GROUNDS
GREENKEEPER'S UPDATE by Tim Kennelly, CGCS, Head Greenkeeper During winter, our Golf & Grounds Team stayed busy with the weekly weather events (snow and ice) to ensure the safety of members, staff, and guests who arrive at both the Roland Park and Five Farms locations. It was the first time in many years that the entire month of February was entirely covered in snow at our Five Farms location. Both courses have fared very well during the winter months, and I am often asked whether snow is harmful to the grass and golf courses. Since our annual average of snow is approximately 20 inches per year, we have found that snow cover is a good thing because it insulates the turf from cold temperature extremes and severe temperature fluctuations. Snow cover also protects turf from winter wind desiccation. Snow coverage is rarely a problem for turf because gas exchange between the soil and atmosphere is not entirely restricted. Ice, on the other hand, if it persists for too long, is much more dangerous to turf health. Since our playing surfaces are predominately creeping bentgrass, ice is not a concern because creeping bentgrass possesses excellent winter tolerance. In contrast, a green surface such as poa annua may be vulnerable to damage once continuous snow and ice coverage reaches 40 days or more. Once the snow disappeared in March, a few areas remained closed for play until we received consistently warmer temperatures. Due to heavy use on the Driving Range grass areas, we rely on artificial surfaces to preserve grass when conditions do not allow for recovery. Last winter, our staff installed covers on areas of the courses to increase surface and soil temperatures to encourage top growth, seed germination, and root growth in thin areas. The grass tees will open once temperatures are consistently between 60-75 degrees to ensure their adequate recovery. On March 31, 2020, under Governor Hogan’s order, all BCC sporting facilities (including golf) were closed and reopened in early May. Both courses received record rounds of play, and we expect the 2021 season to be just as busy. The Club and our operation remain committed to adapting and changing during these ever-changing times and continue to operate with the highest regard for staff ’s safety and welfare and those who enter the property. Like last year,
our goal remains the same: to provide two well-conditioned golf courses and well-manicured grounds that reflect the pride and professionalism of both our golf courses and Grounds Team. As the golf courses open for play, you will notice many course accessories have been placed back on the courses. They include benches at select tee locations, trash receptacles, bunker rakes, and ball retrievers near the water hazards on the East Course. Regarding the flag poles, you may remove the poles if you desire; however, the noodles will remain for a period of time. We look forward to a great 2021 golf season. ◆
COURSE CLOSURES APRIL 5
East Course closed
12 West Course closed (Solid tine fairway aeration) 19
East Course closed
26
East Course closed
MAY 3-5
East Course closed (Aeration)
10
East Course closed (Aeration rain date)
17
West Course closed
24
West Course closed
JUNE 1
East Course closed
7
East Course closed
14
East Course closed
21
East & West closed (Private event)
28
East & West closed (Private event raindate)
13
