MESSAGE FROM GROUNDS | Jon Urbanski
As we proceeded through the month of June, the grounds are showing the effects of a hot, dry month. Since May 1st, we have experienced above average temperatures, with below average humidity, and most days, with above average wind speeds. These factors with one rain event to speak of in early June, equal many days spent on applying water through a hose. We could use the irrigation system, but one look at the lower reservoir to the left of 12 North, we must be thoughtful and careful in how we apply our resources. If we do not receive a sprinkling of rain here or there, there is the real possibility of enacting restrictions such as limiting cart use to fairways only and turning off areas that are currently watered by the irrigation, such as the deep roughs of the golf courses. We shall see and let’s all hope together there is no need to decree any limitations. Because the dry conditions, we began venting areas the last week of June. This was initially to fairways and roughs, but we will see this trend extend to the putting surfaces at the beginning of July. The tine size will be no more than six millimeters and we will be determined on the day of the actual exercise. Immediately after the venting, the surfaces will be rolled and soil amendments such as gypsum and potash will be applied. The use of these amendments, such as gypsum, will aid in cell wall formation, cell division, growth, and other physiological functions. Gypsum will also remedy to the build-up of harmful sodium that occurs while reliant on solely irrigation water. Couple this with the venting process, or “air-ification,” the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide will aid in water penetration and retention. As an added bonus, every opportunity to poke a hole, albeit the size of two rice granules, will produce roots that will support healthy turf to get through the “dog days of summer.” We know due to our data collection efforts and the GS3 smart ball, holes poked on a given day will have the greens performing as if nothing was done within two days. We know from past maintenance practices such as venting, holes poked on a Monday, we are hard pressed to see any evidence by the third day. This is because of many factors such as applying the correct amount of nutrients, to the after rolling process, to the use of smooth rollers on our greens mowers. Which leads us our next topic… As we saw high temps come into play about the middle of June, we moved our greens mowers from an aggressive set-up of using machined-grooved front rollers to lightweight rollers. The major difference between the two types of rollers used in greens mowing is that a machined grooved roller will be more aggressive and allow more grass to be removed because it has less surface area supporting the weight of the mower, resulting in a lower height of cut (HOC – actual height of cut vs. bench/ technician set height of cut).
Jon Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
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