USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Service Visit - Beach Grove Golf ...

Beach Grove Golf Club -8-
May 4, 2005
bunker is a concern as you can expect new sand to create initial soft conditions and areas to
become thin. If this form is available at the Pro Shop, a rapid method of communication can be
created to address areas that may be a problem.
• Address traffic areas with more aeration and
topdressing. It was not surprising to learn that
some of the regular winter players at Beach
Grove believe that they could not possibly cause
any problem with turf loss from winter play on
grass that is not growing and is subject to
compaction in high traffic areas. A large
volume of research shows the exact opposite
with the right side of No. 14 green showing the
classic signs of winter turf damage associated
with foot traffic, excess water and a soil that
became sealed causing turf loss. While reducing
play from the greens during all frost, frozen and
saturated conditions should absolutely be
practiced and backed up by the Green
Committee and Board of Directors in your
maintenance standards, programs can also be
started to improve these locations to minimize
traffic damage. In addition to aeration at least
twice yearly, include the traffic zones in the
same program as green topdressing on a 2-3
week schedule during the growing season. Also,
the use of perennial ryegrass introduces a more wear resistant turf to these locations.
FAIRWAYS
Observations. As mentioned earlier, the main topic for the fairways is the high population of
earthworms on the front nine holes. Other than this issue, drainage is a major requirement on the
front nine and a change in the method of fertilization was discussed as you begin a program of
growth regulation this growing season. Finally, deep aeration, overseeding and topdressing will be
conducted this spring to improve overall turf density on the front nine.
Recommendations. Specific recommendations for the fairways included the following:
• Use Primo on all of the fairways to improve density, reduce clippings and minimize
mowing requirements. It was mentioned that a decision must be made between completing
the deep aeration program in the fall (with overseeding and topdressing) or expanding the use of
Primo to all of the fairways during the growing season. Based on the noise situation and worm
issues, it was recommended to focus on Primo usage this year (along with sand topdressing on
the front nine) and the contractual aeration and seeding this spring only.