From the Golf Course Superintendent

Fall remained warm and provided good playing conditions throughout. Winter has begun and it will soon turn cold. Meteorologists are predicting more snow than usual. If the moisture pattern continues this is likely to be the case.

The greens are in good condition and have established a good root system as a result of the warmer soil temperatures this past fall. The majority of root growth of bentgrass occurs in April and May. From June – August 80% of the rootmass is lost as soil temperatures rise above the optimal growth range for bentgrass. This is true for all cool season grasses, due to gene make-up.

The bermudagrass is only semi-dormant at this time. Complete dormancy will be reached when soil temperatures are consistently below 55 degrees. Winter weed control was applied in October and touch-up will be ongoing until late February.

The carts will be restricted to paths until spring green-up is achieved. High traffic, low soil temperatures and shade are all stressful to bermudagrass. As dormancy is reached, the grass is unable to resist and recover from the stresses and as a result playability is compromised. In restricting carts to paths, we ensure more days of better playing conditions coupled with a turf that will be stronger as it breaks dormancy.

I hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season. It won't be long and we'll be playing on green fairways again!