and turf should recover nicely during later June and July. Damage has not spread to greens, tees or fairways because all these areas have been treated with fungicides this year. Leaf spot present in roughs is not a serious situation that warrants expensive fungicide treatments.
FAIRY RING
Fairy rings are present annually and show up on greens and fairways around June 1st. Named from European fokelore because "inside the circles is where the fairys danced." Fairy rings can be both small (6 inch to 12 inch) or larger areas (up to 60 feet in diameter) of circular darker green areas of turf. The fungi use, then release excess nitrogen to the turf. The turf roots find the nitrogen giving the infected areas darker green turfgrass. Sometimes, toxic mushrooms also grow within the darker green circles.
We treat to control fairy rings on greens only, due to potential uneven putting conditions if left untreated. This year, fungicides were applied on May 28th. Fairy rings on fairways are not treated, due to expensive $ 1,500.00 per acre cost for fungicide treatments that would be necessary for successful control.
RED THREAD
Finally, we have seen a few patches of disease Red Thread this spring. Red thread is fascinating in that turfgrass infected has vibrant pink or red strands growing from mowed leaves. It tends to be injure turf in 4 to 18 inch sized circular patches of damaged turf. If left untreated, Red Thread can damage fairways severely, but we are safe because of the two fungicide treatments during 2009.
Friday, May 29, 2009
GOLF has been GREEN for a long time....
We have again added bales of barley straw to the ponds on 2 and 18. Some biologists observe that barley straw's presence can reduce the populations of certain types of algae growing in ponds and waterways. Apparently, as it degrades, a chemical is released that hampers algae growth.
The rough has been in many conversations this spring. We won't further delve into the severity of the rough at this time. However, because of the health of the rough, a significant positive change can be reported and celebrated.
First, a little background information is needed.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly management method for maintaining plants (and golf courses) that relies on less dependence of pesticides, irrigation water, fertilizers or any artificial methods that aids plant health. The IPM philosophy says that healthy soils will produce healthy plants that can withstand stresses from insects, disease, heat, drought and weed invasions. We employ IPM ideas constantly to give us a healthier golf course, a golf course that uses less inputs of pesticides and irrigation water than if not under IPM management.
We have touched on these IPM ideas previously without actually identifying them as IPM. Discussions that have centered on improving soil's health by adding lime and deficient nutrients is straight out of the IPM handbook, as healthier soils will support stronger, more reliable turfgrass with fewer inputs. Aerification of turf areas is an IPM method that provides air for improved soil/oxygen exchange. Providing the sharpest cutting blades for the cleanest cut prevents disease from entering poorly mowed leaf blades is IPM. Barley straw in ponds, rolling greens, thatch removal, using sand topdressing, and increasing sunlight penetration for turfgrass are all methods of Integrated Pest Management employed that lessen dependence on pesticides, fertilizers and water. (I could write for hours about how we use the IPM philosophy to manage Potowomut.)
Back to my original point, my apologies as I seemed to have wandered a bit.
Turfgrass in the rough is greatly improved after applying appropriate fertilizers the last few years as directed by Soil Scientists as a result of soil testing. During 2009, much less herbicide (weed killer) has been utilized to eliminate weeds, simply because there are fewer of them. IPM says healthier soils will provide stronger turfgrass plants that will choke out weed plants and their lateral movement, slow or stop germination of new weed seeds, and we are seeing those benefits this spring.
The rough has been in many conversations this spring. We won't further delve into the severity of the rough at this time. However, because of the health of the rough, a significant positive change can be reported and celebrated.
First, a little background information is needed.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly management method for maintaining plants (and golf courses) that relies on less dependence of pesticides, irrigation water, fertilizers or any artificial methods that aids plant health. The IPM philosophy says that healthy soils will produce healthy plants that can withstand stresses from insects, disease, heat, drought and weed invasions. We employ IPM ideas constantly to give us a healthier golf course, a golf course that uses less inputs of pesticides and irrigation water than if not under IPM management.
