Grounds

Although we are starting to see normal temperatures this May, spring 2022 has been a tough one for many turf managers with numerous reports of winterkill. Below average temperatures this spring have slowed recovery from our cultural practices (aeration and fairway dethatching) and winter damage across much of the U.S., particularly in the northeast on predominately poa annua greens. In addition, the cold spring has affected grasses from breaking dormancy, and this has affected when the grass will open on Driving Range tees. These temperatures significantly impacted the warm season grasses (bermudagrass and zoysiagrass). While we did increase the Driving Range tees by 38% last season, the tees are still undersized for the heavy practice they receive. Therefore, we continue to rely on artificial surfaces to preserve the grass until the surface and soil temperatures reach a point where the turf is actively growing and able to recover from the divot injury (growth rate peaks when air temperatures average 68 degrees for cool-season grasses and 87 degrees for warmseason grasses. When the East Course opened at the end of March, you may have noticed numerous divots that had not recovered from the fall and winter months. Remember, a divot that is large enough to be replaced, should be replaced. Recovery from the sand and seed mix can take several weeks or longer to repair (depending on the time of the year) and is only used as a last resort. Speaking of divots, you may notice the new fairway sod at the bottom of the slope near #14 East green approach and the bottom of the hill at #15 East. These areas were covered this winter, and the divots were seeded and covered with a lightweight fabric to promote germination and healing. Unfortunately, there were simply too many divots and areas that didn’t recover during the winter. These two areas were sodded with 007 bentgrass and will remain Ground Under Repair until they become rooted and well established this spring. Have a great spring, and we look forward to seeing you on the course! ◆

#14 EAST GREEN

Lightweight fabric cover to promote germination and healing This area was sodded with 007 bentgrass

Tim Kennelly, CGCS Head Greenkeeper

The proper technique for repairing ball marks is quite simple and requires only a few seconds of effort: 1. Insert any pointed tool at a 45 degree angle behind the ball mark and gently push the top of the tool toward the center of the ball mark 2. Continue working around the ball mark, pushing the surrounding turf in toward the center 3. Afterward, tamp the area down with your putter Please follow the Golden Rule for divot recovery to ensure our fairways remain in top condition throughout the season: 1. A divot that is large enough for the golfer to replace should be replaced 2. Every divot that is not replaced has no chance of survival. This is our best opportunity we have for recovery from divots