Superintendent’s Report - August 2023

 

Weather Conditions: During August, the average daily high temperatures range from 83°F to 89°F, with relative humidity reaching 75%. September experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with highs between 78.6°F and 84.2°F and relative humidity at 76%. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat stress on the turf, causing plants to shut down and root loss of up to 75-80%.

Watering and Irrigation: To combat heat stress and ensure optimal playing conditions, the current watering schedule aims to provide close to 1 inch of water per week. The golf course employs an automated irrigation system, which is closely monitored to prevent overwatering and maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. Additionally, the course faces the challenge of managing afternoon thunderstorms, which can alter the irrigation plan.

Soil Composition and Drainage: The native soils primarily consist of heavy clay, impacting drainage and easily compacted by cart traffic. This poses challenges in maintaining adequate soil moisture levels and addressing waterlogging issues during rainy periods. In contrast, the greens and tees have a sand-based rootzone mixture, which improves drainage. However, an effort is needed to remove excess sandy soil around the greens and replace it with a more suitable mixture to support healthier root systems.

Turfgrass Health and Challenges: Kenmure Country Club predominantly uses Penncross variety Bentgrass, which is known for its playability but is highly susceptible to Dollar Spot fungus. The peak period of late July and early August puts tremendous pressure on the course, with increased risks of disease outbreaks, insect infestations, and turf damage from high golfer traffic.

Maintenance Activities: To mitigate the challenges posed by heat stress, the height of cut for greens is raised during this period, reducing stress on the turf. Fungicides are applied at 2-week intervals on greens, tees, and fairways to protect against diseases, insects, and nematodes. Summer weeds are managed to minimize their visibility and impact on playability.

Traffic and Wear & Tear: Cart traffic can cause substantial turf damage, especially during periods of excessive heat, humidity, and low soil moisture levels. Fairways 8, 12, 13, 15, and 16 have historically been problematic during the height of summer. Recovery from wear and tear, ball marks, and divots takes longer during this challenging period.

Conclusion and Future Recommendations: The months of August and September pose significant challenges to golf course maintenance at Kenmure Country Club. Strategies to combat heat stress, manage irrigation effectively, and address soil composition and drainage issues are critical to preserving turfgrass health and playability. Future recommendations include prioritizing renovations to improve drainage and reducing sand buildup around greens. Close monitoring of disease and pest pressures, along with a strategic maintenance schedule, will be vital to ensure optimal playing conditions during these challenging months.

By implementing the recommended strategies and adjustments, Kenmure Country Club can continue to offer its members a rewarding golf experience even during the most challenging months for golf course maintenance.

 

Summary of Golf Course Maintenance Points for August and September at Kenmure Country Club:

1. Irrigation Management: The irrigation system is used sparingly to prevent the course from becoming too wet, especially during afternoon thunderstorms.
2. Daily Tee and Pin Changes: Tee markers are moved daily, and pin locations are changed 3-4 times per week based on play volume, ensuring varied play experiences.
3. Sand Trap Maintenance: Sand traps are raked 3 times a week, adapting the schedule as needed depending on rainfall.
4. Summer Weed Control: Summer weeds are regularly trimmed and managed to minimize their visibility and disruption to play.
5. Fungicide Application: Greens, tees, and fairways receive fungicide application at 2-week intervals to protect against diseases, insects, and nematodes.
6. Fertilization Schedule: Fertilization of greens and tees will be postponed until nighttime temperatures consistently reach the 50's.
7. Aerification Schedule: Greens Aerification will take place on Sept 18-19.  The golf course will be closed on that Tuesday and reopen the following morning.  Tee Aerification will take place during regular play in the weeks following the greens.  Fairway and Roughs will be completed throughout Oct-Nov.

Golf Maintenance Update from July

 This was my communications with the GAC from the August Meeting:

I extend my warm greetings to all of you and express my gratitude for the opportunity to address the golf activities committee today. I am delighted to provide you with a comprehensive update on the current state of the golf course, detailing the activities that transpired during the month of July and outlining our plans for August and September.

July has consistently proven to be a demanding month for the health of the golf course due to the extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity. As we all know, our golf course predominantly features cool-season grass species, which are not well-suited to thrive under high-temperature conditions. The scorching air and soil temperatures during July pose significant challenges for the best grass plant's health, resulting in up to 50% root loss when soil temperatures reach the range of 75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Understanding the optimal conditions for root and shoot growth is crucial to maintaining a healthy golf course. For optimal root growth, soil temperatures between 50 to 65 degrees are ideal, while the growth on the top part of the grass (shoots) occurs optimally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These insights highlight the sensitivity of our turf to temperature fluctuations, and it emphasizes the importance of mitigating extreme conditions to ensure the longevity of our playing surfaces.

