New Equipment on order for 2025

 

This is the Toro ProForce blower. This piece of equipment is commonly used in golf course maintenance. It's designed to clear debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and other materials from the golf course. The ProForce blower is known for its high-velocity air stream, which allows it to efficiently clean large areas quickly while being gentle enough to not damage the turf. It's a vital tool for maintaining the aesthetics and playability of the course, ensuring that fairways, greens, and rough areas are kept clear for golfers.  We have ordered 2 of these machines and they should arrive sometime in late fall or early 2025.

 

This is Toro Triplex Greens Mower. This is a specialized piece of equipment commonly used for mowing golf course greens. It features multiple cutting units – typically three, hence the name "triplex" – which are designed to provide a smooth, consistent cut to the turf, promoting a high-quality playing surface with uniform grass height. The precision of such a mower is crucial in maintaining the delicate grass of putting greens, ensuring they are fast, true, and healthy. These mowers are appreciated for their ability to navigate the contours and undulations of greens, providing an excellent cut without causing damage or undue stress to the turf.  We currently own one of these machines and this will be our second one.  They will both be used to mow greens and tees at Kenmure.  This machine should arrive in early 2025.

  

This machine is a Toro Sidewinder mower, specifically designed for cutting and maintaining the rough areas of a golf course. The Sidewinder feature allows the cutting decks to shift left and right, enabling the mower to navigate around obstacles and contour to the terrain more effectively. This capability is particularly useful for maintaining the varied and undulating surfaces found in the less manicured, peripheral areas of the course, providing an even cut even on slopes or under tree lines. It's a vital piece of equipment for ensuring the rough is kept in optimal condition, challenging yet fair for golfers, and aesthetically pleasing on the course.  We currently have 2 of these machines and the receive an extensive amount of use.  Having an additional unit will allow us to increase the frequency we mow around the greens and tees.  This mower should arrive in early 2025.

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February Greens Committee Metting Minutes

 

Greens Committee Meeting Minutes

February 15, 2024

Attending : Josh Laughridge, Marsha Mock, Dennis O’Conner, Bill Skelton, Michael Johnstone

Meeting Length : 58 Minutes

 

The Greens Committee’s monthly meeting opened with a quick review of the committee’s meeting dates for the remainder of the year to ensure there were no conflicts with other KCC events that might make attendance difficult for members.  It was determined that the dates at this time are suitable, and we will move adhere to the proposed schedule distributed to the committee earlier.

Discussion then turned to the committee’s proposal to provide each meeting’s minutes to the general membership.  Josh advised all KCC committees’ minutes will soon be posted to one location in the member’s section on the Kenmure.com website.  Once the link is active Greens Committee minutes will be posted for all members to access and review.  It was the consensus of the members minutes will not be sent out in a separate email.  Suggestion was made to explore having a Course Maintenance update in The View at least once a quarter.

Josh reminded the members he has begun posting our minutes on his blog where he has also covered numerous topics on course maintenance.  Archived issues back to 2010 are posted including discussions on various aspects of golf course maintenance, pictorials of step-by-step repairs completed, as well as a quick link to the Kenmure Weather Station giving current, detailed weather conditions specific to Kenmure.   The blog address is kenmuregolf.blogspot.com.

The committee was given a detailed overview of current maintenance activities and those planned for the near future including:

-- Replacing many damaged spots of turfgrass in the fairways and areas include 10 fairway, 12 fairway, 7 fairway, 18 fairway, 12 tee, 7 green surrounds, behind 17 green, behind 11 green.  The sod used in these repairs has been taken from the nursery tee below the lower putting green and the rough near the right side of 15 blue tee.  The areas that have been stripped and left bare will be filled in with aerification cores that will be removed from greens during the aerification process in April.  While not every bad or weak spot has been addressed and because the grass is still dormant and not actively growing, it is anticipated that as soil and air temperatures begin to rise in the coming weeks  natural healing will be taking place in many of these spots.  A temperature of 42 degrees was measured in 10 fairway at a 2 inch depth.  The target temperature to begin chemical application for crabgrass preemergent is 56 degrees.

