The rough is growing at a rate keeping both golfers and maintenance people unhappy. I'd like to provide a little information about this situation.
1. Rough turfgrass grows fastest in spring.
2. Since April 1st, 6.50" of rainfall has fallen on Potowomut. This factor is the most important one affecting unruly rough conditions today.
3. After a brutal 2010 summer, rough was fertilized to aid its recovery last fall. This also is affecting rough height and quality, especially when combined with both factors above.
The height of cut on Potowomut rough is 2.50". This height of cut is NOT changed during the year. Lowering the height to 2" would result in thin, less reliable rough during summer months because of the corresponding shrinkage of the turfgrass root system. Larger areas of rough would go dormant in summer months, or would die completely. During a past year, 2" rough was maintained as an experiment and was a rated a miserable failure because of poor rough condition during July, August and September. Remember, most rough turfgrass is NOT irrigated during summer because the sprinkler heads don't throw water far into the rough.
Normally, it takes us a full 40 hour week to mow the rough one time. The operator begins Monday morning at 6AM, and completes mowing eighteen holes by late Friday afternoon. For an example, rough on the 10th hole was mowed on Monday morning May 2nd, and will not be mowed again until Monday morning May 9th. Mowing rough twice a week would require investment in both new equipment and more manpower to complete.
For this month, we are working extra hours to try and stay ahead of the rough. We will mow holes with the thickest rough a second time during the week or during the weekend. We expect the rough to slow down during later May and June if normal weather patterns return.
On a positive note, we have begun mowing the "first cut" of rough this week, three weeks early.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
This won't hurt a bit.....
"Now roll up your golf shirt sleeve, this isn't going to hurt a bit."
Greens are scheduled for aeration beginning Monday May 2.
We are using non invasive bayonet tines to aerate greens this week. We will NOT pull soil from the greens, we are only poking holes into the greens with a thin 6" long knife like tine. We will aerate in two directions. Greens will be lightly topdressed with sand. Greens will again be in nice condition two days after they are aerated.
One reason we aerate greens is to remove thatch, a coagulated layer of dead roots and decaying plant stems. Spring 2011 soil testing show that Potowomut greens contain LOW organic matter (around 2% thatch) content. Just five years ago, our greens contained "excessive" (6%) organic matter according to soil tests. Therefore, we hope to rely less on soil pulling core aeration during future springs and more on solid tine aeration. (****Other factors are also at work that may require spring core aeration, so no guarantees can be issued about which method we choose each sping****)
As a Superintendent, I'm thrilled we've had success to limit excessive greens' thatch. As a golfer, I am also happy to provide aeration to greens without severely impacting surfaces for putting....at least for spring 2011!!
Greens are scheduled for aeration beginning Monday May 2.
We are using non invasive bayonet tines to aerate greens this week. We will NOT pull soil from the greens, we are only poking holes into the greens with a thin 6" long knife like tine. We will aerate in two directions. Greens will be lightly topdressed with sand. Greens will again be in nice condition two days after they are aerated.
One reason we aerate greens is to remove thatch, a coagulated layer of dead roots and decaying plant stems. Spring 2011 soil testing show that Potowomut greens contain LOW organic matter (around 2% thatch) content. Just five years ago, our greens contained "excessive" (6%) organic matter according to soil tests. Therefore, we hope to rely less on soil pulling core aeration during future springs and more on solid tine aeration. (****Other factors are also at work that may require spring core aeration, so no guarantees can be issued about which method we choose each sping****)
As a Superintendent, I'm thrilled we've had success to limit excessive greens' thatch. As a golfer, I am also happy to provide aeration to greens without severely impacting surfaces for putting....at least for spring 2011!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bye bye Poa annua seedheads??
We've begun our program of slowing growth on greens with growth regulators. This is done to improve greens' speeds for putting but is also done to improve turfgrass health and stamina in summer. The program this year was also designed to prevent Poa annua seedheads from appearing during May and June.
Growth regulators slow growth by limiting the plants' production of gibberellic acid at the growing point. Less gibberellic acid limits the plant's ability to elongate cells. Under regulation, growth is slowed by more than 50%. Research shows that in addition to faster and smoother greens, the energies the plant puts forth toward manufacturing shoots and leaves is reversed. Simply, instead pushing out shoots and leaves, the turf grows more prolific roots. Deeply rooted turf can pull more nutrients and water from soils when summer heat usually causes root systems to die off.
Greens are populated by two vastly different species of turfgrass, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and annual bentgrass, (Poa annua.) Only the annual bluegrass produces those pesky seedheads in late spring that cause poor putting conditions. With some luck, we will not see as many seedheads this spring due to the change in our program. (Luck may be needed, as there is a narrow 48 hour time window for a proper application, six weeks before seedhead emergence!!)
Growth regulators slow growth by limiting the plants' production of gibberellic acid at the growing point. Less gibberellic acid limits the plant's ability to elongate cells. Under regulation, growth is slowed by more than 50%. Research shows that in addition to faster and smoother greens, the energies the plant puts forth toward manufacturing shoots and leaves is reversed. Simply, instead pushing out shoots and leaves, the turf grows more prolific roots. Deeply rooted turf can pull more nutrients and water from soils when summer heat usually causes root systems to die off.
