While most people may think that it is odd that we need to discuss that the course greens are always the number one priority as it affects course conditions, I feel that it should be communicated. As you will soon see from the pictures below, there are many areas on the greens we inherited that are unsatisfactory. The thing that Randy and I have found the most peculiar is when addressing course concerns with many of the members so far, the condition of the greens has hardly been mentioned. I believe that this is because greens are easy to take for granted. Golfers expect nice, firm and true greens and rightfully so. However, as we are the people responsible for delivering those greens conditions that are expected, we do not have the ability to overlook them. That being said, the thing that I would like to ask everyone is patience. After careful consideration we have decided that the best plan of action for many of the thin areas on greens is to allow them time to heal. This combined with a boosted fertilizer program, regular sand and seed topdressings and a solid chemical program to avoid turf disease that could potentially make matters worse. Here are some of these areas.....
There are a few areas on the greens where we feel that sod is warranted. These areas are ones that are typically in the clean-up passes (the outer 4-6 ft all the way around the green) and are areas where the mower continues to tear the turf back out as fast as it grows in. This is usually due to turf death and/or quick changes in grade that cause the mower to "dig in" for a split second before it can level back out. The plan for these areas is remove sod from a small section of the practice green that will then be reseeded. Here is one of these types of areas...
Part of this plan was put into action as of yesterday February 1 when we made a light, granular fertilizer application to all the greens. While most of the nutrients will most likely be lost due to leaching or volitization this time of year, we feel that the positive effects to soil fertility and any nutrients that the plants may take up can do nothing but help.
In time we will see the greens in a condition that is satisfactory to everyone.
Thank you for your patience,
Klint Ladd
Golf Course Superintendent
