Layman's Terms for Turf Maintenance

 

Here's a list of technical golf course maintenance terms, along with their simpler definitions and alternate words that might be easier to understand for those not as familiar with the jargon:

1. Aeration: This is when small holes are made in the turf to let air, water, and nutrients get deeper into the soil. Think of it like "ventilating" the grass.
2. Topdressing: This means spreading a thin layer of material, like sand or compost, over the grass. It's like "sprinkling" a protective coating on the turf.
3. Thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates on the surface of the soil. You can think of it as the "grass clutter."
4. Overseeding: This is the process of planting new grass seed into existing turf. It's like "replenishing" or "refreshing" the grass.
5. Verticutting: This method involves cutting into the turf to remove thatch and loosen the soil. It's similar to "combing" through the grass to tidy it up.
6. pH Level: This term refers to how acidic or alkaline the soil is. In simpler terms, it's the "soil mood," indicating if the soil is too sour (acidic) or too bitter (alkaline) for healthy grass growth.
7. Irrigation: Simply put, this is watering the golf course. It's the "hydration" system for the grass.
8. Fungicide: These are chemicals used to prevent or kill fungal diseases in the grass. Think of them as "grass medicine" for sickness caused by fungi.
9. Herbicide: This is a type of chemical used to control or kill unwanted plants (weeds). It's like a "weed remover."
10. Pesticide: This term covers chemicals that kill pests, like insects or rodents, that might damage the golf course. It's a general "bug and critter blocker."
11. Greenspeed: Refers to how fast the golf ball rolls on the green. In simpler terms, it's the "slickness" of the putting surface.
12. Subsoil: This is the layer of soil beneath the topsoil. Think of it as the "underground foundation" of the golf course.
13. Microclimate: This term describes the specific and varied climate conditions of different areas of the golf course. It's like the "local weather" for different parts of the course.
14. Drainage: This involves how water is removed from the course, ensuring the turf isn't too wet. Simply put, it's the "water exit strategy" for the soil.
15. Root Zone: The part of the soil where the grass’s roots grow. You can think of it as the "grass's underground home."
16. Cultural Practices: This term refers to the regular maintenance activities done to keep the golf course turf healthy, like mowing, watering, fertilizing, and aeration. Think of it as "routine grass care." An easier way to understand this might be to think of it as the "grass wellness routine."

Remember, golf course maintenance can be complex, but breaking down these terms can make it more approachable for everyone!

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January GC Minutes & Notes

 

The new Kenmure Greens Committee held its inaugural meeting on January 18 chaired by Golf Course Superintendent Josh Laughridge.  Members attending were David Goins, Peter Hapgood, Michael Johnstone, Marsha Mock, Dennis O’Connor and Bill Skelton.  Club staff members attending, in addition to Josh were General Manager David Ford and Head Professional Stephen Thomasson.  Marilou Reed was out of town and unable to attend. 

After sharing his background in golf course and turf management and his life-long connection to golf and golf course management, Josh asked each committee member to introduce themselves, share their history with the game of golf as well as their reasons for volunteering to join the committee. The group comprises a diverse mix of individuals with various levels of expertise and experience and includes many who have been extremely active in course management in other clubs prior to moving to Kenmure, as well as a golf course architect, club managers, a writer and very experienced golfers. 

Each member brings a unique perspective to the committee, ranging from professional expertise in golf course architecture and management to passionate club members focused on improving the golf experience. Their diverse backgrounds are conducive to a comprehensive approach to golf course maintenance, addressing both technical and member satisfaction aspects.  The common theme expressed by each member was not only their passion for golf, but their desire to see Kenmure returned to its .

Overall, the meeting was an opportunity for committee members to voice their concerns and ask questions to which Josh provided detailed responses, highlighting the complexity of golf course management and the need for both immediate actions and long-term planning.

Josh began the meeting by presenting a thorough overview of many key aspects of golf course maintenance and management particular to Kenmure.  His discussion included:

— Winter Golf Conditions: including managing play on frozen turf and how it impacts the golf course during winter, as well as the need to control traffic on frozen turf to protect it.

— Regular Maintenance: discussing the frequency of standard maintenance tasks like mowing and raking sand traps being reduced in winter due to dormant grass and limited staff.

— Debris Cleanup and Pruning: detailing the ongoing tasks during the winter that includes clearing debris, pruning trees, and under brushing.

— Mechanical Maintenance: outlining the mechanic’s tasks of changing oil filters, checking hydraulic lines, and the necessity of rebuilding the engine on the topdresser.

— Future Plans and Equipment: announcing the hiring and arrival (in early February) of new assistant superintendent, Nikolas Marques, and discussing the expertise he brings to the staff.  He was also pleased to announce the approval for the acquisition of new equipment, e.g., tow-behind blowers, a rough mower, and ride-on mowers for greens. He also discussed plans for building new tee markers.

— Goals for the Spring: outlining the primary goals to increase consistency and frequency in maintenance tasks such as changing pin locations, moving tee markers, and mowing; and  addressing areas with poor turf conditions as a priority, as well as considering the soil's health beneath the turf.

— Long-term Concerns:  highlighting the need for long-term solutions, such as dealing with thatch problems on the greens, possibly through more aggressive verticutting and sand topdressing.

