Report on tee over-seeding

After the devastation from the winter of 2017-2018 on the Bermuda grass, especially to tees, we experimented with over-seeding. We initially discussed the idea here last fall. We are now starting to get an idea of the first results.

Ryegrass germination in early March

To recap, we over-seeded with annual ryegrass #1 white, #9 red, #11 blue/black, and #15 white/gold tee boxes. Each has a different set of environmental factors as well as differing amounts of usage. We tried to get a representative sample of the different tees to use as our test.

This past winter was much different than the winter of ’17-18. Although we did have some very cold days, they did not stretch on for as long. We also experienced some windy days, though the intensity and duration were also not the same compared to the previous winter. Lastly, what we believe was one of the main factors leading to death of the turf on the tees was desiccation. After all the rain last year and continuing into the winter, everything was much wetter this winter. Unfortunately, this adds up to a trial that was much too different to truly assess whether the over-seeding improved the health and viability of the Bermuda grass.

Up-close picture of germination

We did learn a few things though that will help us move forward with the trial. First, the seed delivery and penetration were not the best. We had learned from talking with other courses that one method was to spread the seed over the top of the tee and then water it into the canopy very heavily. This spring, we see that the density of annual ryegrass is not as thick as it needs to be. We will try more seed, but we will also try slicing the seed directly into the tee.

The seed also took a very long time to germinate and start to grow. We did not see significant growth until late February and early March. This is later than we expected and wanted. So, we will also initiate seeding earlier in the fall this year. Last year we seeded on November 12^th. We will move that date up about 2 weeks and see if we can get more seed to germinate earlier.

Overall, this was a good start to the process. We know we won’t solve any mysteries this first go-round, but we do have a few new insights to help us moving forward.

Over-seeded tee

This tee was not over-seeded

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

When parking your cart at a tee or green, please keep all 4 tires on the path.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org