We have touched on these IPM ideas previously without actually identifying them as IPM. Discussions that have centered on improving soil's health by adding lime and deficient nutrients is straight out of the IPM handbook, as healthier soils will support stronger, more reliable turfgrass with fewer inputs. Aerification of turf areas is an IPM method that provides air for improved soil/oxygen exchange. Providing the sharpest cutting blades for the cleanest cut prevents disease from entering poorly mowed leaf blades is IPM. Barley straw in ponds, rolling greens, thatch removal, using sand topdressing, and increasing sunlight penetration for turfgrass are all methods of Integrated Pest Management employed that lessen dependence on pesticides, fertilizers and water. (I could write for hours about how we use the IPM philosophy to manage Potowomut.)
Back to my original point, my apologies as I seemed to have wandered a bit.
Turfgrass in the rough is greatly improved after applying appropriate fertilizers the last few years as directed by Soil Scientists as a result of soil testing. During 2009, much less herbicide (weed killer) has been utilized to eliminate weeds, simply because there are fewer of them. IPM says healthier soils will provide stronger turfgrass plants that will choke out weed plants and their lateral movement, slow or stop germination of new weed seeds, and we are seeing those benefits this spring.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ramblings
Thursday's miscellaneous ramblings....
Today we applied to fairways sulfate of potash fertilizer, with an analysis of 0-0-50 (the numerical analysis refers to amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, listed as a percentage of weight in each bag.) Potassium helps prepare turf for the stresses of summer heat and drought. Research shows that potassium helps to toughen plants by strengthening plant's cell walls, improve the plant's response to disease potential, and also helps plants to use water as efficiently as possible. Fertilizer particles will slowly degrade during summer, allowing plants to uptake the nutrient when it is needed most. Potassium was applied to greens and tees last week.
Also applied this week were soil deficient nutrients manganese, magnesium and calcium to greens and tees, and a complete fertilizer to practice tees (30-5-10.)
You may notice some darker green streaks on putting greens this week. The streaks were caused by overlapping sprayer passes of a nitrogen based fertilizer applied last week. I expect these streaks to disappear early next week.
To improve 60 yards of right side rough on #7, two sprinkler heads at 145 and 168 yards were changed in irrigation programs this week. Instead of running infrequently as rough heads, they will now run more often since we designated them as fairway heads in the computer.
We hope to see you out tomorrow, or during the holiday weekend!!!
Today we applied to fairways sulfate of potash fertilizer, with an analysis of 0-0-50 (the numerical analysis refers to amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, listed as a percentage of weight in each bag.) Potassium helps prepare turf for the stresses of summer heat and drought. Research shows that potassium helps to toughen plants by strengthening plant's cell walls, improve the plant's response to disease potential, and also helps plants to use water as efficiently as possible. Fertilizer particles will slowly degrade during summer, allowing plants to uptake the nutrient when it is needed most. Potassium was applied to greens and tees last week.
Also applied this week were soil deficient nutrients manganese, magnesium and calcium to greens and tees, and a complete fertilizer to practice tees (30-5-10.)
You may notice some darker green streaks on putting greens this week. The streaks were caused by overlapping sprayer passes of a nitrogen based fertilizer applied last week. I expect these streaks to disappear early next week.
To improve 60 yards of right side rough on #7, two sprinkler heads at 145 and 168 yards were changed in irrigation programs this week. Instead of running infrequently as rough heads, they will now run more often since we designated them as fairway heads in the computer.
We hope to see you out tomorrow, or during the holiday weekend!!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
ROUGH
Admittedly, the rough has been extra penal this spring. Sincere apologies from your golf course staff. Let me explain why the grass is extra long and feisty and tell you what is being done.
Let's start with a mini review of the problems with rough's soils.
1. Rough soils are extremely deficient in many important nutrients. Soils are deficient in plant available calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Soil pH is low, as are soluble salts. In summary, the supply in the soil for plant available soluble nutrients, or put another way, the amount of "gas in the soil's tank" for proper turfgrass growth is on empty. Let me provide quotes from March 2009 soil reports provided us by Harris Labs of Lincoln, NE.
a. "Immediate attention is required. Root growth has stopped...resistance to heat stress is poor, and membrane function is failing."
b. "Plant functions are in jeopardy of failing. Stomate (a plant cooling mechanism) is minimal so expect poor movement of water and nutrient throughout the plant."
