Pride and dedication

Hole #5 fairway. This process to double mow with the small unit took 1 1/2 hours. It was much longer to make it look this way, but totally worth it! WOW!!!!!!!!

A busy few weeks

The last few weeks have been intense for my team and the golf course. Last Monday we had hi temps of 115 F which required more monitoring of moisture and wilt watching for the greens. With the necessary long work days, we were able to come out ahead of where I thought the conditions might look like. More water obviously solves much of the extreme heat, but keep in mind irrigation practices such as timing, when to water, how much to water, humidity, etc. are huge factors in keeping turf grass alive. The golf course is in fine condition, and bunkers have been softened up again to a 4" depth in the cavity. Greens are rolling 10.0 + daily still, and the fairways are striped up.

A must read

Credit: USGA green section JUNE 17, 2016 Putting green speeds fluctuate because of factors such as temperature, humidity and the different maintenance practices. It’s a beautiful fall day with cool temperatures and low humidity; you are playing golf and marveling at the condition of the course, particularly the pace of the putting greens. Some golfers might be inclined to just enjoy the moment. Others will wonder why the greens can’t play like this all the time. There are a myriad of variables that affect turfgrass growth and putting green speed; and, what is possible to achieve at one time of year under certain conditions may be impossible at other times. Unquestionably, the biggest variable affecting turf health and playability is weather. Air and soil temperatures both have a tremendous impact on turfgrass growth rates. So do moisture and humidity. Rain or irrigation events, particularly when combined with a fertilizer application, can stimulate extra growth. This effect can be magnified under warm conditions with the result being increased surface resistance and reduced ball roll. Similarly, hot, humid conditions cause turfgrass leaves to retain moisture and remain fat, and this also may result in reduced green speed. Conversely, dry, windy conditions can cause the turf to wilt which can reduce surface resistance and increase putting green speeds. Putting green speed will vary from day to day merely as a result of weather influences and the seasonal changes turf undergoes. Maintenance practices also have major effects on putting green speed. Mowing and rolling operations increase putting green speed. Applications of topdressing, needed to dilute organic matter and smooth putting green surfaces, can initially slow putting green speeds. A day or two after a topdressing application, putting green speeds often get faster than they were prior to the application. The same often is true of vertical mowing and brushing. Practices that stand the turf up aid in controlling the development of grain and can improve the quality of cut, but these practices can slow putting green speed for a day or two before stimulating an increase. Many other factors affect turfgrass growth. Growing environments, soil conditions, and applications of plant growth regulators, plant protectants, and fertilizer are just a few. Anything that affects turf growth is likely to affect putting green speed. Golf course superintendents constantly juggle maintenance practices with the weather to maximize playability and maintain consistency. Despite our scientific training, modern equipment and experience, it is impossible to maintain a consistent putting green speed every day of the season. The question is, why would we want golf courses to play the same way every day? Adjusting one’s game to the conditions and varying setup are some of golf’s greatest attractions. Golf courses cost a lot to maintain, and if consistency is so important, a cheaper alternative would be to move the game indoors. Golfers could use simulators and hit off of artificial surfaces into nets in climate controlled environments. This would ensure absolute consistency and eliminate the variable effects that come from wind, rain, temperature, maintenance practices, course set up, etc. Fortunately, most golfers believe that playing the game outside in a natural setting is part of golf’s charm. Varying how courses play through setup and having to adjust one’s game based on the weather and playing conditions makes the game infinitely interesting and challenging. Rather than considering green speed and other aspects of playability as factors that should be kept as constant as possible, look at their changing effects as a blessing that continually adds interest and new challenge to a wonderful game.

We are ready for the heat

Last weekend was a true test to the grounds staff with pushing the limits for the greens. We have since put back the necessary moisture for the plant to be as healthy as possible going into the heat wave this weekend. As the high temperature forecast is always changing a few degrees, know that it HOT. This Monday we are to get temps of over 110f and that is great for all turf on the golf course except the greens. We will be keeping a close eye throughout this weekend and the first part of next week on moisture levels and soil temps. The greens will slow down with the heat not just because of the moisture levels going up, but the grass is trying to grow at an immense rate. This week we have already applied a growth regulator, and a seed head reducer for the poa annua. Remember that the turf grass is just like us, the hotter it is the more hydration it needs.

The right amount of speed

Our greens started at 10.1 this Wednesday and within 2 days has gone up to 11.8. As mentioned many times before there is quite a bit that goes into the process. On the other hand we consider the health of the plant a big factor to achieve the quality of playing surface. You cant just have greens that are firm and fast with only a mowing and watering. Every golf course green is different with its design from drainage, salt levels, ph, organic, etc. At this point in time our greens are the healthiest they have been in my short tenure here. From spraying soil surfactants, timely fertilizer apps, cultural practices, and most importantly moisture management in the root zone. Our greens are mowed at .130" or just above a 1/8", de-thatched as needed, aerified 2 times per year, and this is just to name a few things that we do behind the scenes. All this factors in to having a root total depth of 4" which is incredible for poa annua greens in June.

Mens Club Championship

My staff and I have prepped the course for the next four days for firm and fast conditions. We have great growing weather and it will not be that hot. We will be pushing the greens to tournament conditions with speeds reaching almost a 12. The greens will also be on the firm side with primarily only hand watering. Please enjoy the conditions as we always try to peak for these big events at our club!

Busted pipe

On Memorial Day we had a break in our main water pipe adjacent to the 12th fairway. This water source is 90% of our total use of the year. With how hot it is this week it had to be fixed right away. We completed the work and the pipe fix is holding.