-- Completing a fresh edge on all sand traps.  The sand has been pulled up onto the bunker edges in many places where there is no longer any lip at all.  A fresh edge will be cut, and the bunker lip will be reestablished.  Any uneven spots of sand on the bunker slopes will also be smoothed out during this process.  This is a task that takes place every year around this time.

-- During the month of March, mulch and pine straw will be applied to many landscaped beds around the course and grounds.  Particular attention will be given to pruning back many of the ornamental bushes in these areas.  Leaves and winter debris will be cleaned out and any trees that need pruning will be addressed at this time.  The goal is to have all these landscaped areas cleaned and mulched by the end of the month.  The maintenance staff is also tasked with creating an appealing floral arrangement for the front entrance of the Club to be in place for Easter.  Summer annuals will be planted in May after frost dangers have subsided.

-- The new assistant superintendent has been working with Josh now for 2 weeks and has already proven to be a great addition to the team.  He brings a strong knowledge of the trade as well as experience from multiple Country Clubs.  Josh has not had an assistant with a strong turf background and experience working at other golf clubs since 2015.  The crew will benefit from his new points of view and a set of fresh eyes on the property.  It was agreed the assistant should attend one of the upcoming committee meetings, depending on his schedule.

-- The native grass areas on the golf course are all being mowed down this week.  This is a healthy practice that helps promote thickening of these areas.  This also allows the application of fertilizer and weed control to these areas.  They will grow and return to their normal height around May. 

-- Recruitment of new staff will begin this month with the goal of onboarding 3-4 new crew members in early March.  The maintenance staff will also begin to look for people interested in part time weekend work, and individuals interested in seasonal summer work as well.

-- The course will be closed April 15 -19 for comprehensive aerification of the Greens, Tees and Fairways. Closing for the entire week will give us the opportunity to complete all these areas with no interruption as well as allow time to apply any extra material or treatment of some areas where needed.  It is anticipated members will most likely use this week for golf excursions or vacations away from Kenmure. 

A question was raised about refurbishing sand traps and Josh advised that has not been budgeted for this year.   Discussion was also held on having one of our upcoming meetings at the Maintenance facility to give members an insider’s view of the operations, equipment, etc.  Josh agreed and committed to setting that up as soon as the schedule will permit.

 

 

 

Verticutting Greens for Thatch Removal

Using a Graden Verticutter with three-millimeter discs, followed by sand filling, is a precise and effective method for thatch removal in turf management. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this process works and its benefits:

Step 1: Thatch Removal with a Graden

Equipment Setup: The Graden Verticutter is equipped with three-millimeter discs designed to cut into the turf at a specified depth. This precision allows for targeted thatch removal without excessively disturbing healthy turf.

• Cutting Process: The cutter slices through the turf and into the thatch layer. The spacing and depth of the cuts can be adjusted based on the thatch thickness and the turf condition. This creates grooves in the turf and physically removes a portion of the thatch.
• Thatch Extraction: The action of the discs not only slices through the thatch but also brings a mix of thatch and soil to the surface. This material is then collected and removed, reducing the thatch layer.

Step 2: Sand Filling

• Application of Sand: Immediately following the cutting and removal process, sand is applied to the turf. The sand is worked into the slices or grooves created by the cutter.
• Benefits of Sand Filling: The sand fills the spaces opened up by the cutter, which helps to improve soil structure and promotes better drainage. It also encourages the turf to grow back stronger, with roots extending deeper into the soil. This can lead to a firmer playing surface and reduced thatch accumulation over time.

 

Advantages of This Method

• Precision and Efficiency: The Graden system allows for precise control over the depth and spacing of thatch removal, targeting the problem areas without causing unnecessary stress to the turf.
• Improved Turf Health: By physically removing thatch and improving soil structure with sand, this method promotes healthier, more resilient turf. Improved drainage and aeration encourage deeper root growth.
• Consistent Playing Surface: The end result is a smoother, firmer playing surface that offers more consistent playing conditions. This is due to the reduced thatch layer and the beneficial effects of the sand filling.

Considerations

• Timing and Frequency: The best time to perform this operation is during periods of active turf growth, allowing the grass to recover quickly. The frequency of thatch removal should be based on the rate of thatch accumulation and the specific needs of the turf.
• Follow-Up Care: After the procedure, it's essential to provide the turf with appropriate care, including watering, fertilization, and possibly light rolling to encourage the sand to settle and integrate with the soil.