To correct soil nutrient deficiencies, applications of proper fertilizer materials have been made, both last fall and again this spring. As these materials are slowly released to soils, plants are using them. Turfgrass in the rough is reacting positively or negatively, depending on your point of view, by actively growing with increased vigor during April and May.
Obviously, our long term goal is to improve the chemistry of rough soils. When soil can provide the nutrients plants need when they are needed, the rough can perform by providing an excellent playing surface for our members and guests.
Combined with fertility, the wet spring also aided aggressive growth of rough turf. 7.78" of rain has fallen on Potowomut since April 2, twice the normal amount.
We have two employees who each mow rough almost 40 hours each week. On Monday, we usually begin mowing rough on #11. Going in order they complete the rest of the back nine by Wednesday, and mow holes 1 through 10 Thursday and Friday. Each week, the rough is mowed once. Rough height differs depending on what day it is mowed.
Finally, both mowers' height of cut was lowered a half inch today. This adjustment should improve the situation a bit. We also plan on adding a third machine as time permits. We will do our best to continue knocking down the rough through May and June, when warmer weather should begin to slow growth.
Let's start with a mini review of the problems with rough's soils.
1. Rough soils are extremely deficient in many important nutrients. Soils are deficient in plant available calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Soil pH is low, as are soluble salts. In summary, the supply in the soil for plant available soluble nutrients, or put another way, the amount of "gas in the soil's tank" for proper turfgrass growth is on empty. Let me provide quotes from March 2009 soil reports provided us by Harris Labs of Lincoln, NE.
a. "Immediate attention is required. Root growth has stopped...resistance to heat stress is poor, and membrane function is failing."
b. "Plant functions are in jeopardy of failing. Stomate (a plant cooling mechanism) is minimal so expect poor movement of water and nutrient throughout the plant."
To correct soil nutrient deficiencies, applications of proper fertilizer materials have been made, both last fall and again this spring. As these materials are slowly released to soils, plants are using them. Turfgrass in the rough is reacting positively or negatively, depending on your point of view, by actively growing with increased vigor during April and May.
Obviously, our long term goal is to improve the chemistry of rough soils. When soil can provide the nutrients plants need when they are needed, the rough can perform by providing an excellent playing surface for our members and guests.
Combined with fertility, the wet spring also aided aggressive growth of rough turf. 7.78" of rain has fallen on Potowomut since April 2, twice the normal amount.
We have two employees who each mow rough almost 40 hours each week. On Monday, we usually begin mowing rough on #11. Going in order they complete the rest of the back nine by Wednesday, and mow holes 1 through 10 Thursday and Friday. Each week, the rough is mowed once. Rough height differs depending on what day it is mowed.
Finally, both mowers' height of cut was lowered a half inch today. This adjustment should improve the situation a bit. We also plan on adding a third machine as time permits. We will do our best to continue knocking down the rough through May and June, when warmer weather should begin to slow growth.
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8
Just a few notes from the week:
Greens spiking is nearly complete. Only #7 green remains to be done next week. This spiking process took the place of the heavy duty aerification and topdressing we normally do in early May. We spiked all greens in two directions, using our John Deere aerators set up with a slim "bayonet" shaped tine. We did not pull a soil core this spring, the spiking opens up the greens to improve soil and oxygen exchange.
For members who have not seen the greens since spiking, the surface disruption was minimal during this process. Greens are putting close to normal as of Friday evening.
We installed tournament cup liners today. The cup lines is an insert that sits on top of the cup, and simulates the painted cup look common on televised tournaments. Let us know if you like them...or not!!
Rough is extremely penal this spring, due our very wet spring and plenty of soil fertility. 7.63" of rainfall has fallen on our weather station since April 2nd. Waterlogged soil combined with 55 tons of lime and a nitrogen based fertilizer application to the rough last December are responsible. Growth should even out during the next three weeks.
All pre-emergent crabgrass applications are complete, as is a plant protectant applied to control Hyperoides Weevils, a potentially destructive root and crown munching small insect.
Play well!!!
Greens spiking is nearly complete. Only #7 green remains to be done next week. This spiking process took the place of the heavy duty aerification and topdressing we normally do in early May. We spiked all greens in two directions, using our John Deere aerators set up with a slim "bayonet" shaped tine. We did not pull a soil core this spring, the spiking opens up the greens to improve soil and oxygen exchange.