— Communication and Education: emphasizing the importance of communicating with the committee and the committee then spreading the word with club members about the ongoing work and the challenges in not just maintaining the golf course, but returning it to the pristine condition all the members desire.

The committee members also shared their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions regarding the golf course's maintenance, expressing a desire to better understand and contribute to the decision-making process.  Members also expressed a desire for future meetings to include a comprehensive overview and tour of the maintenance facility, and a deeper dive into each aspect of the department.

Overall, the participants were given a comprehensive and detailed overview of golf course management that addressed both immediate maintenance needs and long-term planning for turf health and course playability.  The ensuring discussions during the meeting were an excellent beginning and indicative of an active and very robust committee that will ensure an open channel of communication for all Club members going forward.

 

 KEY POINTS OF COMMITTEE’S DISCUSSIONS:

The committee members at the Kenmure Greens Committee meeting raised several questions and concerns which Josh and others provided answers and explanations. Below is a summary of the discussions:

1.      Concerns About Winter Golf Conditions and Maintenance:

·         Question: How does playing on frozen turf affect the course, and what is being done about it?

·         Answer: Josh explained that while playing on frozen turf isn’t catastrophic, it's essential to manage traffic to protect the turf. The golf course adopts strategies like temporary tees and reduced maintenance activities during the winter to mitigate any potential damage.

2.      Equipment and Staffing for Course Maintenance:

·         Question: What are the current challenges and plans regarding equipment and staffing?

·         Answer: Josh discussed the acquisition of new equipment, like tow-behind blowers and a rough mower, and the hiring of a new assistant superintendent. He stressed that these additions would aid in more efficient course maintenance.

3.      Greens Maintenance and Thatch Management:

·         Question: What are the plans for addressing the greens’ conditions, particularly the thatch problem?

·         Answer: Josh mentioned the need for aggressive verticutting and topdressing with sand to manage the thatch. He emphasized the importance of regular, deep cultural practices to improve the turf quality on the greens.

4.      Long-term Sustainability and Health of Greens:

·         Question: Is there a need for long-term solutions for the greens, considering their age and condition?

·         Answer: Josh acknowledged that the greens are past their prime and have suffered from minimized maintenance practices over the years. He suggested that while complete reconstruction is an option, consistent intensive maintenance practices can prolong their life.

5.      Transparency and Communication:

·         Question: How can the committee better understand and communicate the ongoing work on the course?

·         Answer: Josh stressed the importance of the committee acting as ambassadors for the course, understanding and communicating the ongoing maintenance activities to the broader membership.

6.      Management of Specific Course Areas:

·         Question: Concerns were raised about the lack of sun exposure and tree issues on specific holes (like 9 and 18) affecting playability, especially in winter.

·         Answer: Josh noted the complexity of the issue, including environmental factors like the ridge line and sun angle. He was open to exploring solutions but cautioned about the potential costs and limited effectiveness of drastic measures like tree removal.

7.      Improvement of Course Conditions:

·         Question: What specific steps are being planned to improve course conditions, especially the greens?

·         Answer: Josh outlined plans for increased consistency in maintenance, such as more frequent mowing and changing of pin locations. He also highlighted the importance of having a well-trained and adequate staff to maintain high standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 Greens Committee Members

The Greens Committee at Kenmure Country Club will play a vital role in bridging communication between our golf course maintenance team and our club members.  The committee will not only learn and understand the details of course maintenance and keep members informed about course conditions and projects, but will also be relaying member feedback to the staff.  The members comprise a diverse group of individuals with varied backgrounds and interests in golf and course management. Their varied expertise and experiences will contribute to a well-rounded perspective on golf course maintenance and improvement. Below is the list of committee members and a brief overview of their backgrounds:

— David Goins: A passionate golfer with experience in golf club management. David has been a member of various country clubs and has served in leadership roles, including president. He emphasizes excellence in everything he does.

— Pete Hapgood: An experienced golfer and former member of a golf course Board of Governors. He offers insights into golf course management from a member’s perspective.

— Michael Johnstone: A forensic golf course architect involved in investigating golf course accidents and consulting on design improvements for safety and playability. He brings a unique perspective on golf course design and safety.

— Marsha Mock: A writer and communicator who loves the game and is interested in  assisting communication to members in the belief that explaining the challenges the maintenance staff faces with each season will increase member’s understanding of any issues and dispell rumors and misinformation.

— Dennis O’Connor: A member of the club who organizes social golfing groups. Dennis is interested in improving communication about course conditions and maintenance to the wider membership.

— Marilou Reed:  has participated in a number of traveling golf leagues and has a wide berth of experience on different grasses and conditions; very interested in learning more about the impact of course conditions for various levels of player’s expertise.

— Bill Skelton: A long-term club member who is an experienced golfer and is eager to contribute to the club's well-being.

Staff Members:

— Dave Ford:  Kenmure’s General Manager, with extensive experience in club management. He plays a key role in overseeing the club's operations and supporting the committee's initiatives.

— Josh Laughridge: Kenmure’s Golf Course Superintendent since 2006. He has a turf management certificate from Penn State University and a lifetime of experience in golf courses, both from a maintenance and a playing perspective.

— Stephen Thomasson:  Kenmure’s Head Golf Professional at the club, familiar with most of the committee members and keen on contributing to the committee’s work.