This summer has proven to be the worst bentgrass growing season in my employment at Pine Lake. The only break we had all summer was around July 4^{th –} prior to that and the period following have been excessive in heat and moisture. The 9.5" of rainfall we recorded in July and elevated temperatures and humidity have caused thinning of the bentgrass on the putting surface. The week prior to the Men's Member-Member was the toughest as we had 1.9" of rain and 7 days in a row over 96 degrees (with 2 over 100). We debated punching a solid hole in the greens but opted not to with the upcoming tournament. The turf thinned and we aerified and raised the cutting height the following week. We have done some spot aerifications and can't wait to provide the needed relief on the 7^th. Our goal is to get the grass back as healthy as possible going into the fall, so that it can optimize the ability to grow roots in the spring.

We are looking into tools and opportunities to improve our growing conditions in the future. The two items that stand out are to walkmow greens and remove trees. We currently own walkmowers and need to add the labor to do so in the summer months. The tree removal should be done throughout the winter – 90% by our staff - to reduce shade and improve air circulation. Improving growing conditions is important for putting the grass plant in the best health possible entering the summer stress period. There are areas were we need to remove trees but don't own the trees - these are ideal candidates for fans. The #1, #12 and #14 greens would benefit greatly from a fan to improve air circulation. It is important to remember that conditions must be optimized so that we are proactive in preventing stress-induced damage vs. being reactive by treating the symptoms.

A few other items to consider are more advanced aerification and rolling equipment. It is recommended that greens be vented – aerified with a small solid hole – every three weeks throughout the summer season. Newer aerifiers are faster and reduce rutting from tires during the aerification process. Rolling is recommended as a replacement for mowing during periods of elevated stress. Alternating days between mowing and rolling is the best strategy. The rollers can also be used to provide truer and faster putting conditions during the more favorable growing season.

We will learn many lessons from this season's challenges. The most important is that you can't predict the future and must try to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature, because you never know what she'll throw at you.

* Information related to summer conditions in the Southeast can be found at the following websites:

heatwave


For more information on bentgrass decline, try the following websites

turffiles

cgcsa