One critical aspect that we need to address during July and August is the traffic the golf course receives. It is during these months that we witness the highest amount of play and member participation, along with hosting outside events that add to the wear and tear on the course. Unfortunately, this period also coincides with the weakest state of our bentgrass, making it less capable of recuperating from the damage inflicted by this high level of activity.

Moreover, the fairways present a specific challenge due to their construction on native soil, which has not undergone modification. When the fairways were initially constructed in 1981, the grass was seeded and grown on the existing soil, with no specific amendments. Consequently, we are left with a predominantly clay soil type that is poorly drained, leading to prolonged periods of wetness when we receive precipitation. This excess moisture negatively impacts the root zone of the turfgrass, hampering its health and resilience.

Throughout the summer months, we face numerous issues with turf damage, which typically takes a significant amount of time to heal. The physiological characteristics of bentgrass make it more vulnerable during this period, compounding the challenges we encounter as turfgrass managers. The damages caused by various sources, whether it be due to excessive traffic, pests, or extreme weather conditions, demand extensive time and effort to restore the health of our golf course.

A crucial factor that often goes unnoticed when considering turfgrass health is the soil structure and compaction. There are pockets of soil with favorable conditions for growth, but there are also areas with poor soil that hinders the grass's development. A simple test using a screwdriver can demonstrate this; in healthy areas, the screwdriver can penetrate deeply, but in problematic spots, it barely goes half an inch without additional force. Addressing this issue necessitates careful management and tailored approaches to different areas based on their soil characteristics.

Pest management plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of our turf during the summer months. This is the time when we face the highest levels of disease and insect pressure. Effective management requires the application of chemicals to prioritize high-traffic areas such as greens, tees, and fairways, while less protected areas like roughs receive limited protection. Though it is a significant expense, such practices are typical for golf courses in this region and are essential for preserving the overall health and playability of the course.

The heart of the playability of our golf course lies in the management of irrigation and moisture levels in the soil. Various aspects of the game, such as the distance of ball roll on fairways, the speed of the greens during putting, and the greens' receptiveness to shots, are all heavily influenced by the amount of water in the soil. On newer greens, constructed in the early 90s and onwards, were built following USGA specifications, using sand as the root zone mixture. This sand-based approach allowed for proper drainage and moisture retention, ensuring that greens remain in good condition during both wet and dry periods.

However, over time, the buildup of organic matter and thatch in the green profile has made the greens spongier and harder to drain effectively. While we strive to provide optimal conditions by carefully monitoring moisture levels and minimizing water usage, some areas, particularly those with poor soil conditions, suffer from inconsistent results. Additionally, the turning of mowers on the edges of greens can cause compaction and stress on the turf, contributing to the issues faced by certain areas.

As we approach the fall, our focus will shift towards total golf course aerification. This critical process involves aggressive core removal and generous sand topdressing on greens, tees, fairways, and roughs to improve the turf's health and resilience. Although the impact may take time to fully materialize, this investment is vital for the long-term sustainability of our golf course. Core removal aerification helps to relieve compaction, increase soil oxygen levels, and enhance water penetration and root growth.

It is worth noting that aerification is not without its challenges. As much as we'd like to undertake more frequent and extensive aerification processes, we must strike a balance between necessary maintenance and providing optimal playing conditions for our members. Implementing a more aggressive schedule would lead to significant disruptions and inconvenience for golfers, and thus, we must carefully plan and strategize our aerification efforts to ensure a seamless transition.

For August, September, October, and November, we will continue regular golf course maintenance activities, such as mowing greens, tees, fairways, and roughs, as well as maintaining sand traps and landscape beds. During these months, the turfgrass typically experiences slowed growth, which allows us to reduce mowing frequency in certain areas while still maintaining playability.

Additionally, the winter months offer an ideal window for minor golf course renovations. These projects may include fairway and rough drainage installation, leveling tees, constructing new tees, relocating tee boxes, and enlarging tee surfaces. We also plan to address tree under brushing and perform any necessary minor infrastructure or fairway repairs, such as fixing stonewalls or edging of cart paths.

