On occasion the USGA will issue alerts when issues golf courses are facing become severe. In my almost 20 years in the golf course industry, they have issued 2; this is the third. The first in my time was during the ice storms in 1996 and the second was for the outbreak of Anthracnose this region was seeing in 2000. As you can see alerts are not sent often so when they are it is of immediate and serious concern.
On Wednesday the senior USGA Agronomist for the Mid-Atlantic region toured the course with me and to specifically look at 10 and 14 greens. He seconded all the programs we have initated to deal with the weather situation. This Agronomist visits nearly 10 different golf courses every week throughout the golf season as well as making emergency visits when asked. Of all the courses he has visited he has rated us a B+, above average for the condition of Hartefeld National during these diffiuclt times.
As I have never want to feel I am succeeding based on others failures, that is not who I am. But to see the many high-end facilites in our area closing due to TOTAL turf loss, confirms that we are on the right track with our programs during this difficult time.
Here is the Alert that was issued:
United States Golf Association July 27, 2010
Mid-Atlantic Green Section
485 Baltimore Pike, Suite 203, Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 558-9066 Fax (610) 558-1135
Manor Oak One, Suite 410
1910 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15220
(412) 341-4922 Fax (412) 341-5954
WEATHER ALERT
TURF LOSS ADVISORY
Periodically, the agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic region send letters to USGA member courses on extraordinary weather conditions and turf loss related matters. The weather experienced the summer of 2010 has prompted this letter.
Our goal is to alert golfers and turf managers alike that this extended period of heat and drought followed by heat, humidity and thunderstorms has caused and probably will continue to cause turf stress and turf loss problems throughout the region. No two golf courses are alike. They all have different grasses, soils and golfer expectations. It is important that golf course superintendents use, “defensive golf course maintenance and management programs.” That is, be conservative. Pamper the grass. The turfgrass is under intense weather stress compounded by an increase in disease pressure. Be more concerned about plant health than green speed!!! There is an old adage in our industry, “slow grass is better than no grass.” This is not a joke. It needs to be taken seriously.
Suggested “defensive” management programs include:
• Compress spray programs. With heat, humidity and thunderstorms, fungicides do not last as long and disease pressure is greater. There is no better money spent than to protect the grass from disease.
• Raise mowing heights and use sharp mowers. This can help the grass survive.
• Mow less/roll more. The goal is to reduce mechanical stress to the grass plant.
• Switch from grooved to solid rollers (and protect collars from the turning of mowers).
• Spoonfeed the grass. Weekly sprays are best when applying light rates of fertility, iron (to keep the grass green) and growth regulators. Excessive grass growth depletes carbohydrates.
• Air drainage. On pocketed greens, prune limbs, use fans and generally keep the air moving. When you are hot, you stand in front of a fan. When the grass is stressed, it needs good air movement as well. Drier turf is also less prone to disease.
• DO NOT OVER-WATER. Hand water. Lightly syringe the turf with the nozzle never going past horizontal. Any mid-day watering should be focused on cooling the canopy. If you are wetting the soil, you are not syringing! Remember, you can always add more water but wet, saturated soil damages roots, increases disease and contributes to turf loss via the Wet Wilt Syndrome. If corrective watering needs to be done for dry spots, the extra water should be applied in the early morning or late in the evening. Do not over-water the grass in mid-day heat.
• Surface aerate/vent the greens. This allows the soil to breath, excess moisture to escape and roots to regrow which helps the grass survive.
In summary, be careful. This may be one of our hottest summers in decades. We all share the responsibility of keeping the turf on our golf courses as healthy as possible during this period of extreme weather. Again, be careful and have realistic expectations for golf course playability.
The Mid-Atlantic Region’s agronomists are part of your agronomic support team. If you have a question or concern, do not hesitate to give us a call or send an e-mail.
Glen Mills office: (610) 558-9066
Stan Zontek (szontek@usga.org) and Darin Bevard (dbevard@usga.org)
Pittsburgh office: (412) 341-5922
Keith Happ (khapp@usga.org)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Blog posting this summer
This summer is most certainly up there on my list of ones I would like to forget and for turf mangers, one that will be talked about for years to come. This summer we are seeing the heat from 2005 and the rain from 2009. One would think if we married our practices from 2005 and 2009 we would be just fine. Doesn't work like that!
