GRANGE GOLF CLUB JANUARY 2012
GOLF COURSE REPORT
1. Introduction:
The mid-winter course inspection was carried out on Monday, January 9, 2012 with Course Chairman Jim Hegarty and Course Superintendent Jon Palmer. The results of the inspection are given below.
2. Greens:
The greens have developed strongly through the winter and have responded strongly to the
management programme of:
foliar nutrition providing low concentrations of nitrogen to maintain balanced turfgrass growth, high concentrations of potassium to increase winter hardiness, phosphorous in the form of Phosphite to increase disease resistance in the turfgrass and silica to improve ball roll and disease resistance. Silica has been shown to form a film on the surface of the leaves that acts as a barrier to entry by disease causing fungi
aeration consisting of pencil tining every 14-21 days that improves root zone performance, stimulates root development and prevents black layer development
top dressing as often as weather conditions permit in order to reduce thatch depth and density leading to firmer greens.
All greens had firm surfaces providing consistent putting surfaces. Greens had excellent sward density and vigour low levels of thatch and strong root development.
The main issues in relation to the greens were:
disease symptoms - developing symptoms of Fusarium were present on a number of greens, particularly, the outer 6 greens. The level of disease development is not yet significant and does not require immediate action. However, with current weather conditions extremely favourable for disease development it is important that all greens are monitoring daily and the contact fungicide Medallion applied immediately any movement in disease development is observed. Medallion is a new fungicide that is curative as well as preventative and is applied at very low concentrations which has environmental benefits. Medallion is effective for 14-17 days. Overall, disease development has not been a significant issue on the greens since autumn 2011. An outbreak of Fusarium disease over the Christmas period required the application of a Phosphite/Ipridione mixture that prevented any further disease development. Generally, use of fungicides on the greens has been reduced due to the impact of the foliar nutritional programme on increased turfgrass disease resistance
moss - moss on the right hand side of the 11th green was successfully treated in the autumn with the moss eradicant Jewel followed by top dressing with the mineral soil improver Stor-it to prevent recurrence of moss. Examination of the green showed that this has been partially successful but that redevelopment of moss is still a possibility. In order to prevent this the green should be top dressed with Stor-it following hollow coring in February/March. The Stor-it will absorb moisture at the surface of the green thus reducing conditions favouring moss development
sward composition 14th green - the back portion of the this green shows a mosaic pattern consisting of green patches of poa (annual meadow grass) and brown patches of dormant creeping bentgrass. This will disappear when full growth resumes in the spring.
pitch mark damage - the extent of the problem of unrepaired pitch marks is extremely disappointing. The quality of the greens is being compromised
The programme for continued management of the greens will consist of:
nutrition - regular applications of the foliar nutritional solution every 21 days. Application of chelated iron every 4 weeks to improve turfgrass growth and disease resistance
aeration - ongoing pencil tining every 14-21 days plus hollow coring in March
top dressing - light top dressing every 14 days to maintain the firmness of the greens.
This management programme will maintain the greens in excellent condition.
3. Collars, Green Surrounds and Approaches:
The renovation of the collars through elimination of the coarse ryegrass with a selective herbicide and overseeding with fine grasses has been a resounding success. The quality of the grasses in the collars is now excellent.
The quality of the approaches and greens surrounds has been maintained.
4. Fairways:
The quality of the turfgrass in the fairways has been maintained by regular treatment with a liquid solution containing 19-0-0 plus Iron and Seaweed extract.
Verti-draining of the fairways was carried out in the autumn and is currently underway again. Verti-draining is essential in maintaining fairway quality as it relieves compaction, increases drainage and stimulates turfgrass growth and development.
There is a severe drainage issue on the left and right hand sides of the 6th fairway just beyond the ditch across the fairway that requires attention. There is existing drainage in this area that is not working due to blocking of the top 3-4 inches of the drains with soil. This can be solved by removing this soil and replacing it with sand as was successfully done in 2011 on the 16th and 17th fairways. Failure to carry out this work will result in the problem becoming more acute and spreading.
6. Bunkers:
Renovation work on the bunkers is being systematically carried out. This work consists of turning over the sand and ensuring the correct depth of sand in the bottom and faces of the bunkers.
The appearance of poplar roots in the fairway bunkers on the right hand side of the 14th hole has been a problem. This is due to the large poplar trees along the boundary of the course that can extend for 80-100 feet across the 14th hole. A trench has been dug along the right hand side of the 14th hole to prevent extension of poplar roots into the fairway bunkers. The roots in these bunkers will be removed.
7. Deep Rough:
The transformation of the rough to thin fescue grasses will continue in the spring when a further treatment with a selective herbicide followed by overseeding with fescue grasses will be carried out.
Development of wild grasses areas in the deep rough to the left of the 8th and 10th holes will be carried out in late Spring. This development is intended to attract populations of bees and other insects. This type of development is being actively encouraged by the R&A.
8. Winter Maintenance/Projects:
The major winter maintenance treatment is verti-draining of all areas of the golf course including all walkways. This is underway but has been put on hold due to the very wet ground conditions. Resumption will take place when ground conditions are suitable.
The renovation of the bunkers is another major maintenance project that is underway. Currently, the work has reached the 7th hole. This is a labour intensive project that will take at least to the end of month to complete.
The wood chippings from the tree removal programme are being redistributed around the golf course in order to improve the appearance of the golf course. The chippings are largely being spread under trees. A large amount of these chippings are being distributed under the trees between the 21st and 8th holes.
Extension and edging of paths around the golf course is being carried out.
Drainage work on the left hand side of the approach to the 1st hole and in the right hand green surround of the 8th green is included in the maintenance projects.
9. Conclusions:
The golf course was in a very satisfactory condition from tee to green despite wet ground conditions. The greens were in excellent condition and continue to perform strongly. Ongoing implementation of the management programme will ensure that the greens continue to perform strongly through the remainder of the winter.
The winter maintenance programme is progressing satisfactorily with major emphasis on improving the quality and performance of the bunkers. Verti-draining of all areas of the golf course is underway.
Completion of the winter maintenance programme will ensure that the course is in excellent condition in the spring.
Dr Michael J Foxe
January 9, 2012