By combining the precise removal of thatch using a Graden Verticutter with the subsequent application of sand into the slices, this method effectively manages thatch levels while enhancing the soil structure and turf health, leading to improved playability and aesthetics of the greens.

Link to short video showing the machine in action.  Video is not the best quality but does give you and idea of what will happen.

Click Here

 

How long will it take reduce the Thatch and see improvements to Speed & Consistency?

What is a realistic number of years one could expect before they can achieve desired results in thatch management after years of thatch buildup?

The timeline to achieve desired results in thatch management, can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of the thatch buildup, the grass species, soil conditions, climate, and the maintenance practices implemented. However, as a general guide:

Initial Improvement Phase

• Short-Term (1-2 Years): In the first one to two years, you can expect to see initial improvements in thatch reduction and turf health as aggressive thatch management practices are implemented. This period focuses on intensive mechanical interventions like verticutting, aeration, and topdressing, alongside adjustments in mowing, watering, and fertilization practices.

Stabilization and Maintenance Phase

• Medium-Term (3-5 Years): Over the next three to five years, the focus shifts towards stabilizing the turf's health and preventing thatch reaccumulation. During this phase, the benefits of the earlier aggressive treatments become more evident, with healthier turfgrass that's more resistant to disease, pests, and environmental stresses. The playing surface should become firmer and more consistent, assuming that ongoing maintenance follows best practices for thatch management.

Long-Term Health and Playability

• Long-Term (5+ Years): Achieving and maintaining the desired level of firmness and fast-rolling greens may take five or more years, especially if the greens suffered from extensive thatch accumaltion. Long-term success depends on a consistent, integrated management approach that addresses not only thatch but also soil health, turfgrass selection, and environmental factors.

Key Considerations

• Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: It's essential to continuously monitor the greens and adapt maintenance practices as needed. Soil tests, thatch depth measurements, and turf health assessments should guide the management strategy.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Goals should be realistic and tailored to the specific conditions of the golf course. Achieving the perfect balance of firmness and speed requires ongoing attention and adjustments based on environmental conditions and turf response.

Conclusion

While a significant improvement can be seen in the short to medium term, achieving the ideal conditions for firm, fast-rolling greens after years of thatch accumulation is a long-term endeavor. Patience, consistent effort, and adaptive management are crucial for success. It's also important to manage expectations, both for the maintenance team and the golfers, emphasizing gradual improvement over time.

Example of the typical thatch layer found on our greens at Kenmure

 

This is a picture taken from the lower putting green at Kenmure.  This image shows a soil profile with a distinct layer of thatch at the top. Thatch is a tightly intermingled layer of living and dead turfgrass stems, leaves, and roots that accumulates between the zone of green vegetation and the soil surface. In this profile, the thatch layer is almost 2 inches thick, which can be a concern for several reasons:

1. Water Infiltration: A thick thatch layer can impede water infiltration, causing runoff and inefficient watering.
2. Root Development: It can restrict root development, leading to a shallow-rooted turf that is less drought-tolerant and more prone to stress.
3. Pest and Disease Habitat: Thatch can harbor pests and diseases, increasing the vulnerability of the turf to infestations and illness.
4. Nutrient Access: It can also act as a barrier to fertilizers, making it more challenging for nutrients to reach the soil and roots.

Managing thatch is crucial for healthy turf maintenance. Techniques such as regular aeration, proper mowing, and judicious fertilization are typically employed to control thatch buildup. If this is a putting green, it's particularly important to manage thatch to maintain a high-quality playing surface.

On a putting green, the thatch layer has a significant impact on both the consistency and the speed of the green:

1. Consistency: A thick thatch layer can lead to an uneven surface as some areas may be spongier than others. This inconsistency can cause the golf ball to bounce or deviate from a straight path, leading to unpredictable ball roll which is undesirable for a putting green where precision is key.
2. Speed: Thatch affects the firmness of the putting surface. A green with excessive thatch will be soft and can slow down the ball. On the other hand, a well-managed thatch layer, which is thin and uniform, contributes to a firmer and faster surface. Fast greens are generally preferred in competitive play because they offer a greater challenge and allow for more precision.