The summer of 2010 has been stressful for everyone and has required everyone to stay on top of their game. One small issue or slip and your toast and with this heat you could literally be toast! With everything we have been facing and with some of the issues on the course, it is important for me to continue to communicate to YOU what is happening. However, remaining on top of things literally 24 hours a day has made it very difficult to continue updating the blog. The past few days I have taken some time to update a few of the issues we are facing on the course, but there are more and no doubt that list will get bigger as the weather continues.
What I would encourage all of you to do if you have a question regarding something specific, is to email me, Joe Mackley or Mike Fox. I have conversations with both of these gentlemen daily regarding the course, if they can't answer your question they will contact me. As I have said since day one, I have an open door policy. I am here to manage the course you belong to, if you have a question please contact me. I would be glad to either meet on the course to answer questions or by email.
Thank you all for your patience this summer, it has no doubt been a difficult one.
The summer of 2010 has been stressful for everyone and has required everyone to stay on top of their game. One small issue or slip and your toast and with this heat you could literally be toast! With everything we have been facing and with some of the issues on the course, it is important for me to continue to communicate to YOU what is happening. However, remaining on top of things literally 24 hours a day has made it very difficult to continue updating the blog. The past few days I have taken some time to update a few of the issues we are facing on the course, but there are more and no doubt that list will get bigger as the weather continues.
What I would encourage all of you to do if you have a question regarding something specific, is to email me, Joe Mackley or Mike Fox. I have conversations with both of these gentlemen daily regarding the course, if they can't answer your question they will contact me. As I have said since day one, I have an open door policy. I am here to manage the course you belong to, if you have a question please contact me. I would be glad to either meet on the course to answer questions or by email.
Thank you all for your patience this summer, it has no doubt been a difficult one.
Weeds
Many things this year have been extremely frustating and at times just flat out difficult to even stomach this year! One issue particularly for me is the weeds. Normally thorought the summer we are able to periodically touch up our spring weed control to keep weeds to a minimum. In the fall, the best time to approach weed control, we are able to make larger broadcast applications to cleanup any weeds going into winter.
This summer we have not been able to spray a drop of herbicide. Herbicides are classed in two categories, selective and non-selective. Non-selectives are easy, as the name says it all, they kill everything and anything they touch. Round-up is an example of this type. Selective herbicides are used to target a particular species of weed. These can be sprayed over tolerant species of turf and only eliminate your targeted weeds. However, the key words above are "tolerant species". During the weather nothing is tolerant to herbicides. We have had to cease all herbicide applications since June. Normally our turf acts as a natural "herbicide". With a nice thick healthy stand of turfgrass it makes it difficult for any weeds to germinate in the soil, to put it simply there just isn't room. This summer our turf has thinned, giving optimum growing conditions for summer annual broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Two weeds particular we are seeing become very aggressive in this weather, Nutsedge and Crabgrass. Nutsedge is the light lime collar grass we are seeing in the perimeter cuts around greens and in bunker faces. This sedge grows extremely fast. In the perimeter cut, this species stands out like a soar thumb because it can grow quickly to 5 and 6 inches, while the first cut remains at less than an inch. The other annual grassy weed we are seeing is crabgrass. In the spring we made a broadcast application on everything but the greens for crabgrass. The reason we are seeing breakthrough is because of the lack of rain in June. When a pre-emergent is applied, it creates a barrier on the soil surface that does not allow for annual grassy weeds like crabgrass to germinate. However, when the soil becomes very dry and cracks begin to form, the seeds now have an area to germinate through. Many of our hotter and drier areas of the course, like bunker faces, edges of cartpaths and roughs have a higher than usual population of crabgrass. Crabgrass is also classified as a warmseason grass, like bermuda grass. The weather we have been experiencing is perfect for crabgrass to thrive in. Simply, crabgrass is living the good life right now, however, it has no idea what it is about to face next week!
Forecasters are calling for a break in the weather. Temperatures are set to return to seasonable levels which will allow us to begin treating many of these weeds. Next week we will begin spot spraying for both crabgrass and nutsedge across the course. Once we make the application, you will see these grasses turn green, to yellow, then brown. I am very much looking forward to this fall for many many reasons, but one is certainly our broadcast application of herbicides.
