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

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