As I sit and write this, we are receiving significant rainfall that will be beneficial for the applications we made to the golf course this week ahead of the expected rain event. The last time I checked our rain gauge it was approaching 1 inch and still raining. Following are some of the applications implemented:
- Applied 160 tons of topdressing sand. Areas applied were fairways, dew walks.
- Applied 14 tons of organic fertilizer to roughs, tees, fairways, clubhouse lawns, and driving range.
- Applied a wetting agent and soil treatment to the greens to help move the upcoming rain through the profile.
- Applied 150 pounds per acre of seed to driving range tees and topdressed with sand
As we roll into November and the upcoming rainy season, it is important to reiterate the need to restrict golf cars to paths during wet periods. Compacted soils do not allow the proper air and water movement through the profile to allow viable growth. Due to the high amount of traffic on golf course playing surfaces (especially golf cars), compaction can become a serious issue inhibiting the ability to provide quality playing conditions. Along with compaction, the turfgrass is not able to recover as quickly as the summer months due to shorter days and cooler (soil temperatures) weather. It is essential we control the use of golf cars on the playing surfaces during the winter months.
We take soil tilth very seriously and unfortunately; we must make decisions that are not always popular. It is essential we manage cart usage during the winter months. We have a very specific protocol in place based on the percentage of moisture in the ground off Field Capacity that we will continue to use. Field capacity means soil is 100 percent full of moisture capacity.
We are at a critical time for long term soil health due to the shortest days of the year. Hopefully, this enlightens everyone for the need. We appreciate your cooperation on this extremely important agronomic practice.
As always, please feel free to email me or wave me down on the golf course with any questions you may have.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace, Golf Course Superintendent
