Summer Patch Test Plot # 6 green

What is the rectangle on the back of #6 green?

There have been few questions concerning this area on the back of six green. This area is used as a check or test plot for our summer patch trials. The putting greens at Hyde Park are over 85 years old and composed of mainly soil, drain poorly and have large populations of Annual Bluegrass (POA Annua). Summer Patch is a soil pathogen that causes root dysfunction on mainly Annual Bluegrass, which generally shows signs and symptoms in July and August when the turf is under a tremendous amount of stress. In order to reduce summer the effects of summer patch we have a comprehensive strategy that includes:

1)-Promoting Creeping bentgrass (the ideal grass for greens in this region)

2) -Aggressive aerfication and cultural practices to improve drainage

3) -The addition of subsurface drainage

4) -Reducing PH with acidifying fertilizers and added Manganese

5) -The last line of defense is the fungicide program that includes monthly preventative applications beginning in April and continuing until August

The trial area shows us if there is an infection as well as the effect of the fertilizer applications. This trial area is monitored on a daily basis by the turfgrass interns and other members of the staff for changes in appearance.

For more information on Summer Patch please click here

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintedent

Driving Range Divot Patterns

The video below from DMGCC (IA) gives an excellent explanation on how to best utilize the turf on the practice tee. Theses practices will allow for faster divot recovery on the small practice tee at Hyde Park.

Support of Local Animal Shelters

Part of being a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sancturay Program (ASCP) is initiating programs that contribute to the environment as well as the local community. The Hyde Park Tennis department has started a new program collecting old tennis balls that no longer have any life in them and donating them to local animal shelters. This simple act or repurposing an item that would normally be thrown away helps local shelters that need donations to operate.
Thank-you to the members of HPGCC for your donation to the League for Animal Welfare.

Tee Aerification Postponed

Due to the wet conditions the tee aerification scheduled for Monday will be delayed until the weather and soil conditions improve. Please check back here for updates.

Thanks-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

Large Patch on Zoysia Grass

Rhizoctonia large patch occurs on zoysia grass in the fall and spring as circular, dis­ colored patches that expand over time . The disease is favored by cool temperatures and wet conditions and may be especially severe in poorly drained. Generally, patches begin to appear in early in April through late May and again in the early fall as temperatures cool and zoysiagrass slows growth before going into winter dormancy (University of Arkansas Extension, 2007).

Patches start as circular, discolored areas. At times, the borders of the patches will be orange, which indicates that the disease is active. The orange border consists of newly infected plants where the lower leaves are just starting to die as the fungus invades and kills the leaf sheath below the blades.

The fairways at Hyde Park are treated in the spring and fall each year for Large Patch. With over 13" of rain in April, signs and symptoms of Large Patch are active in small areas and will be retreated when possible.

This photo is taken on #5 fairway, notice the Large Patch thriving well in a puddle.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent