Saturated Conditions on the Course:

Over the past week the golf course and grounds continues to be inundated with more precipitation, totaling over 2.5 inches. The extreme rainfall events are not conducive for member play or for the health of the turfgrass plant. As discussed before, the majority of the greens at Hyde Park drain poorly reducing the playability and inhibiting healthy turfgrass health.

In order to quantify moisture levels in the greens, tees and other playing surfaces we use a moisture meter that measures volumetric water content (VMC) at a 1.5 inch depth. This tool allows us to develop baselines for the minimal amount of water needed to sustain the plant as well as it gives a guide when the soil is saturated. When the soil is saturated, practices such as mowing and rolling can damage the plant long-term. Today, the majority of the greens were showing roughly about 25-30% VMC while #15 green is visually wet (many foot prints across the surface) and was showing readings in excess of 45% VMC and greater. Mowing was not possible on this green today and will be monitored closely for plant health. The end result is, this green will play much different then the others from a firmness and ball roll standpoint.

Long- term, this green along with the rest of the 16 other soil greens will be evaluated to determine what the most sustainable solution(s) is/are to improve the consistency of the surfaces.

Thank-you,
Pat O’Brien
Grounds Superintendent