USGA visit

On Monday, 8/8, we had a USGA Green Section Agronomist out for a course consultation visit. Our focus of discussion was the Bermuda grass and the struggle we have seen this year. It was a productive meeting.

We will post the full report at the bottom, but here are a few highlights:

• - Bermuda grass across the region has struggled this year. Overall, there was a higher-than-normal infection rate for Spring Dead Spot. Spring Dead Spot is a disease that can only be managed, not cured, or eradicated.
• -  Weather trends over the last 5-7 years have shifted (the cause is irrelevant). May and June are cooler than in the past; July heat does not arrive until the 15^th or later; the summer stretches well into September and even stays seasonably warm into October. So, seeing green Bermuda grass in April and May is great, but it will continue to be late June, July, and early August until the Bermuda grass reaches its full growth potential and fully heals any damage from the winter.
• -  We discussed the impact shade has on Bermuda grass, and in our case particularly on #5 fairway. The USGA Agronomist reminded everyone that Bermuda grass needs at least 8 hours a day of quality sunlight. It was recommended that 4 trees be removed along the right side of #5 fairway. However, it was noted that the right half of #5 fairway is highly prone to disease and winter death, and it will not be cured by removing some trees. The idea is to do all that we can to provide the best growing conditions possible.
• - We covered our current and proposed weed control program. Prior to this meeting, and in fact as early as this past June, the Grounds department started evaluating our current program and looking for ways to improve. After speaking with several other Turfgrass Weed Scientists, and proposing the new program to the USGA Agronomist, he agreed that the new program would improve upon our weed defense. More importantly though, we devised this new program to aid in the recovery of the Bermuda grass from the winter and he agreed that it would also provide the best situation for the Bermuda grass to heal.
• - We also covered our current and proposed Spring Dead Spot control program. Like our weed program, the Grounds department also evaluated our Spring Dead Spot control program. While this year was a bad year across the board, we also felt that our particular control was worse than normal. In discussing the disease with a university pathologist, we are looking at switching to a new chemical. Again, the USGA Agronomist agreed that we were due for a rotation and probably did in fact see less efficacy this year. He also agreed that new products would certainly improve our control.

      Like we have posted and stated many times: the health and playability of the grass is our focus, and it frustrates us as much, or more than the members when it is not right. We have already started the steps to improve for next year. The USGA consultation visit provided good confirmation that we are on the right track.

USGA Report

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please don’t apply bug spray or sunscreen while standing on greens, tees, or fairways.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included a link to a video 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