The Ebb and Flow of Environmental Conditions

 

2014 has proved to be an unpredictable year with regards to the growing conditions for our golf course.  The first two weeks of the year, gave us cloudy and wet conditions.  This was followed by unusually cold weather that produced our first two frost delays of the season.  We bounced right back from that cold spell with record high temperatures in early February.  These varying conditions each have a unique impact on growing conditions and maintenance practices.

 

The cloudy and wet weather impacts the rate of photosynthesis in the plant due to the lack of available sunlight.  This results in a plant that is more susceptible to disease and has a low tolerance to stress.  We combat these conditions with preventative fungicides and a decrease in mechanical stresses. 

 

As we moved into the sustained cold weather, the soil temperatures dropped to the point where turf growth was halted.  To maintain aesthetics and playability we spoon feed the turf with foliar applied nutrients. 

 

Last, but not least, our "Spring Green up" in February.  As the soil temperatures rise the turf begins a rapid recovery.  The stored carbohydrates are released based on a priority system.  The first priority goes to seed production, which is non-existent in our turf grass.  The second priority is allotted to the stems and leaf blades.  The final destination for the stored carbohydrates is the roots.  This results in an overabundance of top growth and a shallow root system.  The end result typically comes in the form of slower putting surface for the first 5 to 7 days and localized dry spots soon to follow.  The following pictures depict some off color turf on the putting surfaces due to the dry conditions.  I am pleased to see the dry areas, because we have not had these conditions since May of last year.  We will hand water these areas until a proper balance of moisture is attained throughout the putting surface.

On another note, I attended the Golf Industry Show in Orlando last week.  My three day trip consisted of two days of education and one day of walking the Trade Show floor.  My classes included Managing Rootzones in a Southern Climate, Ultradwarf Greens Maintenance Practices and Preparing for Certification.  The knowledge gained during this time ranged from university professors, USGA agronomists and countless networking with fellow turf professionals.  This is a great opportunity to re-affirm the practices we have in place as well as pick up on a few new ideas.  I appreciate the support from the entire Stonebridge community as I further my education to provide superior conditions for our property.

 The Big Chill

 

 

 

Yesterday morning, January 19th, we experienced our first frost in quite some time.  As a result, we had to delay tee times for 30 minutes to give us a chance to expedite the melting process.  A simply explanation of frost is "frozen dew".  When frost is present the leaf blade becomes very brittle.  Any traffic, cart or foot, can cause severe damage to the turf. 

 

 Once the temperature rises, our staff will irrigate the affected areas to accelerate the dissipation of the frost.  I want to thank the Pro Shop staff for their cooperation and communication during this time.  Most importantly, I want to thank those members that played on Sunday, for their patience and understanding. 

 

In the coming days, the areas that had frost will begin to lose color.  Many of these spots will form "tiger stripes".  This pattern of color loss is the result of the growth habit of our Bermuda grass and how the frost is formed.  This color loss is not an indication of the health of the grass.  As the soil temperatures rise our color will quickly return.   

 

We very rarely reach complete dormancy with our turf.  However, our growth rate has slowed considerably.  The result of this is firmer faster playing conditions.  Great for greens, not so good for turf recovery.  Ball marks and divots will need extra attention during this time.  Thank you, again for all your support.   



Happy New Year, 2014!

 

 

As we ring in the New Year and start pondering on resolutions, I would like to thank all of our members and staff for a very successful 2013.  Despite a few bumps in the road, last year proved to be very productive.  As we trudged through the Concrete Cart Path Project and waded through the seemingly constant downpours of the summer, we persevered and improved the golf course.  The rigors of 2013 have paved the way for 2014 and my "quest for perfection".  The events of last year gave us a blueprint for corrective actions as we move forward.  This blueprint includes; adding drainage, increased fairway topdressing and incorporating soil amendments to the putting surfaces.  The end result will be a consistent playing surface throughout the entire golf course.

 

 

One more photo quiz.  This damaged area was found on the 13th green on January 2nd. In the photo, we can see a footprint at the bottom edge of the tinged turf.  There is a concentrated spill around the footprint and a light mist expanding outward.  I will give you a hint: this damage usually happens on the 18th green after a BIG tournament win or in our case on New Year's Eve.  Next year, let's keep the Champagne in the Clubhouse.



Champagne damage #13

Tractor w/ Verti Drain aerifier

1" by 1" spacing

 Piercing the Surface

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning we had the opportunity to "pencil tine" our putting surfaces.  This aerification process provides soil relief in the form of increased oxygen to our root system, reduction in compaction, water infiltration and enhance fertility uptake.  Although this machine creates a bit more surface disruption than our "needle tine" machine, there is little to no effect on playability. 

