Why are we losing turf on the tees?

The tee boxes on holes 2 & 3 have shown signs of stress the past three seasons and probably for many years before.  This year has been extremely harsh on those two tees.  We have higher amounts of rainfall this year along with high humidity and dew points.  With all of the added moisture, it is a sure bet you are going to be fighting disease.  One main concern is the lack of air flow to the effected tees.  One #2 tee box. the crew has  cleared 100 feet of underbrush and undesireable trees from the lake bank.  This has improved air flow and also is visually appealing while playing golf. Our goal is to have the entire lake bank cleared by spring of 2012.

#2 tee box



#3 tee box showing damage



Divots

To assist us in maintaining great playing conditions, we have provided sand and seed containers on all par 3 tee boxes and bottles on all of the carts.  The seed mixture contains a combination of bluegrass, ryegrass, organic fertilizer and sand.  Please use the provided sand and seed to fill in your divot after your shot from the tee or fairway.  Please see photos below.  Thank you for your cooperation.

My 3 year old son Joseph showing the proper way to fill a divot.

Rains and Floods

This spring started off extremely dry but the month of May has made up for April.  Tuesday morning we received .75 inches of rain delaying the start of Class B Boys State Golf.  That evening the flood gates opened up and by morning 5 inches of rain arrived.  Holes 5 and 15 were flooded and the tournament cancelled.  Here are a few photos of the water.

Golf Course Etiquette

One of the first things I was taught as a young golfer was golf course etiquette.  I believe over the last number of years golfers from all over the spectrum have forgotten etiquette or have not been taught golf course etiquette.

Thanks to the USGA, here is an article worth reading.

http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2008/081118.pdf

BALL MARKS

As the golf season is starting, we would like to remind our members and guest to remember to repair your ball marks.  The greens are just starting to come alive from their winter sleep and are very susceptible to ball mark damage.

I have added a link from the USGA regarding ball marks.  The video is very informative and will help instruct you on the proper repair of ball marks.

http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/video/repairingballmarks.html

Enjoy the season!!

Winter Play

Spring Fever In February

By Ty McClellan, agronomist, Mid-Continent Region
February 17, 2011

Courses are most vulnerable to traffic damage when snowmelt is occurring.  Play should never be allowed during wet soil conditions because of the increased risk of compaction and rutting.

Only a week ago a whopping 49 of the 50 U.S. states had snow cover.  This was the after-effects of one of the worst winter storms on record that hammered much of the country with ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures.  In the upper Mid-Continent region, some were buried beneath nearly 28 inches of snow. 
Fast forward to this week, and temperatures climbed into the 50’s and 60’s.  In fact, a few parts of the region have experienced record daily temperature highs for February.  It’s hard to imagine it, but areas in the Great Plains that saw temperatures dip to -35°F last week, reached close to 65°F this week.  That’s a 100-degree turnaround in a week!  
Keep in mind that it is times like these where golf courses are most vulnerable to traffic damage.  Even when air temperatures rise to a comfortable level to play golf, soils may thaw near the surface but will remain frozen several inches below.  Subsurface drainage is impeded, which causes water to dam at the surface.  Soft and wet soils are extremely prone to compaction damage from any sort of traffic, and rutting is possible with heavy-tire traffic.  Either will require significantly more aeration in the spring and summer to correct the damage that has been done, and spring green-up will be slowed considerably.  Play should never be allowed during such conditions! 
It is likely that much of the snow and ice covering putting greens has melted.  For superintendents, it is important that water can freely exit the green so that it does not puddle and refreeze on the surface.  It takes just a few freeze-thaw cycles and there is sure to be winter injury by way of crown hydration injury.  The common question of whether to remove snow and ice from greens, or not, is never easily answered and it depends on many variables, including site conditions and weather forecasts.  Regardless of the decisions made, there is sure to be some degree of second-guessing involved.  Even the best laid plans may fail.  To a large extent, winter injury remains one of the unsolved mysteries in our industry.
For golf enthusiasts and anyone experiencing the winter blues, the recent warm-up is only temporary.  Another winter storm is expected in a few days.  In fact, winter is still some six weeks or so from being over.  So, continue utilizing all-season driving ranges to keep your swing sharp and rely on your superintendent and knowledgeable course officials for the green light as to when it is safe to tee it up for real. 

If you would like more information about a Turf Advisory Service visit, do not hesitate to contact either of the Mid-Continent regional offices: Ty McClellan at tmcclellan@usga.org or (630) 340-5853, or Bud White at budwhite@usga.org or (972) 662-1138.

Course Conditions

Due to the freezing and thawing the past few days and the excessive moisture on the course, the golf course will be closed to players until further notice.

Please check back for further updates.