Night & Day

What a drastic change in temperature were experiencing compared to last weeks intense stretch of heat. With temperatures soaring above 35 C it put quite the strain on the staff and the turf. A shout out has to go to my crew for enduring those tough conditions all while preparing the course for our biggest event of the season. As for the turf, overall we came through pretty good despite the green surrounds that perennially suffer due to the lack of coverage and control the irrigation system provides. Roughs and fairways burning up are one thing, but it's just so disappointing to see the green surrounds suffer to the point that playability is affected. Not to mention that the overall level of conditioning is lower. The potential is incredible!

 5 green surrounds are ones to suffer the worst

As many of you may have noticed aesthetically #1 green isn't going to win any awards, so let me explain. I always new that this green would prove to be difficult to manage at a level comparable to the rest due to the fact that we sodded it, and to be honest with you it has the worst soil composition on the property. There are never roots on this particular green, it's a water loving green, and it's inadequate size for the traffic at times has me perplexed. The definite strip that you see is a piece of the existing surface that I chose to leave behind when we sodded the green and in hindsight it wasn't the right choice. The damage that you see on this is a combination of a few things. One being the dreaded annual bluegrass weevil. This is a white grub that we do treat for however only the area where the green meets the collar as this is the typical location where damage occurs. It's amazing how this little grub only goes after annual bluegrass and how destructive it can be. In the picture you can see that the bentgrass sod on either side was not touched.

                      No Roots                                                   Annual  bluegrass weevil



You may also have noticed the small patches throughout the sodded area that have been caused by the mower scalping. These are small areas in the sod that are ever so slightly higher than rest and scalping is the result. The solution is more top dressing which I know I'm guilty for not doing enough the beginning. With that all being said though, I don't believe you can complain about the ball roll and next to the survival of the green that's the most important thing. So here's the plan to get this thing back into a healthier state. First I will pull cores from the area affected by the weevil. Core aeration always stimulates new growth. Second, heavily top dress the entire surface. This will fill the holes as well help to true up the surface. Thirdly, vent the entire surface with solid spikes to increase oxygen levels in the root zone improving growing conditions as well open holes for seed to enter. Finally seed and brush the green. I did put some granular fertilizer on it today to help stimulate growth and recovery.

Over the next couple of weeks I have two things that we will be focusing on. The first being sod bed prep and seeding on hole 8 and construction of two new sod beds between 3 and 9. Secondly is to use up the bunker sand we have in stock to make room for more.

Finally for you horticulturalists out there check out the beebalm "Monarda didyma" that is blooming in various gardens throughout the property but my favorite spot to enjoy it is the garden on 6. This is part of the Mint family of plants and a distinct characteristic is the square stem that all these plants have, check it out. If your lucky you will see the hummingbird feeding from these as they so often do considering its one of there favorite sources of food. Until next time, play well!

 

beebalm "Monarda didyma"

Red flower

 

 

Jay Sisko

Golf Course Superintendent