In conclusion, I am optimistic about the future of our golf course, as we continue to implement strategies and prioritize maintenance efforts to improve and sustain the health of our turf. Your support and understanding are vital in this endeavor, as we work tirelessly to provide the best possible golfing experience for our esteemed members. I am thankful for the opportunity to share these insights with you today, and I am more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Josh Laughridge
Director of Golf Maintenance

Preserving Fairway Health: The Need for Cart Traffic Restrictions during Hot July Weather

 

As we navigate the summer of 2023, it is crucial that we understand the impact of our actions on the health and quality of the golf course. This report combines key insights from various articles I have written in the past that underscore the need for proactive measures to protect the fairways, specifically in relation to cart traffic.

1.    Fairway Vulnerability during Hot Weather: Bentgrass, the primary grass species on our fairways, is not well-suited for extremely hot summer days. The combination of high temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms creates conditions favorable for the spread of fungal diseases, diminishing turf quality. Moreover, the fairways are constructed on a base of heavy clay soil, which hampers proper drainage and moisture control. These factors make it challenging to maintain optimal moisture levels and create an environment where the grass can thrive.

2.    Stress on Bentgrass and Root System Decline: The stress caused by hot weather takes a toll on the Bentgrass plant, particularly its root system. Even under the best conditions, the root system experiences a decline during the summer months. Preserving as much of this diminishing root system as possible until the onset of fall is crucial for long-term turf health and quality. Actions taken during July, including chemical applications, irrigation practices, and managing cart traffic, greatly impact the grass's resilience and vitality throughout the season.

3.    Impact of Cart Traffic on Fairway Health: Cart traffic on the fairways during hot weather exacerbates the stress already placed on the grass. The heavy weight and traffic movement compact the soil, impeding proper air circulation and water penetration. This compaction restricts the grass's ability to "breathe" and receive essential nutrients, leaving it vulnerable to damage and even death. The fairways' composition, particularly the untreated clay soil beneath them, makes it challenging to achieve ideal saturation levels and recover from dry spells. Restricting cart traffic during hot July days is a crucial step in alleviating stress and promoting fairway health.

4.    Long-Term Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness: While it may be inconvenient to restrict cart traffic on the fairways during hot weather, it is essential to recognize the long-term benefits. By giving the grass the relief it needs during periods of stress, we can foster a thicker, fuller stand of healthy turf in the fall and enhance overall playing conditions. This proactive approach reduces the need for costly and extensive repairs, reseeding, or renovations down the line.

In conclusion, maintaining the health and quality of our fairways is a shared responsibility. By understanding the challenges posed by hot July weather, we can make informed decisions to protect our valuable turf. Restricting cart traffic during these periods is a vital step toward promoting fairway health, preserving the root system, and ensuring a thriving golf course for all members to enjoy.

We encourage each of you to support these measures and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our golf course. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures healthy turf, enhances playing experiences, and maintains the beauty of Kenmure Country Club for years to come.

Dallisgrass – Public Enemy #1

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a warm-season perennial bunch grass that was introduced to the United States from South America in the 1800s. It is now considered a troublesome weed in the transition zone, particularly in bentgrass golf courses. It is commonly found in wet areas such as drainage ditches, low spots, and heavily irrigated turfgrass. Dallisgrass has a faster growth rate than most turfgrasses and can adapt to low mowing heights, making it difficult to manage in golf courses, sports fields, parks, and home landscapes where a uniform surface is necessary. It produces distinctive seedheads that are easy to identify, and its rhizomes can spread and establish new clumps. Dallisgrass is also competitive for nutrients and water in ornamental landscapes.

Management of dallisgrass in bentgrass golf courses involves preventing establishment of new plants through cultural and physical control practices. This includes adjusting irrigation and fertilization practices, planting competitive plants, changing mowing height or frequency, and physically digging out young plants before they form rhizomes or set seed. Mowing alone is not effective in removing dallisgrass. It is important to maintain dense turfgrass through proper irrigation, fertilization, and mowing practices to resist dallisgrass invasion. If established dallisgrass plants are present, they can be carefully dug out, and mulch can be applied to prevent new germination and seedling establishment. Preemergence herbicides can also be used to control germinating dallisgrass seed. However, herbicides may take multiple applications over a period of 2-3 years for adequate control.

For bentgrass golf courses, there are very limited options for postemergence herbicides to control dallisgrass. There are no selective herbicides available for dallisgrass control in bentgrass, ryegrass, or creeping fescue. MSMA can be used to suppress the dallisgrass but in order to completely control the species it will require multiple applications that can stress the sensitive bentgrass, it also has restricted use on golf courses. Glyphosate is a nonselective postemergence herbicide that can be used as a spot treatment for dallisgrass, but it will also damage desirable turfgrass and may require reseeding of bare areas. Managing dallisgrass infestations in turfgrass, including bentgrass golf courses, is a challenging process that may take several years, and complete renovation may be necessary in heavily infested areas.