For members who have not seen the greens since spiking, the surface disruption was minimal during this process. Greens are putting close to normal as of Friday evening.
We installed tournament cup liners today. The cup lines is an insert that sits on top of the cup, and simulates the painted cup look common on televised tournaments. Let us know if you like them...or not!!
Rough is extremely penal this spring, due our very wet spring and plenty of soil fertility. 7.63" of rainfall has fallen on our weather station since April 2nd. Waterlogged soil combined with 55 tons of lime and a nitrogen based fertilizer application to the rough last December are responsible. Growth should even out during the next three weeks.
All pre-emergent crabgrass applications are complete, as is a plant protectant applied to control Hyperoides Weevils, a potentially destructive root and crown munching small insect.
Play well!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Miscellaneous Ramblings....
Greens aeration will be performed next Monday and Tuesday, weather permitting. As mentioned in an earlier blog entry, we are significantly changing our method this spring. We will aerate with a solid tine, a tine that only pokes a hole into the greens' surface. No soil will be brought to the surface, making this much less intrusive than in the past. We will topdress the greens lightly and roll the greens to return smoothness. If all goes to plan, greens will be back to normal by Friday or Saturday.
This aeration process will help the greens by providing air to soil. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles and 50% air space. Aeration is our method of returning the air component after golf traffic, equipment and weather compress soils and remove air over time.
Wednesday we aerated over half of our golf course tees. We expect to finish either tomorrow or Friday.
With recent warm weather, soils are warming quickly after a slow start. Warm soil temperatures turn the millions of crabgrass seeds present in soil from not viable to viable, ready to germinate, establish itself and cause headaches for both you and me. We treat 95% of our turf areas with chemical materials to prevent this crabgrass seed from germinating. Earlier than previous years, we are almost finished applying these chemicals to prevent this weed grass. This weekend, after your golf of course, would be a great time to apply pre-emergent crabgrass materials and fertilizer to your home lawn!! Remember to water this material in with a half inch of irrigation or natural rainfall within a few days of application.
Greens were sprayed today for disease Anthracnose, potentially destructive insects hyperoides weevils, and were treated with growth regulator. The growth regulator will help to add speed to greens for this weekend's Phil Tally tournament.
We continue our project of severing aboveground tree roots. This is proving to be a slow moving process, but we will continue to be diligent to get rid of the roots!!
Please enjoy your golf course, and email me if you have any questions!!!!
Greens aeration will be performed next Monday and Tuesday, weather permitting. As mentioned in an earlier blog entry, we are significantly changing our method this spring. We will aerate with a solid tine, a tine that only pokes a hole into the greens' surface. No soil will be brought to the surface, making this much less intrusive than in the past. We will topdress the greens lightly and roll the greens to return smoothness. If all goes to plan, greens will be back to normal by Friday or Saturday.
This aeration process will help the greens by providing air to soil. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles and 50% air space. Aeration is our method of returning the air component after golf traffic, equipment and weather compress soils and remove air over time.
Wednesday we aerated over half of our golf course tees. We expect to finish either tomorrow or Friday.
With recent warm weather, soils are warming quickly after a slow start. Warm soil temperatures turn the millions of crabgrass seeds present in soil from not viable to viable, ready to germinate, establish itself and cause headaches for both you and me. We treat 95% of our turf areas with chemical materials to prevent this crabgrass seed from germinating. Earlier than previous years, we are almost finished applying these chemicals to prevent this weed grass. This weekend, after your golf of course, would be a great time to apply pre-emergent crabgrass materials and fertilizer to your home lawn!! Remember to water this material in with a half inch of irrigation or natural rainfall within a few days of application.
Greens were sprayed today for disease Anthracnose, potentially destructive insects hyperoides weevils, and were treated with growth regulator. The growth regulator will help to add speed to greens for this weekend's Phil Tally tournament.
We continue our project of severing aboveground tree roots. This is proving to be a slow moving process, but we will continue to be diligent to get rid of the roots!!
Please enjoy your golf course, and email me if you have any questions!!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
INVASION!!!
We have become concerned with the ever-spreading cattails (genus Typha) present in our ponds on #2 and #18. Our concern is focused on the cattail's ability to choke off water flow between the two ponds, which would limit the amount of water available to us for golf course irrigation.
