Cultural Programs

Weekly topdressing application

The new TifEagle putting surfaces require more cultural programs than the old TifDwarf. This includes grooming, slicing, vertical mowing and topdressing. The most intensive schedule is maintained during the peak growing period but practices will still be taking place throughout the year.

Sand particles help control thatch and increase green speed

Care will be taken to schedule activities at a time that creates the least inference with golf play however with the weather to deal with, no schedule can over be set in stone.

Edging of Encroachment Collar

Testing the reciprocating edger

We'll begin edging the encroachment collar for the first time this week. The collar is intended to limit encroachment of grass onto and off of the putting surface. Periodic edging will help to control the spreading and extend the useful life of the collar.

New Tool for Green's Managment

New power brush
attachment

Thatch management and surface grooming are important to maintaining high quality putting surfaces  but are even more important with Ultradwarf grasses like TifEagle. To help groom the surface, power brushes are being installed on the walk mowers. These brushes will help stand the turf up in front of the mower to achieve a tighter cut and minimize overlapping leaf blades.

Regular brushing will help maintain fast green speeds and control grain. As the turf matures, we'll be able to be more aggressive with this program and increase green speeds. It will take some time to reach maturity and you can expect green speeds to be conservative throughout this fall and winter.  



Testing and adjusting the new attachment

Major Rain Event

Drainage ditches overflowing left of #1 green

Preparations for reopening were interrupted by three consecutive days of rains. Total rainfall of 4.5" was recorded this past weekend and over 8" since August 22nd. The heavy rain caused washouts in bunkers as well as washed newly laid mulch and created lots of leaves and debris throughout the course.

More importantly it caused a flush of growth and coupled with delaying our mowing cycles, there is now a lot of scalping of turf on greens, tees, fairways and in the rough. All of this will grow out of course but will certainly impact the aesthetics of the course in the near term.

Drainage #13

Upon investigating a wet spot on the front of #13 we found that the entire green complex drainage ended in a crude drywell behind the retaining wall. The water was expected to drain down through the wall. With age and contamination of the gravel, the system failed.

 

In order to correct the problem, we have run the pipe through the wall so that it empties directly into the pond. This simple fix will function well for many years to come.

Week Seven

Over the past week, the TifGrand collars have rooted well and the hand watering requirements have lessened. Aerification and topdressing of greens is done and the recovery is going great. Mowing heights have continued to be lowered on greens and collars. A heavy topdressing was applied to collars are well.

Lime Application

A lime application has been completed. In 2009 when IGM took over maintenance responsibility, the pH throughout the course was not in the optimum range. Through diligent testing and management the soil health including pH has been improved. The overall improvement in turf health shows this as well.

Greens Aerification

Aerification of greens has been completed. Thatch management of TifEagle is necessary to maintaining a high quality playing surface. Turf professionals don't enjoy this process any more than golfers do but it is a critical part of turf health and sustainability.

Week Six

Progress continues and its starting to look like a golf course again...

Mowing TifGrand Collars

The dense, TifGrand sod creating the encroachment collar is proving to be a challenge to mow down to height. In addition to successively lower heights, regular topdressing will take place.