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July 5, 2011
It's All About The Roots!
Jeff Johnson, The Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, MN:





"If you talk to any superintendent about the health of the turf plant, they will invariably speak about the quality and depth of the roots of the plant. Having deep roots heading into summer is critical for the plants to survive the heat of the summer unscathed. For the past 3-4 years we have been promoting creeping bentgrass over poa annua. Many members question the reason and what the benefits really are. Superintendents know the many benefits and the potential for deep rooting plants is one of those benefits.

Today I inserted a soil probe into our second fairway as deep as it would go (13"). When I pulled it out, roots were hanging from the bottom of the probe. Additionally at that depth there the soil temperatures were nice and cool, about 60 degrees, and there was also adequate moisture. With roots at that depth (13+") this allows us to provide firmer playing conditions as we can really stretch our watering cycles.

Deep roots = a healthier plant, a plant that requires less nutrients, less water and firmer playing conditions."

Visit Jeff's blog at http://minikahdagrounds.blogspot.com/
Topdressing
Steve Cook, CGCS MG, Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, MI:



"Today we topdressed the North greens.

Topdressing with sand is the most effective means of diluting thatch on putting surfaces. There are additional benefits:
  • smooths the putting surface
  • helps eliminate or minimize "grain"
  • provides a firmer surface
Light and frequent topdressing is preferred as long as there is access to the golf course to get it done. We avoid topdressing on days when the temperatures are in the high 80's or low 90's due to the abrasive stress on the turf."

Visit Steve's blog at http://ohccturf.blogspot.com
Spring flush edition
Michael Stachowicz, Dedham (MA) Country and Polo Club:

"While it isn’t spring anymore, the past week of cool wet weather coupled with warm soil temperatures conspired to give Dedham a spring flush of growth. Throughout the property as golfers stayed away and there were no golf carts to be seen, divots healed, seed sprouted, rough grew, and everything else grew too. It will take several cuts on all the surfaces for us to get caught up and be able to present the finish we want to. It was a great breather that has helped us get into great shape as we head in to July — the greenkeeper’s least favorite month.
"Throughout the property as golfers stayed away and there were no golf carts to be seen, divots healed, seed sprouted, rough grew, and everything else grew too..."

When thinking about this little reprieve and how Dedham will benefit from it, I got to thinking about how not long ago that such a long period of rain would lead to course closures, extended cart restrictions, water pillows in fairways, plugged balls, and dead areas on fairways where the water sat. We have avoided these pitfalls last week through years of drainage, cart path additions, cart control, thatch removal, and sand applications. Dedham is still prone to issues with ground water and the Charles River and there is not much I can do about that, but some regular rain events we can handle.

This year so far is 180 degrees from last year. I mean that both direction wise, and temperature wise (almost). Every year is a chess game with mother nature and this one is off to a good start it seems — unless she is trying to hustle me."

Visit Michael's blog at http://mstachowicz.wordpress.com

Green Speed
Ken Thompson, Greate Bay Country Club, Somers Point, NJ
"What makes green speed? Is it just shaving the down the greens? Is it really that simple?

"Green speed is something that must be planned for, not just 'made'. And not just accomplished by green height."
Green speed isn’t that simple. Height of cut does play a role, but shaving down the greens is not the only factor. Green speed also depends on many other factors and the consistency of maintenance programs – some of these are mowing frequency, rolling, topdressing, soil moisture management, verti-cutting, growth regulators, and fertility. Green speed is also a function of weather and turfgrass variety. Because of all the necessary programs, green speed also depends on a lot of person power. Green speed is something that must be planned for, not just 'made'. And not just accomplished by green height.

When we plan for a tournament, preparations to produce a target green speed begin at least six or more weeks in advance. All the programs are increased to peak the greens at the time of the tournament. If we have timed every thing correctly, the greens will top out at tournament time, and be healthy enough to recover from the stress incurred. The longer we maintain them in this manner, the weaker they become due to all the stresses put on the plants, which is why the greens cannot be kept at tournament speeds at all times. Even US Open and Master’s greens don’t stay fast for very long."

Visit Ken's blog at http://greatebaycc.blogspot.com
Inspector Gadget
Jason VanBuskirk, Stow Acres Country Club, Stow, MA:

"I was born in 1984 and it wasn’t until the late 80s early 90s that I really became interested in cartoons. Inspector Gadget was a favorite of mine and my brother. That guy really did have everything he needed at his fingertips. His life, or detective life, was made so simple because of a handful of creative gadgets. Looking back, it almost seems like the creators had a crystal ball looking into 2011. Now, it seems like every day, engineers and creators all over the world are coming out with the next best gadget. I would like to quickly share with you three gadgets that have made my turf life much simpler.

The iPad:
This device is one of the most essential tools for the Golf Course Superintendent. I know I don’t need to elaborate on reasons for most of you, but it has helped me tremendously since I got one for my birthday back in January. The app store allows for so much to be accomplished on one little tablet. Scheduling, weather forecasting, application recording, idea collaboration, and even irrigation running and programming are all done from the iPad. The best app for me has been LogMeIn Ignition. This allows me to connect to my Rainbird Irrigation Central and run any head in the field. It also allows me to program, add stations, delete stations, change stations and run times from anywhere I have WiFi or 3G capability. It has easily increased my personal efficiency by at least 50%. Other essential apps have been Evernote, WritePad, Calendars, Intellicast HD, and Dropbox. If you are familiar with the iPad, download them and take a look. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

ZaggMate Case/keyboard:
There is really not a whole lot that needs to be said about this awesome accessory for the iPad except, buy it! It is crafted with military grade aluminum, ensuring extra protection. It has a hard bluetooth qwerty keyboard built-in, allowing for quick typing and comfort. Check it out here.

Cinemin Swivel:
Have those troubling board meetings to attend each week or month? Still unsure about how to get your points across without holding an on-course field trip with your entire membership or ownership? This little gadget is perfect. This is actually a pocket projector from Wowwee. It is the size of an iPhone and comes with a little carrying case and adapters for a PC, laptop, or iPad/iPhone. Its ideal partner is the iPad, but that’s only for extra convenience. I just got this device for Father’s day, and I haven’t had a real chance to use it to its fullest capability. I know its going to be perfect for meetings, intern education sessions, college lectures, and even movies in the shop (during snow storms of course). Check it out here

Visit Jason's blog at http://stowacresturf.com

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