To irrigate the golf course, we use the "pump and dump" system. Our 60' deep water well, located near the stone wall bordering Potowomut and Goddard Park, "pumps" ground water and "dumps" it into our pond at the rate of 140 gallons per minute, until it is needed and moved to turf by irrigation pumps located inside the green pumphouse. We have the ability to store around one million gallons of water in our ponds for irrigation.
Because both ponds are utilized for water storage, it is important that water flows continually between them. The invasive cattails potentially could slow, or even stop this water flow, making it necessary for us to begin these control measures. No herbicides will be used; we plan on slowing the spread by frequent cutting back of the shameless invaders.
Thpha invasion!!
To irrigate the golf course, we use the "pump and dump" system. Our 60' deep water well, located near the stone wall bordering Potowomut and Goddard Park, "pumps" ground water and "dumps" it into our pond at the rate of 140 gallons per minute, until it is needed and moved to turf by irrigation pumps located inside the green pumphouse. We have the ability to store around one million gallons of water in our ponds for irrigation.
Because both ponds are utilized for water storage, it is important that water flows continually between them. The invasive cattails potentially could slow, or even stop this water flow, making it necessary for us to begin these control measures. No herbicides will be used; we plan on slowing the spread by frequent cutting back of the shameless invaders.
Thpha invasion!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
16th tee hazard
Good morning,
We forgot to mention that we will be planting trees left of the 16th tee to protect golfers from errant shots played from the 17th tee. We will use Pitch Pines, similar plants to the trees present there already.
This work will be done during April.
We forgot to mention that we will be planting trees left of the 16th tee to protect golfers from errant shots played from the 17th tee. We will use Pitch Pines, similar plants to the trees present there already.
This work will be done during April.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Spring '09 Update
Happy Spring!!!
We are happy to see everyone returning for some early season, yet mostly cold, spring golf. Rumor has it that warmer weather will arrive soon, despite its absence to date.
The golf course survived its winter rest in excellent shape. Our programs to improve and maintain the golf course continue to reap the benefits we spoke about since we began in 2005. We do, however need to continue and build on our success. A famous Golf Course Architect once told me "any golf course standing still, resting on its laurels, is in fact going backward." We have plans to go forward, despite less funding for golf course maintenance for 2009.
Because we have fewer funds for golf course maintenance, there will be changes in our operation. The changes will be due mostly due to using fewer labor hours to maintain the golf course. 65% of our operating budget is for labor and related expenses, and the dollars we have been asked to save versus last year's spending budget are significant. Some of the changes include the following: Maintaining the intermediate rough will be eliminated this year. Bunkers will not be raked as often. (Please be more vigilant raking bunkers after a bunker shot this year!!) We will use a triplex (larger) greensmower on some days. Tees will no longer be hand mowed; we will use a larger triplex mower. Greens may be only rolled some days, instead of mowed and rolled as in the past. Divots will not be filled as often. Some trimming tasks may be delayed.
Grass will still grow despite challenging economic times. Therefore, we will mow 95% of the golf course as often as in the past. Also, we are NOT eliminating or changing expensive fertilization or pest control programs on greens, tees, fairways or roughs. We will not compromise the health or quality of playing surfaces. Grubs and crabgrass will be controlled. Diseases and pests will be controlled using the best technology available. We will irrigate as we always have. We will continue to improve roughs, and will again apply lime this spring to repair severe calcium and magnesium soil deficiencies. Later this year, we will have home grown rough type sod available to us from a turfgrass nursery we established in the driving range area last fall. Finally, aeration programs will be altered in May. Greens aeration programs will not be as aggressive, saving funds by eliminating expensive sand topdressing. (I figure we may get some applause for this change...) We have plans to use a solid tine that pokes a smaller hole to the greens, bringing no soil to the surface. A lighter application of topdressing will be applied versus past springs. Decisions about our method of greens aeration for September will be made during August.
You may have noticed the painted lines placed on fairway edges. We are re-shaping fairways a bit, as they have enlarged over the years, according to some members and last year's Grounds Committee. Fairway mower operators tend to enlarge fairway edges over time, so the comments were not surprising to hear. We will not shorten the length of any fairway by reducing them at the tee side. Bringing fairways back to original size will also help us to control costs, because slightly smaller fairways will be cheaper to maintain. The new boundaries are not set in stone, as I expect to make some changes to the changes as the season progresses.
