Thank you for visiting our turf maintenance blog. Check out the links and posts below for information on upcoming projects, current maintenance work, and much more.
Thank you for visiting the blog. I will use today's update to provide some information on "Frost Delays" and give an overview of course happenings.
So far we have had an exceptionally cold winter. According to article by Stephanie Butts published in the Waco Tribune Herald on February the 5th of this year - we are 13% colder than last year. In addition, earlier this week Waco set a new record for most days with temperatures below freezing. The previous record was 51 days and dates back to 1909! - Click here to read the article - Waco Tribune Herald Article
One of the most noticeable impacts of the cold weather for avid golfers is the high number of "frost delays". Please take a moment to watch the above video from the USGA explaining frost delays (if the video does not load then click here - Frost Delay Video). There are two types of freezing scenarios that require us to delay golfers from playing. The first is what we call a "frost delay" which occurs when the dew freezes to the grass. The grass in turn becomes extremely brittle and is easily damaged or killed by traffic (see video above). The second type of delay occurs when both the grass and soil beneath freezes. This is most dangerous on our bentgrass greens since they are still growing during the winter months. Numerous times this year the greens have frozen to the point where it has been impossible to penetrate the surface with a pocket knife. The real danger of damage to the turf occurs not when soil is frozen, but as it begins to thaw. As the ice begins to melt, the surface of the plant appears to be fine. However, traffic will cause severe damage to the lower parts of the plant and root zone that have not completely melted.
We use a digital thermometer to check the temperature below the leaf surface to ensure that the grass is ready for traffic.
In addition to delaying play, these cold mornings also delay our maintenance practices such as mowing greens and changing holes. Often times we are forced to reduce our maintenance during frost delays so that we can get golfers on the course as soon as possible. I would like to thank all of our morning golfers and our golf shop staff for the patience and care that they have shown our golf course throughout this cold winter. I can promise you that it does make a difference.
Other Course News
Nursery Green Construction - We have working hard on completing our nursery green located to the right of 18 green. We will be seeding this green in early March. More information coming in my next post.
Initial site prep and drainage installation
Liner installation and base layer material in process
Winter weed control - We have been busy controlling winter weeds in a few areas in the rough that were not treated with pre-emergent herbicide last October.
2nd Asst. Randy Stewart spraying the rough between Holes 1 and 2
Areas next to greens are treated with a spot sprayer to reduce the risk of injury to the putting surface
Course Accessories - One of winter task is to touch up course accessories, such as tee markers and yardage plates.
Pepe, Joe, Sergio, Mauro, and Kenneth stay warm while re-painting all of the year markers
Water Cooler stands - Mike Brasheer's crew is making progress on the completion of the new stands. The crew will be working through the weekend.