Greens are populated by two vastly different species of turfgrass, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and annual bentgrass, (Poa annua.) Only the annual bluegrass produces those pesky seedheads in late spring that cause poor putting conditions. With some luck, we will not see as many seedheads this spring due to the change in our program. (Luck may be needed, as there is a narrow 48 hour time window for a proper application, six weeks before seedhead emergence!!)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bunker Update
Bunkers will be cleaned, raked and opened for play this weekend.
Springtime decisions to prepare the golf course for play are many. This spring, we have focused our efforts on cleaning a very dirty golf course after a damaging winter. The golf course cleaning process can be slow and arduous when mixed in with the first few mowings of greens, tees and fairways, putting out golf course equipment, irrigation start up other general duties. We try and accomplish course clean up as soon as possible because we cannot mow rough when sticks and branches are present. I guess you could say we are on a deadline.
This year, bunkers weren't touched until last week and were not finished for the weekend. All bunker rakes weren't put out for the weekend, and many bunkers were in very tough shape.
Next year, we promise to put a higher priority on getting bunkers ready for play during Spring. We also promise to provide better weather next Spring. We all know early Spring 2012 weather HAS to be better than what we have seen in 2011!
As always, thanks for your patience, support and feedback.
Springtime decisions to prepare the golf course for play are many. This spring, we have focused our efforts on cleaning a very dirty golf course after a damaging winter. The golf course cleaning process can be slow and arduous when mixed in with the first few mowings of greens, tees and fairways, putting out golf course equipment, irrigation start up other general duties. We try and accomplish course clean up as soon as possible because we cannot mow rough when sticks and branches are present. I guess you could say we are on a deadline.
This year, bunkers weren't touched until last week and were not finished for the weekend. All bunker rakes weren't put out for the weekend, and many bunkers were in very tough shape.
Next year, we promise to put a higher priority on getting bunkers ready for play during Spring. We also promise to provide better weather next Spring. We all know early Spring 2012 weather HAS to be better than what we have seen in 2011!
As always, thanks for your patience, support and feedback.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Chilly April Fools Update
Few Notes....
While March weather has been cold the last few weeks, the golf course has been enjoyable to play in its firm and fast condition. April brings the promise of warmer weather and hopefully many smiles after well struck golf shots!!
Aeration holes are still present on greens from last October's process. Since that aeration, we've had virtually no warm weather that greens need to heal. Please be patient and join me in hoping for warm temperatures to get the greens growing and healing!
The irrigation system was successfully turned on today with only a few minor electrical problems to rectify. We were concerned about the possibility of pipe breaks because of the cold winter, but none were found.
Congratulations are in order for Assistant Superintendents (and brothers) Dan and Steve Virgulak. They both recently completed the Two Year Turfgrass Management Program at Rutgers University in New Jersey. This program is attended by students from across many states and countries because of its reputation for excellence. When you see Dan or Steve on the golf course, please join me in wishing them congratulations!!
While March weather has been cold the last few weeks, the golf course has been enjoyable to play in its firm and fast condition. April brings the promise of warmer weather and hopefully many smiles after well struck golf shots!!
Aeration holes are still present on greens from last October's process. Since that aeration, we've had virtually no warm weather that greens need to heal. Please be patient and join me in hoping for warm temperatures to get the greens growing and healing!
The irrigation system was successfully turned on today with only a few minor electrical problems to rectify. We were concerned about the possibility of pipe breaks because of the cold winter, but none were found.
Congratulations are in order for Assistant Superintendents (and brothers) Dan and Steve Virgulak. They both recently completed the Two Year Turfgrass Management Program at Rutgers University in New Jersey. This program is attended by students from across many states and countries because of its reputation for excellence. When you see Dan or Steve on the golf course, please join me in wishing them congratulations!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Early Spring Update
Dear Members,
The season is upon us!! February and March weather warmed us and thawed our thick snow layer a little ahead of schedule. Greens were opened despite the extension of winter-like temperatures from mid-March until today.
A thick accumulation of snow cover protected turfgrass from major problems this winter. Greens are in excellent shape as are fairways and tees. There are small snow mold patches present on fairways that will grow out quickly. The rough is matted down in places but will recover nicely with warmer weather. We did lose a few branches from trees and these will be cleaned up within the week. White pines behind the ninth green and along the seventh fairway were damaged significantly and will both be removed. The well we use to fill the irrigation pond was cleaned in early March and is ready to provide the golf course with water.
Improving greenside bunkers that see the most play is a priority for this season. These fifteen to twenty bunkers will have their sand fluffed using a small tiller and sand will be added if needed. If time permits, we will expand the scope of the work to include more bunkers. The landscape bed common to both the Clubhouse and Pro Shop formerly filled with unruly junipers will be improved by planting low growing perennials and annual flowers. A new hand railing for the 10th tee stairs will be installed this spring; thanks to member Bambi Soscia for this generous donation. Also, screening trees will be added this year along the left side of the 16th tee to protect golfers from errant tee shots from 17. Poor areas of the intermediate rough will be seeded during April.