This summer we have not been able to spray a drop of herbicide. Herbicides are classed in two categories, selective and non-selective. Non-selectives are easy, as the name says it all, they kill everything and anything they touch. Round-up is an example of this type. Selective herbicides are used to target a particular species of weed. These can be sprayed over tolerant species of turf and only eliminate your targeted weeds. However, the key words above are "tolerant species". During the weather nothing is tolerant to herbicides. We have had to cease all herbicide applications since June. Normally our turf acts as a natural "herbicide". With a nice thick healthy stand of turfgrass it makes it difficult for any weeds to germinate in the soil, to put it simply there just isn't room. This summer our turf has thinned, giving optimum growing conditions for summer annual broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Two weeds particular we are seeing become very aggressive in this weather, Nutsedge and Crabgrass. Nutsedge is the light lime collar grass we are seeing in the perimeter cuts around greens and in bunker faces. This sedge grows extremely fast. In the perimeter cut, this species stands out like a soar thumb because it can grow quickly to 5 and 6 inches, while the first cut remains at less than an inch. The other annual grassy weed we are seeing is crabgrass. In the spring we made a broadcast application on everything but the greens for crabgrass. The reason we are seeing breakthrough is because of the lack of rain in June. When a pre-emergent is applied, it creates a barrier on the soil surface that does not allow for annual grassy weeds like crabgrass to germinate. However, when the soil becomes very dry and cracks begin to form, the seeds now have an area to germinate through. Many of our hotter and drier areas of the course, like bunker faces, edges of cartpaths and roughs have a higher than usual population of crabgrass. Crabgrass is also classified as a warmseason grass, like bermuda grass. The weather we have been experiencing is perfect for crabgrass to thrive in. Simply, crabgrass is living the good life right now, however, it has no idea what it is about to face next week!
Forecasters are calling for a break in the weather. Temperatures are set to return to seasonable levels which will allow us to begin treating many of these weeds. Next week we will begin spot spraying for both crabgrass and nutsedge across the course. Once we make the application, you will see these grasses turn green, to yellow, then brown. I am very much looking forward to this fall for many many reasons, but one is certainly our broadcast application of herbicides.
Heat Wreaking Havoc on Golf Courses
Below is an article from the GCSAA discussing the almost Nationwide struggle for all turf managers during this summer's weather conditions.
07/22/2010
Superintendents, facilities pulling out all stops to address the challenge
Heat wreaking havoc on golf courses nationwide
Prolonged periods of high temperatures, and in some cases, excessive rainfall, and high humidity have made life uncomfortable for golfers and golf courses alike, with Mother Nature holding all the cards for true relief.
"The simple fact is the cool-season turfgrasses such as bentgrass, fescue, bluegrass, annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and others are stressed when temperatures climb and humidity is high," Clark Throssell, Ph.D., director of research for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, said. "Golf courses in many parts of the country experience this every year, however what makes the situation so dire this year are the high levels of extended heat and humidity, and the sizeable part of the country affected (Midwest, Mideast, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic)."
According to Throssell, golf facilities and those entrusted with managing the golf course – golf course superintendents – are not alone in this battle with the elements. However, the nature of their product makes their challenge greater.
"We are certainly seeing homeowners, athletic fields and businesses suffer turfgrass damage brought on by the conditions," Throssell said. "What makes it more difficult for golf facilities are the mowing heights are much lower and traffic is much heavier. That just adds to the stress on the turfgrass."
Throssell indicates that golf course superintendents are addressing the issue with a variety of management practices to make sure turfgrass survives. While there may be some short-term impact on playability of the course, the alternative is the loss of grass, the closure of the course and the additional costs of re-establishing playing surfaces (primarily putting greens).
He also cautioned golfers from thinking that water, whether from rain or irrigation, is the answer to the ills. There is a difference between heat stress and drought stress. Adequate irrigation will alleviate drought stress. Adequate irrigation will not alleviate heat stress. It is not only possible, but likely, for a turfgrass plant to be adequately watered and still suffer from heat stress under extended periods of high temperatures.
