Interesting picture

We are very busy in maintenance mode right now and the course is doing good. So, this week's blog is a quick discussion regarding an interesting picture taken recently.

First, it was and continues to be dry. Despite the last couple of days, which have featured rain, overall, we are several inches behind normal. May was 2” behind normal and June was another 3”. When we start falling that far behind several things become apparent: the inefficiencies of the irrigation system, that trees easily out-compete turfgrass for water, and even the most drought tolerant grasses get dry.

No irrigation system is designed to hold up during significant droughts. Irrigation is a supplement, and bridge, between rain events. When we must rely on irrigation alone for long stretches, the places of poor or no coverage become apparent. More information regarding dry stretches and its affects can be found here and here.

Trees tend to vacuum up all the resources in their vicinity. Their root systems are extensive and can gather much more than grass. Under normal conditions, there is enough water for the tree and turf to survive. But, when drought conditions settle in, the first place to spot it is around the base of trees because the grass under the tree cannot get enough water anymore because the tree is taking it all.

Bermuda grass is a drought and heat tolerant grass. Compared to most turf species, Bermuda grass’s root system is robust. However, even Bermuda grass still needs water. This leads us to the interesting picture mentioned above:

 

 

This picture is interesting for a couple of reasons: First, the brown grass on the tee is dry Bermuda grass. It is behind on its water needs and has started to enter dormancy. Once it receives some water it will turn green again and resume growth, but until then it is conserving its resources. Second, notice how there is a straight line across the tee- the far side of the line is where the Bermuda grass is brown and the near side has green grass. Mother nature does not often work in straight lines. So, what is going on? This line is soil related and points all the way to when this tee was rebuilt during Master Plan construction. The dry half is within the boundary of the tee box and was constructed of 90% sand, while the near side is built on native soil. Water moves through the sand much quicker and therefore dries out much faster than the native soil.

Sometimes, it is like trying to solve a puzzle when we see changes out on the course. Luckily, knowing the underlying soil characteristics made understanding this picture much easier.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! Thank you.

 

 

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

  

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org