Grounds Update

As April comes to a close, it certainly seems like a long month for many obvious reasons! The turf and other plants have had a roller coaster of a ride with the extensive swings in temperature ranging from the 80s to lows in the 20s. What can I say?  It is Spring in Cincinnati! 

The Zoysia grass started to transition very well, a green hue was beginning to show in very early April. However, after a few hard frosts and average temperatures almost 5 degrees cooler, the Zoysia decided to go back to sleep. 

(Above) On April 10th,  when the 3rd hole opened,  the established Zoysia in front of the green was close to 100 percent green. (Below) On April 25th, the Zoysia in front of the green was almost completely dormant. 

It has been a long time since we have seen such a quick transition back to dormancy. Some long-range predictions have below normal highs but the daily average temperatures are predicted to be more consistent. This will help with green-up and active growth for the ability of the Zoysia to withstand and recover from cart traffic. 

Warmer soil and air temperatures will continue to help with the recovery of the greens. As you might have noted, there are greens that have recovered faster than others. There are a multitude of reasons from; varying microclimates of the greens, (shaded vs sun) construction type as well as different bentgrass varieties. The two newer greens; putting green and #1 constructed of straight sand and composed of newer bentgrass varieties are traditionally slower, although these bentgrass types are more resilient in the summer they take a little longer to initiate consistent growth. When you have an opportunity,  please take a look at the practice putting green and walk 80 feet to the 18th green. These two greens are great examples of different construction materials and bentgrass varieties along with sharp contrasts of recovery and smoothness. Some courses, with high populations of Annual Bluegrass (Poa) are growing more actively in spring versus bentgrass. Creeping Bentgrass, traditionally is more resilient in the summer months and does not produce a seedhead in the Spring.The greens at Hyde Park are near 100 percent bentgrass. (Below) Close up view of the 18th. 

Over the next week,  we will continue to lower mowing heights, increase frequency of brushing to stand-up laid over turf, apply light amounts of sand for smoothness along with adjusting fertility regiments based upon growth for individual greens. It does look like Mother Nature will help the cause with consistent temperatures! 

Please pass along any feedback or questions and thank-you for your patience while turf conditions evolve. 

Thank-you,

Pat O’Brien

Grounds Superintendent