Among the practices that superintendents are implementing to manage golf courses include:
Raising the mowing heights of playing areas, most notably putting greens.
Alternating daily practices of mowing and rolling putting greens, with consideration to skipping a day if the schedule of play allows.
Forgoing double mowing, topdressing, verticutting or grooming greens.
Watering to provide adequate soil moisture, but not over watering as saturated soil will cause the turfgrass to decline rapidly.
Hand watering as much as feasible. If a green has a dry spot or two, superintendents will hand water the dry spots only and will not water the entire green. When the entire green shows stress from a lack of water, superintendents use the overhead sprinklers and water the entire green.
Avoid aerifying using large diameter tines that penetrate deeply into soil and remove a core of soil. If a superintendent feels the putting surface is sealed, venting using small diameter solid tines or other similar technique is employed.
If fertilizer is required, small amounts of fertilizer are applied via a sprayer and observation of the response occurs before fertilizing again.
Monitoring and adjusting golf car traffic patterns to minimize stress to turf.
Throssell indicated that during periods such as this, it becomes easy to compare golf course conditions and pressure decision makers into actions that might prove detrimental to the long term health of the playing surface.
"Communication is vital," Throssell said. "Superintendents, golf professionals, owners, managers and others must be in constant contact with golfers to educate them on what is happening at the facility. But golfers must also understand that golf courses are like snowflakes – no two are alike. Some courses may be able to withstand the challenges of Mother Nature better than others because of better drainage and soil conditions, better air flow due to the placement of trees, less traffic or the presence of greater financial resources.
"We know the weather conditions will become more agreeable. What is important right now is to manage the golf course in a manner so that turf can be kept alive until that point."
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
07/22/2010
Superintendents, facilities pulling out all stops to address the challenge
Heat wreaking havoc on golf courses nationwide
Prolonged periods of high temperatures, and in some cases, excessive rainfall, and high humidity have made life uncomfortable for golfers and golf courses alike, with Mother Nature holding all the cards for true relief.
"The simple fact is the cool-season turfgrasses such as bentgrass, fescue, bluegrass, annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and others are stressed when temperatures climb and humidity is high," Clark Throssell, Ph.D., director of research for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, said. "Golf courses in many parts of the country experience this every year, however what makes the situation so dire this year are the high levels of extended heat and humidity, and the sizeable part of the country affected (Midwest, Mideast, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic)."
According to Throssell, golf facilities and those entrusted with managing the golf course – golf course superintendents – are not alone in this battle with the elements. However, the nature of their product makes their challenge greater.
"We are certainly seeing homeowners, athletic fields and businesses suffer turfgrass damage brought on by the conditions," Throssell said. "What makes it more difficult for golf facilities are the mowing heights are much lower and traffic is much heavier. That just adds to the stress on the turfgrass."
Throssell indicates that golf course superintendents are addressing the issue with a variety of management practices to make sure turfgrass survives. While there may be some short-term impact on playability of the course, the alternative is the loss of grass, the closure of the course and the additional costs of re-establishing playing surfaces (primarily putting greens).
He also cautioned golfers from thinking that water, whether from rain or irrigation, is the answer to the ills. There is a difference between heat stress and drought stress. Adequate irrigation will alleviate drought stress. Adequate irrigation will not alleviate heat stress. It is not only possible, but likely, for a turfgrass plant to be adequately watered and still suffer from heat stress under extended periods of high temperatures.
Among the practices that superintendents are implementing to manage golf courses include:
Raising the mowing heights of playing areas, most notably putting greens.
Alternating daily practices of mowing and rolling putting greens, with consideration to skipping a day if the schedule of play allows.
Forgoing double mowing, topdressing, verticutting or grooming greens.
Watering to provide adequate soil moisture, but not over watering as saturated soil will cause the turfgrass to decline rapidly.
Hand watering as much as feasible. If a green has a dry spot or two, superintendents will hand water the dry spots only and will not water the entire green. When the entire green shows stress from a lack of water, superintendents use the overhead sprinklers and water the entire green.
Avoid aerifying using large diameter tines that penetrate deeply into soil and remove a core of soil. If a superintendent feels the putting surface is sealed, venting using small diameter solid tines or other similar technique is employed.
