We want to take the opportunity to update you on course condition as transition is upon us. Transition is the process where perennial rye (cool season grass) completes its life cycle, and the Bermuda grass base re-establishes its dominance for the summer growing season. This has been an abnormal year for the weather creating a roller coaster constructed by Mother Nature; from dramatic temperature swings, warm to cool and back mixed with excessive wind.
Fairways: Neither species of grass has had the most ideal growing conditions. Rye grass prefers temperatures from overnight lows in the 50’s to highs in the mid 80’s. Bermuda grass thrives in temperatures ranging from overnight lows in the mid 60’s with highs in the upper 90’s. Daily lows are just as important as the daily highs. Cooler night time temperatures discourage Bermuda from engaging in respiration that is a critical component in the recovery process.
Irrigation Pump Station: In addition to some weather challenges, we also experienced a strange situation with our pump station. On May 12, our pump station failed due to a low pressure discharge. This basically is a safety built into the pumps so they recognize when flow is not high enough to sustain operation and shut down to prevent catastrophic damage. We were fortunate this happened in May rather than July as it took a several days to trouble shoot to find the problem. The cause for the failure was the pressure regulator valve not closing fully when the controls were requesting water be sent to the course. While investigating the valve we found a screen filter, which is normally outside the valve, clogged causing the valve to send a portion of the water meant for course distribution to go back into the lake. We removed the screen filter from inside the line and installed a new strainer that is accessible for cleaning by our staff rather than having to contact and outside vendor. This problem has probably been slowly worsening for months causing less water to go to the farther reaching areas of the course. Many of you notice that holes 5, 6, 12 – 15 are the hardest hit showing transition due to their distance from our pump station and the normal pressure fall-off as water travels through the pipe. Now that it is back to peak operating condition, this will help us through the tough summer months.
Insect Problem: a few weeks ago we found symptoms of Grubs on the course. We tested and found that holes #12-15 were affected. Two weeks ago we treated and killed the Grub population before too much damage occurred. That said there presence is still evident. Grubs are a white worm like larvae that feast on the roots and can cause complete desiccation of the plants very quickly left untreated.
Remedies: Things that we are doing to improve the playability of the golf course, and ensure the health of the Bermuda grass through this summer are as followed:
· Moisture control of mounds and trouble areas through the use of hand watering throughout the day.
· General Fertilization to all fairways and rough. Weekly supplement and nutrient applications to thin areas.
· Aerification to all fairways and roughs to enhance the growing medium for the Bermuda grass. Weak areas will be aerified several times throughout the summer to target nutrients as well as give appropriate air to the subsurface promoting more plant growth.
· Continued pest management through turf monitoring and spot applications as needed.
The majority of the course is transitioning well. We do have some areas that are a challenge currently but will be rapidly on the mend with these core agronomic practices in place, as well as the cooperation of the now warmer temperatures. We have seen a noticeable improvement to the thin areas in just the last few days but they are far from where we expect them. They are showing strong signs of resurgence and we will continue to evaluate their improvement, and make any necessary adjustments accordingly to re-establish the conditions we expect in these areas.
Kindest regards,