 

We started early this morning with three tractor-mounted Verti-Drain aerifiers equipped with 12 inch tines.  They leave a hole about the size of a pencil(3/16").  The surface holes will disappear in 3 to 4 days with routine maintenance however the underlying benefits will last 6 to 8 weeks.  We will continue to mow and roll to provide optimum playing conditions. 

 

This is just one more cultural practice that we employ to provide consistency throughout all of our putting surfaces. 

 

I would like to thank Erik and his staff for adjusting their schedule to allow us to complete this work in a timely fashion.  In all of my travels I have never worked with a more cooperative Head Professional.  Erik wants the best for Stonebridge and supports all my efforts on the golf course.

 

A special thanks to Mr. Kerr and his group.  They were first on the tee and did a wonderful job of playing at a comfortable pace and not pushing our maintenance operation.  

Rollers to provide smooth surface

 "When In Rome..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The golf course received a new course rating from the Florida State Golf Association.  As expected the new rating reflected the true difficulty of the course.  This means the golfers at Stonebridge are better than they thought they were.  Shooting the same score on a more difficult course will result in lower handicaps.  Along with the new rating, the scorecards needed to be adjusted and a new tee marking system was initiated.  The new tee markers have Roman numerals to designate the teeing area.  This marking system allows for a cleaner and more refined presentation throughout the course.  It also eliminates the stigma that is sometimes associated with playing from a certain "color" tee.  This approach is appreciated by the golfers that choose to "Tee it Forward".

 

 

One of the questions that is repeatedly asked of me and my staff is: "Why are the lake levels so low?"  The lake levels have dropped considerably since the middle of October, when the Summer rains came to a halt.  Our lakes are designed to release excess water into our neighboring wetlands through outfall structures located on holes #8,#9 and #18.  This system protects our property from flooding and ensures proper levels entering the dry season.  Although dramatic at first, the lakes have remained consistent through the recent weeks.  Our water supply is a critical asset to the entire property.  My role as an environmental steward weighs heavily on Water Conservation and Asset Management. 

 

 

I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! I am looking forward to the new year.  As we strive for perfection, we just might bump into excellence.



Adding a Little Color to Stonebridge

Winter Annuals

On Monday, November 18th, we received delivery of our winter annuals.  The entire staff put in long hours to ensure a timely installation of all the flowers.  I would like to commend Lee Dixon, our Common Area Manager, for the plant selection and design of all the beds.  We are looking forward to a very colorful and vibrant season.

Below are a few pictures of the activities and oddities found around the golf course.  The first picture shows the results of our Root Pruning project we completed in late October.  This process severs the feeder roots that rob the turf of essential nutrients and moisture.  The turf outside the line is thriving due to decreased competition from the tree roots.  The second picture is our Pencil Tine aerification program.  This vital part of our cultural program helps to relieve compaction, increase oxygen levels in the soil, improve percolation and enhances nutrient uptake.  We complete this task ahead of play and follow the aerification with a roller.  This ensures a quality putting surface throughout the season.

The last picture is another installment of my "photo quiz".  Late last week I discovered a number of these spots on #5. They were scattered throughout the center section of the putting surface. The brown turf is surrounded by a deep green ring of turf.  This is the result of "bird droppings", the concentrated acidity in the middle, tinges the grass and the overwhelming amount of nutrients in the substance results in the dark green edges.  We are working with our "fine feathered friends" to fine tune their distribution, in an effort to reduce our fertilizer requirements.  Stay tuned.


Root Pruning Results

Pencil tine aerification

 



Putting Surface #5

Discolored Turf #7

Encroachment Control

Staying Informed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This is just a quick note to explain a couple of the odd markings you may see in your travels throughout the course, and a reminder to us all about cart traffic.

 

The picture depicting the discolored turf on #7 may be a mystery to some observers, however this is quite common.  This usually occurs during the summer time, on the first tee, in the midst of mosquito season.  The two green spots in the middle of this photo are actually foot prints and the discolored turf is the result of a "Bug Spray" application.  The spray does not kill the turf but it is unsightly for a few days.  A quick fix would be to apply your protection while standing on a cart path.

 

The second photo shows a routine practice to control encroachment onto our putting surfaces.  An edger is used to define the perimeter of the surface and cut the "runners" of Celebration from the surrounding collars that are growing into the putting surface.  This practice is performed throughout the year to ward off contamination of our TifEagle putting surface.

 

Last but not least, a practice that we are all guilty of, at some point in time.  The "Two wheel on, Two wheel off" syndrome.  This phenomenon occurs when our "Superior Focus" on our golf game and our overwhelming enjoyment of our surroundings, super cedes our sense of awareness.  This is most commonly found when parking your cart and on the gentle curves of our cart paths.  As with any syndrome of this sort, there is no proven cure. Awareness and Education are the first steps in our long battle against  "Two wheel on, Two wheel off" syndrome.  Not to be confused with "Chronic Straddle Disease".  If this condition persists for more than four hours, please consult you doctor! (or Ranger)