Kenmure Country Club
Agronomic Plan for Dallisgrass Control

1. Identification and Monitoring: Train the course maintenance staff to identify dallisgrass and regularly monitor the fairways for any signs of infestation. Early detection is crucial for effective management.

2. Cultural Practices:

a. Mowing: Maintain proper mowing practices for Creeping Bentgrass, including regular and consistent mowing at the appropriate height to promote dense turf growth and minimize bare areas where dallisgrass can invade.

b. Irrigation: Implement proper irrigation practices to avoid over-watering or under-watering, as both can weaken the turf and create favorable conditions for dallisgrass growth. Water deeply and infrequently and avoid watering during hot summer months when possible.

c. Fertilization: Follow a balanced fertilization program based on soil test results to promote healthy turf growth and competition against dallisgrass.

d. Aeration: Regularly aerate the fairways to alleviate soil compaction and improve water and nutrient penetration, which can help promote healthy turfgrass growth and reduce dallisgrass competition.

e. Thatch Management: Manage thatch buildup through regular dethatching practices to prevent accumulation of organic matter that can create a favorable environment for dallisgrass growth.

f. Seeding: Consider overseeding fairways with Creeping Bentgrass to promote dense turfgrass growth and competition against dallisgrass. b. Traffic Management: Implement traffic management practices to minimize stress on the fairways and avoid creating bare areas where dallisgrass can establish.

3. Physical Removal:

a. Hand Pulling: For isolated or small patches of dallisgrass, hand pulling may be effective. Make sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth. This method is most effective when done in the early stages of infestation and should be followed by proper disposal of the removed plant material to prevent spreading.

b. Sod Replacement: For larger areas of dallisgrass infestation, sod replacement can be considered. Remove the affected turfgrass along with the underlying soil and replace it with new sod or plugs of Creeping Bentgrass. Proper care, including watering and fertilization, should be provided to promote establishment of the new turfgrass and prevent dallisgrass re-infestation.

4. Herbicide Management:

a. Preemergence Herbicides: Apply preemergence herbicides labeled for use on Creeping Bentgrass fairways in early spring and fall to prevent the emergence of dallisgrass seedlings.

b. Postemergence Herbicides: Use selective postemergence herbicides labeled for use on Creeping Bentgrass to control dallisgrass in fairways. Herbicides such as MSMA may be effective in controlling dallisgrass. Follow label instructions carefully and apply during the appropriate temperature and growth stage of the dallisgrass.

5. Regular Monitoring and Follow-up: Continuously monitor the fairways for any signs of dallisgrass regrowth or new infestations and promptly implement appropriate management strategies as needed.

It's important to note that effective dallisgrass management may take time and consistent efforts.

Ensuring Optimal Course Conditions: Irrigation System Update

As we gear up for the golf season at Kenmure we are pleased to report that our irrigation system is up and running. However, our team has already identified several minor repairs that need to be addressed to ensure the system is functioning at its best. In this blog post, we want to provide our members and guests with an update on our irrigation system and the repairs and adjustments that are underway.

Identifying Issues: Greens, Tees, and Fairways

Upon activating our irrigation system for the season, our team has discovered that some of the greens and tee heads are not functioning properly and require repair work. We anticipate similar issues with our fairway irrigation system as it is activated in the coming weeks. Two major repairs have already been carried out due to wind and tree damage, as well as rubber gasket tee slippage and age-related wear and tear.

The Need for Repairs and Adjustments

Our irrigation system is aging and requires ongoing maintenance to ensure efficient operation. The last major upgrade was carried out in 2001, and over the years, the system has accumulated wear and tear, which has resulted in various issues. Our system consists of a large underground network of pipes ranging from 4 inches to 2.5 inches, a pump station with a maximum capacity of 800 gallons per minute, over 400 sprinkler heads, and operates at a system pressure of 120 psi.

The repairs and adjustments needed include fixing malfunctioning sprinkler heads, repairing leaks, replacing worn-out components, and ensuring proper water distribution across the course. Our team is working diligently to address these issues in a timely manner to minimize any impact on course conditions and playability.

