Around the Grounds

The summer of 2018, is proving to be a challenge for turf managers across the country. In the Ohio Valley, a slow start to the spring did not allow for significant root growth, followed by a foot of rain in May and June and finally a 3 week period of a lack of rainfall with over 30 days over 90 and nightime temperatures in the high 70's did not allow for much recovery for the Turfgrass plants. So far, the staff has done an excellent job on the course while being involved in the Legacy project on a daily basis.

Rough Renovation Trials:

One of the most deficient areas on the course are the multiple types of turfgrasses in the rough, with high populations of Annual Bluegrass the inputs and consistency are a challenge. The grounds team, in the coming weeks will apply a non-selective herbicide between 11 green and 10 fairway followed by seeding of a mono stand of turf type tall fescue to determine if these techniques could be used in a wide scale renovation in the rough areas.

 

Legacy:

The "grow-in" of the practice area continues to move well even considering the weather conditions. The new putting green has excellent density and we are slowly lowering mowing heights. Significant gains in quality should be noticed in late August and September when the days become cooler and shorter.

The bentgrass tee, with multiple rain events is behind the rest of the areas, we finally have an OK stand of turf to work with, along with additional drainage we should make some headway over the coming weeks.

The Zoysia grass tee and target greens continue to move in a positive direction, in the coming weeks we will continue to lower mowing heights, aerate the tee and make herbicide applications.

Our timetable to open the Practice area is not clear at the moment, it will be determined by the progression of the construction and and turf health. For updates please follow us on twitter @pobrienhpgcc or the grounds blog.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

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