Unusual Spots on the Greens

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Over the past two weeks a series of yellowish-bronzed sunken spots have been noted on many of the putting surfaces at Hyde Park. At this point the 3rd green has seen the most damage mainly on the Poa annua, but it looks as though the older bentgrasses are being impacted as well. The new bentgrass varieties along with 1 green (sand-based) have not been infected. Samples of turf and root zone have been sent multiple times to accredited labs to test for pathogens (fungi). Unfortunately, the results have come back negative early in the process, leaving us little information on how to treat the decline. Finally, on Friday, 7th a Plant Pathologist from the University of Wisconsin found spores for a pathogen called Pythium Root Rot (typically seen on poorly drained areas). It is difficult to determine if this pathogen is the primary or secondary cause of the decline. We have been treating the infected greens with multiple applications of three different fungicides to target Pythium Root Rot. You will also note that there are also red paint dots located on a few of the greens to allow us to determine if the areas are expanding.. Untreated areas have been also set up to monitor treated vs untreated.

We continue to work with Plant Pathologists, colleagues, University extension agents and consultants to determine if this is primary cause behind the decline. We will continue to update the membership as more information is available.

If there are comments or questions please do not hesitate to contact me. (grounds@hydeparkcc.com)

Initial symptoms on turf

A view of the 3rd green

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent