October
This is a great time for golf in central North Carolina.
The bermuda has a full season of growth and is still green while the cooler nights allow us to lower greens heights, which increases the speed. Throw in the fall foliage and it's no wonder why the number of rounds played in October is always high. We will be applying a fungicide to the bermuda this month for Spring Dead Spot (SDS) control.
As you recall last year we made some experimental applications and had a great success so we are going to treat all the tees, fairways and green surrounds this year. Please keep in mind that I, nor anyone else, can guarantee that we will not have any SDS next spring. There are too many variables to consider, but I will be making applications based on the most recent research.
I have been pleased with the condition of most of the bermuda this year and I
am excited that next year might be even better.
Enjoy the fall golf season.
September
Last month, Pat O’Brien, USGA Agronomist was here for his annual visit. Part
of Mr. O’Brien’s role with the USGA Greens Section, is visiting hundreds of golf
courses throughout the Southeast and evaluating their practices as well as
providing input and expertise. They are a huge resource for superintendents as
they pass along their extensive knowledge along with any pertinent research
findings.
Pat had many positive things to say about the golf course and at the end of the
day he gave a brief review of his visit with the Golf committee. He will also
provide us with a written report. During the meeting, a question I often get
asked about surfaced concerning the lifespan of our greens. Pat was very
complimentary about our agronomic practices with the greens and provided the
following opinion – “the hydraulic and physical properties of the putting green
root zone are performing fine and I foresee no issues that will diminish their
anticipated lifespan of 25 years or longer”.
Although this is a very general statement, I feel that if we continue to
properly care for our greens they will be around for a long time. A large part
of that proper care is aerifying and we will be doing so on September 2 with a
.25” quad tine. If you have any questions about the golf course or are
interested in reading the entire USGA report, please contact me at 336-302-0320
or e-mail me at onsc18@hotmail.com.