If fertilizer is required, small amounts of fertilizer are applied via a sprayer and observation of the response occurs before fertilizing again.
Monitoring and adjusting golf car traffic patterns to minimize stress to turf.
Throssell indicated that during periods such as this, it becomes easy to compare golf course conditions and pressure decision makers into actions that might prove detrimental to the long term health of the playing surface.
"Communication is vital," Throssell said. "Superintendents, golf professionals, owners, managers and others must be in constant contact with golfers to educate them on what is happening at the facility. But golfers must also understand that golf courses are like snowflakes – no two are alike. Some courses may be able to withstand the challenges of Mother Nature better than others because of better drainage and soil conditions, better air flow due to the placement of trees, less traffic or the presence of greater financial resources.
"We know the weather conditions will become more agreeable. What is important right now is to manage the golf course in a manner so that turf can be kept alive until that point."
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Monday, July 26, 2010
10 green issues
10 green has really struggled through this summers extreme weather. Forecasters are calling this the worst summer in over 9 years. Since June 1st, 55 days ago, we have had 27 days at or above 90 with many days over 100 degree heat index. In the 25 days of July alone, we have had 18 days at or above 90, along with over 7 inches of rain. Turfgrass is far far better off dry when facing heat and humidity than with excessive rain.
There is no one issue with 10 green or we would not be experiencing the problems we have now. The green sitting in a very low pocket and not draining are only a couple of the issues we face. Over the last week the green has really struggled purely because of temperatures.
Bentgrass can tolerate the heat the best of all cool season grasses, but even that has it's limits. At about 85 degree soil temps roots will begin to decline and die. The roots are the lifeline of the turf and without a functioning root system, we have no grass. Over the last week, soil temps on 10 green would only cool during nighttime hours to mid to low 80's; which is already the upper temperature threshold. During the day this green would reach temperatures well over 100 degrees! At this soil temperature the grass cannot survive.
There are many techniques used to cool the soil and every one of these were employed last week, but with the extreme weather especially Friday through Sunday, each had little affect.
On Sunday the green was at it's worst and therefore play had to be removed. We will continue to utilize a temporary until we begin to see improvement.
We are working with Sequoia to correct many of the issues that create an issue for the turf on 10 green. The following is being reviewed:
Removing the entire wicker barrier around the green.
Using sonar to detect drain lines. Once the drain lines are mapped this tool will also be used to find issues we have with the drains.
Continue removal of brush and trees behind the green to allow for proper air movement.
Installation of large turf fans to assist with air movement when Mother Nature can't supply it.
Once we see an extended break in the weather, the collar will be resodded. During our struggles with 10, it was found the greensurface has shrunk significantly. The leftside and front is almost 5 feet shy of the actual constructed dimensions. When the collar is sodded we will be restoring this green to the original size. This will create more of a false front.
William Brown, CGCS
Sent from my iPhone
Severe storms 7/25
Yesterday afternoon severe storms ripped through Hartefeld. Along with rain falling at a rate of 10" per hour the winds we gusting to 50mph. Several trees fell victim to the winds along with a dozen or so being damaged leaving limbs hanging.
With 2" of rain in approximately 25 mins the bunkers were completely washed out.
Today we are concentrating on course clean-up. There is too much debris on the course to allow us to mow today. Tomorrow we will return to our normal maintenance routine.
William Brown, CGCS
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Course Update 7/15 - Members Please Read
Below is a letter sent to all members regarding our current weather situation. We went from 100 degree, drought conditions to rainforest type conditions. The situation should not be taken lightly, this is serious. Please read below.
Attention
Hartefeld Members
Prior to July 10th, we went 43 days with only .88 inches of rain. In the last 4 days we have
received 4.25 inches of rain. Along with the rain, the humidity has continued to remain extremely high
and we are now forecasted to begin our 5th heat wave of the year today! Temperatures are forecasted
in the 90ʼs for the next 5 days and with the saturated conditions at Hartefeld, this WILL cause turf loss if
corrective actions are not taken immediately.
