Golf Course News
Miserable weather hampers golf operation
By Todd Mathews
Golf course superintendentAn abundance of wet weather, a lack of sunshine, and high humidity has played havoc with golf operations at Lake Tansi this fall. September and October are usually the driest months of the year, which allows for some of the best golfing conditions of the season. Dry weather in the fall also allows for some much need maintenance such as aerification, seeding, and fertilization. The unusual weather conditions this year have had a very negative impact on all aspects of the golf operation.
Greens aerification was scheduled for September 21st but was delayed 1 week because of rain. Nearly 3 inches of rain was recorded during a 6 day period just before the scheduled aerification. Waiting a week later to aerify didn’t bring much drier conditions. Humidity readings at the time were consistently in the mid 90’s, which dramatically hindered the drying process. Sunshine was not to be found. The greens and the areas surrounding the greens were still damp when aerification took place. It was probably too wet to aerify, but waiting any longer would cut into the healing process. On September 28th and 29th the maintenance staff hesitantly completed the greens and tees aerification. The aerifying equipment caused a little damage in a few places because of the soft conditions, but it wasn’t anything some warm weather and sunshine wouldn’t fix.
Unfortunately the weather needed for healing didn’t arrive. No sunshine and steady rains continued to plague golf maintenance through October. A 5 day stretch in the middle of October brought over 3 inches of rain. From the first of September through the middle of October the golf course received over 10 inches of rain. There seems to be no end in sight.
The greens have not healed as much as desired. Thin areas of turf are not repairing themselves as normal. A layer of black algae has formed at the soil line which is very detrimental to the health of the turf. The root system is extremely weak. Maintenance tasks such as fairway aerification, seeding, bunker conditioning, weed control, and fertilization have been put off. Fall is the time of year to strengthen the turf with these cultural practices. The quality and health of the turf in the ensuing season depends heavily on such practices. The horrible weather this fall has caused the maintenance staff to miss out on the opportunity of completing these much needed tasks.
Lake Tansi golf course is as wet and soft as it can get. Foot traffic around green and tee slopes can be treacherous. The wet soil and weak root system have led to several tail busting spills by golfers and employees. The turf peels away under foot and down they go. It is too late in the season for the areas damaged by foot traffic to heal. Skid marks, stripped sod, and deep foot impressions made now will be there until next year. Ropes have been placed in some of the most treacherous areas around greens exits and entrances. Although most golfers simply step over the ropes, it is meant for players walk around the ropes for their own safety and to protect the turf from excess damage.
The maintenance staff is becoming extremely concerned about notion of leaf removal this fall. The leaves have held on longer than usual this year but it is only a matter of time before the course will become inundated with leaves. At this time, it would be totally impossible to use any of the leaf equipment on the course. The damage would be severe. The course will have to dry completely before the leaf equipment can be utilized. Until then the staff will do their best to control the leaves with back pack blowers.
Not being able to remove leaves from the course because of wet conditions may create a sort of catch 22. “Can’t pick up the leaves because it is to wet, can’t dry the course out because of the leaves.” Leaves lying on the ground shade the soil from sunlight and block the wind from drying. Leaves left unattended also will cause the turf underneath to yellow. Hopefully the course will dry out before the bulk of the leaves begin to fall. Otherwise some serious problems will occur.
The maintenance staff will continue to work hard at providing good playing conditions through these trying times. They, like everyone else, are tired of this weather and are looking forward to better days.
