Grounds

GREENKEEPER'S UPDATE by Tim Kennelly, CGCS, Head Greenkeeper During winter, our Golf & Grounds Team stayed busy our goal remains the same: to provide two well-conditioned with the weekly weather events (snow and ice) to ensure golf courses and well-manicured grounds that reflect the the safety of members, staff, and guests who arrive at both pride and professionalism of both our golf courses and the Roland Park and Five Farms locations. It was the first Grounds Team. As the golf courses open for play, you will time in many years that the entire month of February was notice many course accessories have been placed back on entirely covered in snow at our Five Farms location. the courses. They include benches at select tee locations, trash 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 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. that snow cover is a good thing because it insulates the turf We look forward to a great 2021 golf season. ◆ 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 COURSE CLOSURES for too long, is much more dangerous to turf health. Since our playing surfaces are predominately creeping bentgrass, APRIL ice is not a concern because creeping bentgrass possesses 5 East Course closed excellent winter tolerance. In contrast, a green surface such 12 West Course closed (Solid tine fairway as poa annua may be vulnerable to damage once continuous aeration) snow and ice coverage reaches 40 days or more. 19 East Course closed Once the snow disappeared in March, a few areas remained 26 East Course closed 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, MAY 3-5 East Course closed (Aeration) our staff installed covers on areas of the courses to increase 10 East Course closed (Aeration rain date) surface and soil temperatures to encourage top growth, seed 17 West Course closed germination, and root growth in thin areas. The grass tees 24 West Course closed will open once temperatures are consistently between 60-75 degrees to ensure their adequate recovery. JUNE On March 31, 2020, under Governor Hogan’s order, all 1 East Course closed BCC sporting facilities (including golf) were closed and reopened in early May. Both courses received record rounds 7 East Course closed of play, and we expect the 2021 season to be just as busy. 14 East Course closed The Club and our operation remain committed to adapting 21 East & West closed (Private event) and changing during these ever-changing times and 28 East & West closed (Private event raindate) continue to operate with the highest regard for staff’s safety and welfare and those who enter the property. Like last year,