The drain by the clubhouse front door will be repaired during April. Somehow, water is not entering the drainage system as it was designed. Soon after the repair, the area excavated will be repaired with new asphalt.
We have plans to improve the quality of cut on fairway this year. Perennial ryegrasses comprise close to 50% of the turf species present on Potowomut fairways. Ryegrass grows quicker than the other species present, and like your dog, does not like to be trimmed. While being mowed, ryegrass leaves tend to be shredded, instead of being mowed clean, unless the mower's reels are perfect cylinders and adjusted perfectly. When fairway mowers go out for their first mowings in March, the reels are in this condition. Over time, however, after mowing acres of turf and encountering sticks, small stones, soil clods and sand present in divots, the reels become far from perfectly round. When in this negative condition, it takes Mechanic George four working days per mower to properly grind and adjust them. Based on our need to keep each machine operational all season, the result is poor cut quality almost all season. Our USGA representative Jim Skorulski spoke and wrote about this situation during his September 2008 visit.
Newer spin grinders from Great Britain will enable George to take a mower out of service at 7:00am, completely grind the mowers to perfect condition, and put it back in service at 3:00 pm on the same day. New spin grinders costs exceed $ 40,000. We have, however located a used set of grinders at very reasonable cost. After selling our old fairway aerator and two other minor pieces of unused equipment, we expect to have funds necessary to make an even swap.
Despite the economic challenges 2009 presents, we are still planning on a wonderful season. My staff and I will work very hard to present your wonderful golf course to you, and we will hopefully exceed your expectations.
We are happy to see everyone returning for some early season, yet mostly cold, spring golf. Rumor has it that warmer weather will arrive soon, despite its absence to date.
The golf course survived its winter rest in excellent shape. Our programs to improve and maintain the golf course continue to reap the benefits we spoke about since we began in 2005. We do, however need to continue and build on our success. A famous Golf Course Architect once told me "any golf course standing still, resting on its laurels, is in fact going backward." We have plans to go forward, despite less funding for golf course maintenance for 2009.
Because we have fewer funds for golf course maintenance, there will be changes in our operation. The changes will be due mostly due to using fewer labor hours to maintain the golf course. 65% of our operating budget is for labor and related expenses, and the dollars we have been asked to save versus last year's spending budget are significant. Some of the changes include the following: Maintaining the intermediate rough will be eliminated this year. Bunkers will not be raked as often. (Please be more vigilant raking bunkers after a bunker shot this year!!) We will use a triplex (larger) greensmower on some days. Tees will no longer be hand mowed; we will use a larger triplex mower. Greens may be only rolled some days, instead of mowed and rolled as in the past. Divots will not be filled as often. Some trimming tasks may be delayed.
Grass will still grow despite challenging economic times. Therefore, we will mow 95% of the golf course as often as in the past. Also, we are NOT eliminating or changing expensive fertilization or pest control programs on greens, tees, fairways or roughs. We will not compromise the health or quality of playing surfaces. Grubs and crabgrass will be controlled. Diseases and pests will be controlled using the best technology available. We will irrigate as we always have. We will continue to improve roughs, and will again apply lime this spring to repair severe calcium and magnesium soil deficiencies. Later this year, we will have home grown rough type sod available to us from a turfgrass nursery we established in the driving range area last fall. Finally, aeration programs will be altered in May. Greens aeration programs will not be as aggressive, saving funds by eliminating expensive sand topdressing. (I figure we may get some applause for this change...) We have plans to use a solid tine that pokes a smaller hole to the greens, bringing no soil to the surface. A lighter application of topdressing will be applied versus past springs. Decisions about our method of greens aeration for September will be made during August.
You may have noticed the painted lines placed on fairway edges. We are re-shaping fairways a bit, as they have enlarged over the years, according to some members and last year's Grounds Committee. Fairway mower operators tend to enlarge fairway edges over time, so the comments were not surprising to hear. We will not shorten the length of any fairway by reducing them at the tee side. Bringing fairways back to original size will also help us to control costs, because slightly smaller fairways will be cheaper to maintain. The new boundaries are not set in stone, as I expect to make some changes to the changes as the season progresses.
