Golf Maintenance

ON THE GREENS

all in the Lowcountry is nothing short of amazing. While August and September had more than their share of rain, these fall to winter months have followed with some of the best weather you could ask for. Thus, the allure of the Lowcountry, especially to golfers. With more than 20 inches of rain in August, and a bit more in early September, there was a six-week stretch where we received 60% of the rainfall for our year. As September turned to October, temperatures have been cooler than average and the Bermuda Grass is already starting to lose its color. Our soil temperatures are running roughly 12 degrees below normal, which is a big factor on when the Bermuda Grass begins to grow dormant. Our Lowcountry weather has created ideal conditions for the South Course overseed. Cooler temperatures at night and full sun, dry days have allowed us to control the moisture and grow the Ryegrass. In addition, the golf course has not gotten too wet during the process. By the time you read this, the Ryegrass on the South Course will be at our winter height, and we expect great fairway conditions throughout the winter and spring. One challenge we face heading into winter is that dreaded weed poa. The combination of the wet cloudy August and cooler September and October was ideal for poa seed germination. While we are already seeing some earlier germination, we completed early pre-emergents this year. These preventive measures should work to mitigate any early poa germination. Poa is always one of the biggest challenges in the Lowcountry. Extending its germination four to five weeks earlier would only put more pressure on our pre-emergent program. This year, the North Course overseed went out in late October. By going a few weeks earlier, it will help us have a more successful overseed than we saw last year. During the late fall in to December, our Agronomy team is diligently performing practices to establish the Ryegrass, dry the course out, and provide excellent playing conditions for the winter months ahead. Needless to say, it’s a busy fall season and we couldn’t be more pleased as all our agronomy efforts performed this year take shape. Both courses are

By the time you read this, the Ryegrass on the South Course will be at our winter height, and we expect great fairway conditions throughout the winter and spring. - Adam Miller

starting to present more consistent conditions and the agronomy team’s continued and dedicated efforts speak for themselves. Looking ahead, we’re developing our agronomy plans for the new year, as we work toward making 2023 one of the best at Berkeley Hall.