August - Green Superintendent Update

The month of July has finally passed us by. With a 14-day stretch of 90 degrees plus, and overnights staying humid in the 70s it was a tough stretch. We have used the irrigation system more than any month this season. While still only using just over 5 million gallons of water in the season so far. For reference last year, 10 million gallons were used even with all the rain. We know that our water supply is not unlimited and utilize it in the most efficient way possible. With conditions holding strong, we did take a beating in some areas. Any thinned-out or unhealthy turf will all recover in this cool weather pattern headed our way. Cultural practices moving forward will need to be adjusted. Our greens will need constant venting throughout the year to handle the amount of rounds and stress that occur during our busy season. Being new on this property with no local knowledge has been a learning curve. I know what areas to look out for now and will adjust my management of said turf accordingly. My staff and I are working constantly to vent and add seed to any distressed areas. With that being said I have a ton of seed that is in full germination on greens already and I look forward to having these strong bentgrass cultivars on our putting surfaces versus the weak poa and older bentgrasses that have been around since they grow in of Sky Meadow.

Germination Of Bentgrass 

 

We have been stamp seeding any thin or weak areas on greens and collars. In the photos shown above are new bentgrass in full germination. This process from seed to plant usually takes around 10 days. The process of stamp seeding embeds the seed in the green and is then covered by sand to protect the seed. I am constantly doing research on the latest cultivars that I would like to add to our greens. The cultivars I have chosen have all won awards in trials through ENTEP seed research. When selecting a bentgrass to establish on our greens I look at 3 things, disease tolerance, drought stress, and winter survival. Through my research I have found that a combination of luminary and piranha cultivars do just that. I also like to add the tried and true macdonald cultivar in the mix to make sure moving forward that our greens have a diversity of bentgrass in case only one cultivar is affected by disease or winter kill. Keeping it diverse allows us to be covered in all facets.

Night Sprays

With this weather pattern disease pressure has been at an all-time high. I have what I call the 150 rule. If the day temps plus overnights exceed 150 buckle up because disease is festering. With early daytime temps exceeding 80 by a mere 8:30 am, I have been forced to spray at night when temps are cooler. Spraying any chemicals with the high heat we experienced you run the risk of phytotoxicity or burning of the turf. While spraying at night is tiring I am always willing to put in the hours for the health of our golf course

Venting Greens

Venting allows us to break surface tension and release gasses with the exchange of oxygen down to our root system. This cultural practice will need to be done weekly with these tough weather patterns. With high rounds and important tournaments in July, I look to vent the greens much more frequently in the future. This process is minimally invasive to the putting surface and generally heals within a few days

LDS/ Fairy Ring

Localized dry spots have been prevalent this season. With long stretches of drought and an older irrigation system, it can be tough to combat. We spray wetting agents that act as an aide to water retention every 14 to 21 days depending on weather patterns. Fairy ring has also been popping up this season. The disease develops from the breaking down of organic material within the soil profile.  It then creates a surge of nitrogen in the plant and forms a luscious green ring. While it looks pretty at first the strong shot of nitrogen can kill the plants. In most cases, we grow out of it. Until we get the thatch under control it will be a constant battle. Curative options are slim to none with chemicals. I have found success over the years by penetrating the ring and then an application of a soil spray. We have punched most spots and look to start adding new seeds to grow these spots back to health.

Weed Pressure

The weed pressure has been extremely high this season. In the early part of the season, we spray pre-emergent herbicide, but with this weather pattern, the products were not as effective as usual. With dry hot and humid conditions come hand and hand with weeds. As soon as the temps cool down I will be spraying all weeds on the property. As discussed earlier, spraying during high heat is a recipe for disaster. I see them and they are unsightly but I will not risk plant health to kill weeds as herbicides can burn in heat. 

Invitational

I have never experienced an invitational quite like Sky Meadow. The environment is truly special in its own unique way. With greens rolling fast and firm, the field had a blast. Participating in my first “march” down the gauntlet was surreal. With Richie narrating and the pressure on the golfers it was an awesome experience I will never forget. The Sky Meadow community is a special one and the invitational really solidified that in my mind.

Club House Beautification

The cart barn area has received some stone and plantings to really make the area shine. With the help of outside contractors, the project was completed in a mere two days. The pickleball court rocks have been cleaned and weed-whacked. These areas have been an eyesore. While my staff and I have been aware of these areas it is tough to find the time while rebuilding and learning the 220 acres we maintain. I look forward to being more efficient and maintaining these areas to membership standards. Not pictured in the new bed planting on the first tee. Cobble was added to keep carts on the path area, and plants were added to give the area some color and style. We have staked this area off and planted grass seed, when parking at the patio we kindly ask you to park up top on the concrete and not the grass area. If we continue to drive and park in the area the grass will never grow in.

 

 

 

Golf Course Superintendent

 

Cogan Register