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

More documents

Recommendations

Info

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.
Beach Grove Golf Club -9- May 4, 2005 • Upgrade the ability to apply Primo and liquid fertilizer with a mixing tank and proportioner. During several visits last year a very unique combination of an 1100 gal. holding tank and material proportioner were viewed at Eugene CC, Heron Lakes, Eastmoreland and Waverley CC. The combination of this tank and proportioner allows for very rapid mixing of elemental fertilizer with your Primo applications. Based on personal experience and observations during the past 30 years, the ability to further upgrade the mixing procedure will allow for the use of lower priced materials to be used without the time it normally takes to apply liquids to fairways and larger turf areas. For more information concerning the holding tank and proportioner contact DPI Supply at 541-928- 4732. • Demonstrate a faster way to install drainage. It was suggested to add in-ground drainage inhouse by upgrading your trencher to an AFT 45 unit. This trencher (note photo) includes a conveyer belt that can allow two workers to rapidly complete the amount of work normally requiring 4-5 employees. Marine Drive has had excellent results for the past 5 years, thus you may wish to view this unit at their site prior to possible purchase for Beach Grove. • Expand the apron programs, but do not do all of the fairways. While expanding the programs on the aprons makes sense for areas that require turf coverage, the cost of the extra sand, fungicides, clippings removal/storage would be prohibitive. In addition, the extra time required to complete these operations is not available due to noise restrictions and the current size of the staff. Focus on the use of Primo and sand topdressing as this combination will achieve the goal of denser turf with less earthworms at a reasonable cost. TREES Observations and recommendations. While minor improvements have been made in this area, many of the same trees suggested for removal are still in existence with one change – they have all grown! Specific trees viewed during this tour of the golf course that were suggested for movement or removal included the following: • No. 2 green. A large spruce is found to the back left of this green that blocks valuable sunlight on one of the first greens on the golf course during the winter months. Take a close look at this tree (and others) from October-December for selective removal to the south side of this green.
Page 1 and 2: USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Se
Page 3 and 4: Beach Grove Golf Club -3- May 4, 20
Page 7: Beach Grove Golf Club -7- May 4, 20

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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?