To maintain speed and consistency, greenskeepers often use practices like topdressing, verticutting, and regular aeration to manage the thatch layer effectively. These practices help integrate the thatch into the soil, promote decomposition, and maintain an optimal surface for putting.

 

 

 

Ideas for the Olympic Themed Ladies Member/Guest

 I recently found out this years Ladies Member/Guest will have an Olympic Theme.  I just wanted to share 10 ideas I found while researching online for some Olympic-themed golf games to possibly include:

1. Golf Decathlon: Create a 10-hole challenge with each hole representing a different Olympic event. For example, one hole could be themed after archery, where precision is key, and players must hit a target area on the fairway or green. Another could be synchronized swimming, where teams must try to sync their shots as closely as possible.
2. Long Drive Competition (Javelin Style): Emulating the javelin throw, a long drive competition can be a thrilling part of your tournament. Participants can be judged on distance, but you can add an Olympic twist by also awarding points for style or adherence to a theme.
3. Putting Relay: Inspired by relay races, this can be a team event where each player must sink a putt before the next player can go. Time penalties can be added for missed putts, and the fastest team wins.
4. Shot Put Challenge: This could be a fun chipping contest. Set up circles with increasing points at different distances. The further the chip, the more points they score, similar to the shot put.
5. Golf Biathlon: Combine a putting or chipping challenge with a non-golf activity, such as a trivia quiz about the Olympics or a quick task that requires physical dexterity. This would be a fun way to mix mental and physical challenges.
6. Opening Ceremony Parade: Have an opening ceremony where each team dresses up representing different countries, complete with flags and possibly themed outfits. This can be a parade on golf carts before the start of the tournament.
7. Medal Ceremony: After the event, have a medal ceremony for the winners of different categories. You can have gold, silver, and bronze medals for various achievements throughout the day, not just for the lowest scores.
8. Olympic Trivia Holes: At certain holes, before they can take their shot, players must answer an Olympic trivia question. A correct answer could offer a reward like a preferred lie or a mulligan.
9. Torch Run Challenge: Incorporate a special challenge where players have to 'carry the torch' (this could be a special club or marker) from one hole to another without 'extinguishing' it (e.g., avoiding bunkers or water hazards).
10. Record Breakers: Have a fun competition for breaking course-specific 'Olympic records' – like the fastest round, the most birdies, etc.

Introduction To Thatch

 

Introduction to Thatch

What is it?

• Definition: Thatch is a layer of organic matter that consists of dead and living shoots, stems, and roots that accumulate between the zone of green vegetation and the soil surface.
• Formation Causes: It forms when the turf produces organic matter faster than it can be decomposed. This can be due to excessive fertilization, improper mowing practices, or inadequate aeration.

 

Impact of Thatch on Putting Greens

• Water Management Challenges: Thatch can affect the movement of water to the roots, leading to either too much moisture retention or rapid drying out. Both conditions are detrimental to turf health.
• Influence on Playability: A thick thatch layer can make the green spongy, affecting the ball roll and making the speed of the greens inconsistent.
• Disease and Pest Habitat: Thatch provides an excellent environment for pests and diseases, which can further degrade the quality of the green.
  
  

Management Strategies

• Aeration: Core aeration helps by physically removing cores of thatch and soil, improving air and water movement in the turf.
• Topdressing: Applying a thin layer of soil or sand over the green can help dilute the thatch layer, encouraging microbial activity to break down thatch.
• Proper Fertilization: Avoiding excessive nitrogen applications reduces rapid growth and thatch accumulation.
• Verticutting: Slicing into the turf with blades up to 3mm wide that remove that thatch in those grooves and bring it to the surface to be removed.

Conclusion

• Act: We must plan and execute a rigorous campaign to address the thatch layer in the greens here at Kenmure.  This will involve multiple aerification and verticut processes during the golfing season and will disrupt playing conditions periodically.  The current staff size will not allow us to undertake this process alone, we will need to utilize outside contractors and budget accordingly to accomplish this mission.

 

Continue learning about Thatch here:

What is Thatch?

Mega Thatch

Thatch Control