Potowomut hosts the 2011 Rhode Island Amateur during July. My staff is excited to prepare and “show off” our great golf course for the best golfers in Rhode Island this year. More on this as we get closer to July.
Most maintenance plans are unchanged from past years. As always, the health and playability of the golf course remains our number one goal and will not be compromised during 2011. Plans include:
1. Crabgrass will be prevented wall to wall.
2. Grubs will be controlled during August wall to wall.
3. Hyperoides weevil control methods will utilize new technology this spring because of reported cases of beetle resistance in Connecticut and Long Island to insecticides we have used at Potowomut.
4. Disease control plans are unchanged for greens, tees and fairways.
5. Plant growth regulator use will continue to provide excellent playing surfaces.
6. Plant parasitic nematodes will be addressed during 2011 using experimental methods. New products are available in 2011 and they will be utilized.
7. Intermediate rough will be mowed from the middle of May through September.
8. Greens will be topdressed with sand every two to three weeks during 2011, providing smoother greens.
Other programs will be adjusted with virtually no changes evident to golfers. These include:
1. Greens aeration programs will be adjusted. Sand injection and deep tine operations that utilize outside contractors will be dropped in lieu of monthly spiking with deep bayonet tine aerification that will be done using Potowomut employees. These monthly operations are not invasive to the putting surface and will get adequate amounts of air into the soil profile to replace deep tine and sand injection.
2. Fairway fertilizer programs will be adjusted slightly and will still provide excellent playing surfaces.
We will also look to gain efficiencies wherever possible during 2011 to stretch your maintenance dollars.
As always, please help us take care of your golf course by replacing divots in fairways, repair your ballmark plus one other, and use the seed bottles only on divots that cannot be replaced. We are excited about beginning the golf season as like you, we want to forget the winter of 2010-2011 as soon as possible. Hope to see you enjoying your golf course soon.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gertner CGCS
The season is upon us!! February and March weather warmed us and thawed our thick snow layer a little ahead of schedule. Greens were opened despite the extension of winter-like temperatures from mid-March until today.
A thick accumulation of snow cover protected turfgrass from major problems this winter. Greens are in excellent shape as are fairways and tees. There are small snow mold patches present on fairways that will grow out quickly. The rough is matted down in places but will recover nicely with warmer weather. We did lose a few branches from trees and these will be cleaned up within the week. White pines behind the ninth green and along the seventh fairway were damaged significantly and will both be removed. The well we use to fill the irrigation pond was cleaned in early March and is ready to provide the golf course with water.
Improving greenside bunkers that see the most play is a priority for this season. These fifteen to twenty bunkers will have their sand fluffed using a small tiller and sand will be added if needed. If time permits, we will expand the scope of the work to include more bunkers. The landscape bed common to both the Clubhouse and Pro Shop formerly filled with unruly junipers will be improved by planting low growing perennials and annual flowers. A new hand railing for the 10th tee stairs will be installed this spring; thanks to member Bambi Soscia for this generous donation. Also, screening trees will be added this year along the left side of the 16th tee to protect golfers from errant tee shots from 17. Poor areas of the intermediate rough will be seeded during April.
Potowomut hosts the 2011 Rhode Island Amateur during July. My staff is excited to prepare and “show off” our great golf course for the best golfers in Rhode Island this year. More on this as we get closer to July.
Most maintenance plans are unchanged from past years. As always, the health and playability of the golf course remains our number one goal and will not be compromised during 2011. Plans include:
1. Crabgrass will be prevented wall to wall.
2. Grubs will be controlled during August wall to wall.
3. Hyperoides weevil control methods will utilize new technology this spring because of reported cases of beetle resistance in Connecticut and Long Island to insecticides we have used at Potowomut.
4. Disease control plans are unchanged for greens, tees and fairways.
5. Plant growth regulator use will continue to provide excellent playing surfaces.
6. Plant parasitic nematodes will be addressed during 2011 using experimental methods. New products are available in 2011 and they will be utilized.
7. Intermediate rough will be mowed from the middle of May through September.
8. Greens will be topdressed with sand every two to three weeks during 2011, providing smoother greens.
Other programs will be adjusted with virtually no changes evident to golfers. These include:
1. Greens aeration programs will be adjusted. Sand injection and deep tine operations that utilize outside contractors will be dropped in lieu of monthly spiking with deep bayonet tine aerification that will be done using Potowomut employees. These monthly operations are not invasive to the putting surface and will get adequate amounts of air into the soil profile to replace deep tine and sand injection.
2. Fairway fertilizer programs will be adjusted slightly and will still provide excellent playing surfaces.
We will also look to gain efficiencies wherever possible during 2011 to stretch your maintenance dollars.
As always, please help us take care of your golf course by replacing divots in fairways, repair your ballmark plus one other, and use the seed bottles only on divots that cannot be replaced. We are excited about beginning the golf season as like you, we want to forget the winter of 2010-2011 as soon as possible. Hope to see you enjoying your golf course soon.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gertner CGCS
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