The drain by the clubhouse front door will be repaired during April. Somehow, water is not entering the drainage system as it was designed. Soon after the repair, the area excavated will be repaired with new asphalt.
We have plans to improve the quality of cut on fairway this year. Perennial ryegrasses comprise close to 50% of the turf species present on Potowomut fairways. Ryegrass grows quicker than the other species present, and like your dog, does not like to be trimmed. While being mowed, ryegrass leaves tend to be shredded, instead of being mowed clean, unless the mower's reels are perfect cylinders and adjusted perfectly. When fairway mowers go out for their first mowings in March, the reels are in this condition. Over time, however, after mowing acres of turf and encountering sticks, small stones, soil clods and sand present in divots, the reels become far from perfectly round. When in this negative condition, it takes Mechanic George four working days per mower to properly grind and adjust them. Based on our need to keep each machine operational all season, the result is poor cut quality almost all season. Our USGA representative Jim Skorulski spoke and wrote about this situation during his September 2008 visit.
Newer spin grinders from Great Britain will enable George to take a mower out of service at 7:00am, completely grind the mowers to perfect condition, and put it back in service at 3:00 pm on the same day. New spin grinders costs exceed $ 40,000. We have, however located a used set of grinders at very reasonable cost. After selling our old fairway aerator and two other minor pieces of unused equipment, we expect to have funds necessary to make an even swap.
Despite the economic challenges 2009 presents, we are still planning on a wonderful season. My staff and I will work very hard to present your wonderful golf course to you, and we will hopefully exceed your expectations.
Friday, February 13, 2009
February Greens Notice
Our golf course re-appears….for a while anyway.
Winter 2009 has provided snow and cold to keep the golf course white for about six weeks. Recent warm weather has removed all snow and ice from your golf course. This warm weather respite was welcome to yours truly, as concerns about turf damage from ice cover began to move toward the top of my “Things to Worry About List” for 2009. However, greens and fairways are in wonderful shape at this writing on windy Thursday.
Will the spring-like weather continue? Meteorologist (and member) Herb Stevens says we should be ready to return to winter conditions within the next week in his weekly report to Golf Course Superintendents….enjoy the thaw while you can!!
Winter has kept your Grounds Staff busy. We have continued tree work, although on a lesser scale as in past winters. We have worked to open up the fifth fairway from shading issues. Work continues in the shop on all equipment and golf course supplies. New steps have also been installed to the 10th men’s tee.
As you may have heard, 2009 will be a challenging year financially. Club membership roles have declined since last year, and fewer funds will be available for maintenance. We plan on limiting spending in many areas, yet still provide excellent playing conditions for members. Since over 60% of our funding is directly related to labor, the majority of savings will be utilized by using fewer labor hours. There will be changes made to how we maintain the golf course. We will write more on this in future writings.
We are anxious to get back to the golf course and hope to see everyone soon!!!
Patrick Gertner CGCS
Winter 2009 has provided snow and cold to keep the golf course white for about six weeks. Recent warm weather has removed all snow and ice from your golf course. This warm weather respite was welcome to yours truly, as concerns about turf damage from ice cover began to move toward the top of my “Things to Worry About List” for 2009. However, greens and fairways are in wonderful shape at this writing on windy Thursday.
Will the spring-like weather continue? Meteorologist (and member) Herb Stevens says we should be ready to return to winter conditions within the next week in his weekly report to Golf Course Superintendents….enjoy the thaw while you can!!
Winter has kept your Grounds Staff busy. We have continued tree work, although on a lesser scale as in past winters. We have worked to open up the fifth fairway from shading issues. Work continues in the shop on all equipment and golf course supplies. New steps have also been installed to the 10th men’s tee.
As you may have heard, 2009 will be a challenging year financially. Club membership roles have declined since last year, and fewer funds will be available for maintenance. We plan on limiting spending in many areas, yet still provide excellent playing conditions for members. Since over 60% of our funding is directly related to labor, the majority of savings will be utilized by using fewer labor hours. There will be changes made to how we maintain the golf course. We will write more on this in future writings.
We are anxious to get back to the golf course and hope to see everyone soon!!!
Patrick Gertner CGCS
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