SUPERINTENDENT
The Superintendent ’ s Cut
COURSE UPDATE : This winter seems like the gift that won ’ t stop giving !! The course has been inundated with all types of precipitation , snow , rain and ice , for the last several weeks .
The weather experienced has limited the ability for the LGCC maintenance team to carryout some of the projects which have been slated for the early part of the year . As noted last month the team has begun uncovering clogged drainage systems , this has been delayed because of the cold temperatures and the amount of precipitation . The LGCC maintenance team will resume this project as soon as the weather allows .
The LGCC maintenance team will continue to work hard to ensure the best playing conditions for this time of year . Please keep in mind with the amount of precipitation received and with the frequency which we have seen it , some normal practices such as mowing greens will be delayed until the course and mother nature allow the team to do so .
Our team here is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring , as I ’ m sure all of you golfers are as well .
A MESSAGE FROM JAKE : This month ’ s Superintendent ’ s corner covers different scenarios while dealing with some of the current issues we are dealing with at LGCC this time of year . The information was pulled from the USGA .
SCENARIO 1 : PLAY ON SLOW-GROWING ON NON-GROWING GREENS The Problem : Golf is frequently played during times of the year when temperatures are below optimal ranges for turfgrass growth and the recuperative ability of turf is reduced . Under these circumstances , traffic from play can create uneven playing surfaces and thin turf that favors the invasion of undesirable grasses or weeds . Often the wear patterns from traffic are worse , or more pronounced , in shaded areas . On creeping bentgrass putting greens , wear and shade favor the invasion of Poa annua .
Risk Assessment : Any turf damage associated with playing on slow-growing turf is cumulative , not immediate . It may or may not be easy or fast to repair the damage during the next growing season . Increasing Poa annua population in creeping bentgrass putting greens is a good example .
Preventative Measures : Risk can be reduced to some extent by growing and maintaining a healthy stand of turf before the onset of cooler temperatures . Cultural and maintenance practices that are helpful in promoting healthy turf that will better withstand traffic in cool weather include :
• Appropriate annual aeration and topdressing programs
• Adequate fertilization
• Higher mowing heights
• Proactive shade management
• Maximize available cupping area
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