Commitment to Course Conditions

At Kenmure Country Club, we are committed to maintaining optimal course conditions to provide our members and guests with an exceptional golfing experience. Our irrigation system plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy turf growth, efficient water usage, and overall course aesthetics. We understand the importance of regular maintenance and upgrades to keep our irrigation system functioning at its best.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Irrigation System

As we continue to address the repairs and adjustments to our irrigation system, we are also evaluating long-term plans for its improvement. We are exploring options for potential upgrades and modernization to enhance its efficiency and performance. This may include upgrading irrigation heads, pipes, valves, and other components to ensure a reliable and sustainable water management system for our golf course.

Kenmure Horticulture Update: Prepping for Spring Splendor

As the winter chill fades away, the Kenmure Country Club horticulture team is hard at work, getting our grounds ready for a vibrant spring season. In this blog post, we want to share some exciting updates on our horticulture activities and plans for the upcoming months.

Prepping Beds for Mulching and Flower Planting

Our team is currently busy with edging and prepping beds for mulching, as well as readying the spaces for flower planting. We are meticulously preparing the grounds to create a welcoming and stunning landscape for our members and guests to enjoy. The beds are being carefully prepared to provide the optimal conditions for our flowers and plants to thrive and bloom.

Pine Straw Accents for Azaleas

One of the highlights of our spring horticulture efforts is accentuating the beauty of our azaleas. Large amounts of pine straw have been spread along the entrances to enhance the splendor of these gorgeous flowering shrubs. We are excited to see the azaleas in full bloom this year, and their timing coinciding with Easter and Masters Week makes it even more special for our members and guests.

Shrub Replacement Plans and Annual Flower Planting

We have plans in place for the replacement of bushes next to the tennis courts, ensuring that the landscape remains well-groomed and visually appealing. Additionally, following Mother's Day, our team will begin planting annual flowers to add pops of color and freshness to our grounds. These seasonal flowers will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of our landscape and create a welcoming ambiance for everyone who visits our club.

New Hire for Plant/Flower Care

We are excited to announce that we have a new hire joining our horticulture team. Our new team member will be responsible for plant and flower care, and their training will commence on April 17th. This addition to our team will further enhance our ability to provide top-notch care and maintenance for our landscape, ensuring that our grounds are always in pristine condition.

Commitment to Horticulture Excellence

At Kenmure Country Club, we are committed to maintaining a beautiful and well-groomed landscape that enhances the overall experience for our members and guests. Our horticulture team works diligently to ensure that our grounds are visually appealing and inviting throughout the year. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and the efforts we put into creating a stunning environment that everyone can enjoy.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to share the beauty of our horticulture efforts with you at Kenmure Country Club.

Recruitment Update: Welcoming New Employees and Interns to Our Golf Course Team

As the golf season kicks off, we are excited to share some exciting news about our team at Kenmure. Over the past few months, we have been actively recruiting new talent to join our dedicated team of professionals who help maintain our course to the highest standards. We are thrilled to announce that we have recently hired four new employees and have three college interns joining us in May for water management and weed control. Additionally, we have potential candidates in an Assistant in Training and a Spray Tech Trainee.

We have welcomed a Setup Man, a Large Mower Operator, a Grounds Worker, and a Horticulture Trainee. These individuals have already begun their onboarding process and are getting up to speed with our course maintenance practices. We are confident that they will contribute to the overall success of our course and help us continue to provide an exceptional golfing experience for our members and guests.

In addition to our new employees, we are excited to have three college interns joining us in the middle of May. These interns will be assisting us with water management and weed control, two critical aspects of maintaining the health and beauty of our course. I am looking forward to providing them with valuable hands-on experience in golf course management and helping them develop their skills and knowledge in the field.

We also have potential candidate for Assistant in Training position who may be joining our team soon. This role would be a valuable addition to our management team, and we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the recruitment process. The Assistant in Training will work closely with me to gain practical experience and develop leadership skills in golf course management.

Furthermore, we have a new hire with an Environmental Science degree and current experience as a trout farmer joining us in just three weeks. This individual will be trained as a Spray Trainee, and their expertise in environmental science and fish farming will bring a unique perspective to our team. We are excited to see the contributions they will make to our course and our commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

As we continue to bring in new talent, we recognize that training and onboarding are ongoing processes that require dedicated time and effort. I am committed to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to ensure that our new hires and interns are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. We value the importance of hands-on experience and are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment for our team members.

While we have made significant progress in our recruitment efforts, we are still looking to hire one more equipment operator and one to two more grounds maintenance recruits to complete our team. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about golf course maintenance, have relevant experience, and share our commitment to excellence.