Fairway Topdressing Success

NSCC's fairway topdressing program is a critical piece to the overall management of our fairway turf.  The program began in 2008 and was discontinued from 2009-2011 during the economic downturn for budgetary reasons.  The application of sand, when partnered with solid-tine aerification and aggressive vertical mowing, will greatly improve the playability of the fairways.  While the traditionally used core aerifcation allowed us to manage the thatch level of the fairways and alleviate compaction, it did nothing to improve soil conditions.

Since NSCC rests on poorly drained, heavy clay soils, managing turfgrass moisture is very challenging.  As most members can attest, the fairways are very soft when wet allowing for minimal ball roll and increased disease pressure.  When the fairways become dry, they have the consistency of a terracotta pot.  Managing a high quality playing surface under these extremes can be nearly possible at times.

Fairway topdressing allows us to modify the underlying soil profile through the introduction of sand.  As the sand accumulates over the years, the fairways will become increasingly firm with improved drainage.  Golfers will easily recognize the improved ball roll, consistent lies, and increased cart usage following rain events.  The reduction of thatch and improved drainage will reduce disease pressure, allow us to better manage moisture, and provide a higher quality playing surface to the membership.

Consistency and patience are the key to a successful fairway topdressing program.  In its first full year, the program has accumulated over .25" of sand on all the fairways.  At this rate, the fairways will be growing on two inches of sand in seven more years.  Due to the duration of time needed to reach this goal, most golfers will not notice an immediate change, but each year the playability of the fairways will continue to improve.

Course Conditions and Opening

The snow has finally melted and the rains have finally subsided--at least temporarily.  An unusually long winter has taken hold of the Upper Midwest.  Masters weekend, the unofficial start of the golf season, is upon us.  Unfortunately, we remain locked in a miserable weather pattern.  Due to the lack of sun and warm temperatures, the golf course remains locked in a winter-like state.  In fact, soil temperatures have yet to reach 35 degrees Fahrenheit on the golf course.

It goes without saying that the lack of spring weather has delayed the opening of the golf course, especially in contrast to the extremely early opening of 2012, but how much longer do we have to wait?  Rest assured that the golf course maintenance staff monitors conditions on daily basis.  Each year we keep what is in the best interest of the golf course turfgrass in mind when determining when it is appropriate to open.  It appears that the over five inches of rain that we received this past week has ushered the frost from the ground, clearing another necessary hurdle prior to opening.  Conversely the abundance of rain has also left the course in a very soggy and fragile state. 

We typically like to see the turfgrass plants actively growing prior to opening so that they are able to withstand the damage that occurs due to the traffic of daily play.  Usually this means that we have mowed the putting surfaces at least one time.  Since the frost has just left the ground, soil temperatures will now more easily increase with the onset of some sunny days. 

The golf course maintenance staff is ready and excited to open the course for the 2013 golf season.  As usual we will open the course when we are certain that walking traffic will not have a detrimental affect on the turf.  Given the upcoming forecast, more cold and wet weather, I believe that it is unlikely that we open prior to next weekend (4/20).  Should conditions allow, we are prepared to open earlier.  Unfortunately, another week of cold and dreary may delay opening even further.  We appreciate your understanding and patience in this manner and look forward to providing you with a wonderfully conditioned course in the upcoming year.

NSCC Recognized In National Publication

Moisture meters have become a true asset to managing the turfgrass at NSCC, a fact that I have referenced in past blog posts.  The most recent issue of Golf Course Industry magazine highlights the benefits of using moisture meters at various courses.  I had the opportunity to speak with the author of the article and he has included a number of quotes which speak to the importance of the use of these tools.  Click here to read the article.

The Potential Impact From 60 Degrees and Rain In Late January

The best possible scenario for healthy turfgrass in spring is a "normal" winter that includes ample snow cover to insulate the underlying turf.  In recent years it seems as though our "normal" winter no longer includes extended periods of snow cover and cold temperatures.  In its place we have experienced a wide range of temperature fluctuations and a variety of precipiation, both in terms of type and quantity.  What does this new "normal" winter mean for turfgrass at North Shore Country Club.

