Golfer expectations

Here is an interesting article highlighting golfer expectations and how it has an impact on maintenance. I am certainly not posting this to be critical of golfer expectations. Every member has the right to expect great conditions. This just gives a little insight as to what goes on behind the scenes.


http://www.superintendentmagazine.com/article-8482.aspx

Update 8/29

Well, the year of extremes continues. Yesterday, we had over two inches of rain within three hours. The pictures posted below are one and ten fairway right after the first heavy downpour. At this point, we are way behind on overall course maintenance.

On Monday, we had a double shotgun with the first groups going off at 8 a.m. The second shotgun went off at 1 p.m. Needless to say, there wasn't much accomplished that day. As soon as we showed up yesterday, the sky's opened up. There is only so much cleaning, and organizing, around the shop for 10 crew members. Taking into consideration that the golf course was unplayable, and inaccessible, I opted to send everyone home.

So, that brings us to today. Long story short, the entire golf course needs to be mowed from tee to green. Bunkers are a mess as well. In fact, this is one of the only times that I've seen bunkers wash out here. It was a lot of water in a short amount of time. The good news is that all of the drainage work we did, in the early spring, worked out great. By late afternoon, we were able to allow cart traffic on most fairways.

Moving forward, we will be addressing many irrigation leaks and upgrades, seeding damaged areas on the outskirts of the course, finishing up aeration and seeding some more fescue areas. Overall, we came through the summer fairly unscathed. September and October should be great months to get out and play.

10 Fairway

Front of 10 Tee

First Fairway

Course Update 8/21/12

Well, it seems like if we want it to rain, schedule an aeration. Last week's fairway aeration was rained out on Tuesday and Wednesday. We intend on resuming fairway aeration, beginning on the 18th hole, and working back starting tomorrow. The front nine fairways have recovered remarkably well since aeration last Tuesday. All fairways have been fertilized in order to promote recovery.

Recently, we have fallen behind on mowing due to the rain. Fairways are growing vigorously because of the fertilizer, and it has become hard to keep up with the mowing. The good news is that all of the aeration holes will disappear quickly. As I've said before, aeration is a key component of premium turf quality. Short term sacrifice will yield long term gain.

Green speeds have taken a bit of a hit within the last week. Our greens roller is down for repair, and we expect the part to be in shortly. Rolling greens 4-5 times, weekly will add significant speed. Without rolling, speed and surface quality will surly take a hit.

We have continued our weekly topdressing program since the temperatures have cooperated. Sand topdressing is another key component of firm, smooth, fast greens. I know it contradicts what everyone does on their home lawn, but it is very beneficial to add small amounts of sand to the greens when ever possible.

Please look for another update shortly. Thank you!

Article by Jim Skorulski, USGA agronomist.

THE MAGIC AUGUST 15 DATE IS HERE

By Jim Skorulski, senior agronomist, Northeast Region
August 15, 2012

The magic August 15^th date for Northeast golf courses is here, at least on paper. The days are shorter and that is a plus. It still feels pretty darn warm and humid though. It has been a long year. While it has not been as hard as some, it has been relentless. August aeration dates are fast approaching for some. It is important to use caution with this practice, especially if your annual bluegrass greens are weak. The stress from the aeration process combined with warm, dry conditions may be too much for the shallow-rooted turf to tolerate. Overseeding damaged areas should be done with care as well, particularly if the golf course remains busy. It might be best to begin some less invasive dimple or spike seeding and wait with the more aggressive tactics for a week or two longer when weather conditions are more likely to be favorable and the tee sheets open up.

The long and hot summer has brought with it more crabgrass and nutsedge than I have seen in some time. Crabgrass is having its way in non-treated rough areas and is now even making a strong presence where early spring applications of preemergent herbicides were used. Early applications of dithopyr or pendimethalin are just not holding up with the extended period of heat we have experienced. Even split half-rate applications made on traditional early spring dates are showing break through at some golf courses. The second half-rate application applied in late May or June was just not enough to hold the crabgrass back. Prodiamine, with its longer residual, seems to be holding up slightly better. The lesson learned this season is to try wait as long as possible before applying the preemergent materials. Sprayable formulations of dithopyr provide post emergent activity against young crabgrass plants so the application can be made later. Fortunately, herbicides like Acclaim Extra® and Drive® do offer opportunities to treat the crabgrass. Drive® applications are underway at many golf courses in hopes of controlling the weed before it drops its seed.

The advent of the TDR moisture meters is one of those occurrences that have a profound impact on golf course management. The benefits of that tool are most apparent in a season such as this. If you do not yet have one you are missing out on a tool that will improve your water management capabilities and make you a better turf manger. The sensors offer a quick and accurate measurement that can be used to guide water applications or monitor moisture retention. I have heard experienced superintendents more than once this year say that they have changed their minds about this tool. Although it is certainly possible to evaluate soil moisture with the traditional method of probing the soil the manual process is slower, more difficult and not nearly as precise. Make a TDR meter a must buy for 2013.

We are close to turning the corner with the summer weather, or so we hope. The annual bluegrass has performed pretty well for the most part, but it is “tired.” Superintendents and staffs are tired too. This is not time to shoot yourself in the foot with a hasty decision you may regret long into fall. Hold it together. Football season is just about here. The pumpkins are ripening at Sully’s vegetable stand which a sure sign that we have just about made it.

Fairway aeration plan

Due to the recent inclement weather, we've had to adjust the aeration schedule. At this point, we've decided to aerate a couple fairways as the weather cooperates. Dry, sunny weather is necessary in order to dry the plugs and expedite the cleanup process. I realize that aeration is always an inconvenience. However, it is the single most important cultural practice that can be performed on highly maintained turf. We are beginning to see the benefits of a good aeration program on both greens and fairways.

Our goal, while aerating, is to minimize the impact on daily play. We should have no problem having each fairway plugged and cleaned up before the first group comes through. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Started fairway aeration today!

July hottest month ever recorded.

Please follow link below to see good story.

http://www.weather.com/news/noaa-report-july-20120808

Here we go...

So, here is the start to the new blog. I will try to update this on a daily basis with content, which everyone should find informative. You will find many links to articles discussing many of the same issues we are facing here. I will post many short movies, as it is easier to talk and film rather than type. You will find some old content on here as well. Some of it is quite interesting. It will certainly be a work in progress, and I fully expect it to improve as time goes on. Enjoy!

A Reminder: Aeration

This coming Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th we will be aerating the fairways. We plan to do the front Nine on Monday and finish up the back Nine on Tuesday. Look forward to posts about the process.

Drought Maps

 US Drought Monitor

 These maps show most of Massachusetts in a "Moderate Drought" as well as parts of Connecticut following the hottest month in US history.