Over the last 2 days algae and anaerobic conditions began to build in our greens, they simple
canʼt get any oxygen in them. Yesterday afternoon we received yet more rain and upon arriving to work
early this morning, our situation has worsened. Just as we took corrective action during the spell of 100
plus degree days to keep our course in excellent condition, we must immediately take corrective action
now or we will see significant turf issues. After my evaluation and consultation with the USGA
agronomist this morning, the following is what we are initiating, effective immediately:
- All the greens this morning are receiving a solid tine (bayonet tine) aeration. We need to
release the toxic sulfide gases and allow oxygen to begin moving into the soil. This process
is the most vital of all.
- Several greens on the course are now being handmowed to assist in compaction and
compression issues. The use of a triplex with the greens as wet as they are will create
scalping.
- Oxygen is the most vital element as this time. To keep from compressing the oxygen out of
the greens soil profile, rolling will be suspended until we see the greens dry a bit. I anticipate
the greens being rolled tomorrow and through the weekend.
- We will be applying Zinc to the greens tomorrow. Zinc helps reduce the build-up of surface
algae on the greens. We are seeing algae form on many of the greens very quickly with the
humidity levels so hight. When algae forms on the surface, it inhibits oxygen from moving to
the plant and soil profile. It is the equivalent of a person putting a plastic bag over their head.
As with the weather we faced 1 week ago, our Agronomy programs are strong and will
help us through this time of difficult environmental stresses. For additional updates and
information please look to the Course Maintenance Blog - www.greensuper.blogspot.com
The entire Hartefeld Management and Agronomy team would like to thank you for
your cooperating during these difficult times.
William Brown, CGCS
Superintendent Hartefeld National
Attention
Hartefeld Members
Prior to July 10th, we went 43 days with only .88 inches of rain. In the last 4 days we have
received 4.25 inches of rain. Along with the rain, the humidity has continued to remain extremely high
and we are now forecasted to begin our 5th heat wave of the year today! Temperatures are forecasted
in the 90ʼs for the next 5 days and with the saturated conditions at Hartefeld, this WILL cause turf loss if
corrective actions are not taken immediately.
Over the last 2 days algae and anaerobic conditions began to build in our greens, they simple
canʼt get any oxygen in them. Yesterday afternoon we received yet more rain and upon arriving to work
early this morning, our situation has worsened. Just as we took corrective action during the spell of 100
plus degree days to keep our course in excellent condition, we must immediately take corrective action
now or we will see significant turf issues. After my evaluation and consultation with the USGA
agronomist this morning, the following is what we are initiating, effective immediately:
- All the greens this morning are receiving a solid tine (bayonet tine) aeration. We need to
release the toxic sulfide gases and allow oxygen to begin moving into the soil. This process
is the most vital of all.
- Several greens on the course are now being handmowed to assist in compaction and
compression issues. The use of a triplex with the greens as wet as they are will create
scalping.
- Oxygen is the most vital element as this time. To keep from compressing the oxygen out of
the greens soil profile, rolling will be suspended until we see the greens dry a bit. I anticipate
the greens being rolled tomorrow and through the weekend.
- We will be applying Zinc to the greens tomorrow. Zinc helps reduce the build-up of surface
algae on the greens. We are seeing algae form on many of the greens very quickly with the
humidity levels so hight. When algae forms on the surface, it inhibits oxygen from moving to
the plant and soil profile. It is the equivalent of a person putting a plastic bag over their head.
As with the weather we faced 1 week ago, our Agronomy programs are strong and will
help us through this time of difficult environmental stresses. For additional updates and
information please look to the Course Maintenance Blog - www.greensuper.blogspot.com
The entire Hartefeld Management and Agronomy team would like to thank you for
your cooperating during these difficult times.
William Brown, CGCS
Superintendent Hartefeld National
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Course closed 7/13
The course will be closed this morning opening at 11:30am. We receives 1.2" of rain in the last 10 hours most falling between 5am and 6am this morning.
William Brown, CGCS
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, July 8, 2010
7/7 irrigation issues
Last night our irrigation computer locked up in mid cycle. It was imperative this ran last night! Arriving to work at 4 am this was realized and immediately began re cycling the program. The irrigation will run until 10am today. All playing surfaces are going to be soft today due to this issue. The water will not have had adequate soak time to firm surfaces prior to daily play.
William Brown, CGCS
Sent from my iPhone
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