Any turfgrass manager's greatest fear during the winter months is prolonged ice coverage.  While some ice formation is normal, even during our old "normal" winters, heavy rain events followed by extremely cold temperatures provide the greatest opportunity for winter damage.  Gas exchange is severely limited underneath thick ice coverage that persists for months on end.  Even during the winter months, gas exchange is critical for turfgrass survival.  Without proper gas exchange, the turfgrass may suffocate and die.  In 2010 this type of ice formation led to severe damage across many fairways at NSCC.  Much debate exists within the industry as to whether physically removing ice is beneficial to the turf or if it actually promotes more damage.  Since annual bluegrass is more susceptible to damaged from prolonged ice cover, NSCC's golf course maintenance staff takes a very proactive approach to removing ice from the putting surface during the winter.

Fortunately we have endured our current winter without any periods of prolonged ice coverage.  Instead we have had extended periods of little or no snow coverage and varying temperatures.  Recently we received nearly once inch of rain followed by a rapid decline in temperature.  This scenario can often be problematic.  When temperatures reach unseasonable highs, the grass plants, annual bluegrass in particular, begin to break their dormancy.  Upon breaking dormancy, the turf takes in the available water around it.  As temperatures plummet to the single digits, the water may freeze causing damage or death to the turfgrass plants.  In order to prevent such damage from occurring, the golf course maintenance staff made every effort to remove as much water as possible from the putting surface and low-lying fairway areas.  This practice became more difficult as the rain eventually turned to snow.  Five dedicated maintenance staff employees spent the day in the rain, sleet, and snow removing as much water as possible from NSCC's playing surfaces.

End Of Season Quickly Approaching

Final Plant Protectant Application

 The most recent forecast calls for mild temperatures for the next two days followed by normal temperatures hovering just above freezing during the day time.  I hope everyone interested has time enjoy these last couple of warm days.  The golf course will remain open in its normal format.

NSCC maintenance staff has been busy these last few weeks preparing the course and facilities for the winter.  Susie Jushka, staff horticulturist, once again spent a considerable amount of time researching, ordering, and planting spring bulbs around the expansive clubhouse ornamental beds.  Much like a child waiting to unwrap a Christmas present, she too must wait until next spring to see the fruits of her labor realized.

Last Minute Irrigation Repair

 Other staff members have been busy preparing the course for winter.  Activities such as making our last application of plant protectants to guard against winter diseases, blowing out the irrigation system, winterizing the golf course bathrooms and pool building, and treating all ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer are now complete.  Additionally, all golf course equipment has been stored inside as maintenance staff will begin the annual rite of winter service.


Irrigation System Winterization

 The golf course will remain open until frost enters the ground.  Once the ground becomes frozen, the greens and tees will be closed to all play.  The holes will be cut in the fairways and the tee markers will be moved to the rough in front of the tees.  Please check in with the pro shop for updates regarding course status.  I hope everyone enjoys a great Thanksgiving holiday.

The renovation to the first and eight holes are now complete.  The results are impressive and will serve to improve the playability, aesthetics, and maintenance.  Highlights include:

• New bunkers and drainage.  All bunkers will now drain properly and not require pumping following rain events.
• Consistent bunker sand.
• Putting green contour changes to the eight green.
• Expanded pond on the first hole.
• Additional fairway bunker on the left side of the first hole.
• Widened fairway landing area on the first hole.
• Fairway addition through the green on the eighth hole.
  
   




8 White Before






8 White After






1 White Before






1 White After

8 White Putting Surface Modifications

One of the most critical yet overlooked pieces of the renovation to 8 White is the contour changes to the putting surface.  Like most greens at NSCC, the putting surface on 8 White existed as a relatively flat green.  While the green featured a small decline to the rear right and left, the majority of the putting surface offered little interest.  In designing the plan for the eighth green, Ron Forse, golf course architect, looked to enhance the existing contours by building up and expanding the rear of the green.  This new contour allows for more interesting putting, a better view from the tee, and an improved ability for the green to hold lower trajectory golf shots.

Ron Forse was on hand to oversee the changes that would ultimately occur on green.  After a long conversation regarding playability and construction methods, Ron carefully painted the area which would be changed.

During the process, careful measurements were taken with a digital level to guarantee that the contour would seamlessly match.

Once the designated area was ready for the project all sod was removed and carefully stacked so that it could be returned to the same location.  A special mix of soil was added to the exposed surface.  The soil was tested to verify that it retained physical properties that very closely resemble our existing soil profile.  This will eliminate the chance for turf failure at a later date due to the icompatiblity of the two soils.

After compacting the soil mix, the sod was carefully replaced and compacted by using a vibratory plate compactor and roller.  Prior to opening next May, the grounds and greens staff will continuously aerify, verticut, and roll the surface to make sure the green rolls as true as the rest of the greens at NSCC.