PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE GOLF COURSE

Transcription

1 United States Golf Association Green Section - Southwest Region USGA GREEN SECTION TURF ADVISORY SERVICE VISIT REPORT PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE GOLF COURSE Groveland, California Present: Mr. Alan McDonald, Golf Course Superintendent Mr. Gary Oing, Men s Club President Mr. Dave Berthold, Second Assistant Golf Professional Mr. Brian Whitlark, USGA

2 Page 2 of 12 INTRODUCTION The following report summarizes the discussions and recommendations made during the Turf Advisory Service visit on. It was a pleasure to return to Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course and discuss golf course maintenance issues on behalf of the USGA Green Section. This was my third visit to the golf course, but my first opportunity to see the course following the summer months. I am happy to report the course performed quite well this summer and conditions from tee to green were very good on the day of the visit. Mr. McDonald and his staff continue to conduct course improvement projects, including a new concrete wash pad and wash station and a new rock retaining wall adjacent to the No. 1 tee area. The focus of the visit was to review general course conditions and offer suggestions for long-range and short-term improvement. Specific topics covered in this report include: 1. Putting greens 2. Fairways and approaches 3. Roughs 4. Trees 5. Tees 6. Lakes Please contact our staff if you should have any questions concerning this report, or if we can contribute in other ways to your turf management operations. 1. PUTTING GREENS It was great to see the putting surfaces in such good condition at the tail end of the summer season. Mr. McDonald noted a small tine (¼-inch) core cultivation was added to the greens aeration program in late July, which proved to be a timely aeration, and helped the greens through the remainder of the summer. Furthermore, it was great to see the addition of a greens roller to the equipment fleet to substitute for mowing on some days, and as a tool to speed and smooth greens in preparation for golf events. Core aeration program - It is good to report the greens aeration program has improved over the past couple years with the addition of the ProCore aerifier to the equipment fleet, which can accommodate larger tines at a tighter spacing. The current core aeration program includes spring and fall events with larger tines, and one small tine

3 Page 3 of 12 event in the middle of summer (weather permitting), and this program should be continued in As mentioned in last year s report, you may consider adding deep tine aeration to the spring or fall events. When employing deep tine aeration in combination with hollow tines, the process may look something like this: Begin by placing a heavy layer of sand on top of the greens to a depth of about ¼-inch. Use a solid ¾-inch tine that will reach 8 to 10 inches below the surface on the sanded greens. The next step would employ the ProCore with ½ inch to ⅝-inch hollow tines over this surface. Rather than picking up the sand brought to the surface with core aeration, simply drag the plugs until they break apart and blow the remaining debris into windrows or to the edges of the greens and remove. Depending on the size and number of holes, the amount of sand applied will be a trial-and-error process to apply the correct amount. When the sand is applied first, it aids in firming the surface and avoids the rutting that often results from the tractor used during deep tine aeration, and/or the tires from the topdresser. If time permits, you may also use the spring and fall aeration events to aggressively verticut the greens in two to three directions. Poa annua seed head control - Mr. McDonald noted that Poa seed head control has been less than acceptable in previous years. Following a conversation with several other USGA agronomists, it appears the chemical combination you are currently using, Primo and Proxy, is the preferred method. Embark was discussed as a potential option during the visit, but it appears there is too much risk using this chemical on the bent/poa greens. With regard to your Primo /Proxy applications, please consider the following to maximize the spray efficiency: The first spring application should be made prior to any visible seed heads. Clearly, this is weather dependent, but it may be as early as February. When cool nighttime temperatures persist into the summer months, you may continue to spray on a biweekly schedule. The rate for the Proxy should remain at 5 oz. per 1,000 sq. ft. You should adjust the Primo rate based on turf growth and clippings.

4 Page 4 of 12 Check spray volume to ensure the amount of water applied is within the label recommendations. With low spray volumes in the 1 gallon per 1,000 sq. ft. range, you may see poor control. In addition to the chemical sprays, it is recommended to brush, groom, and vertical mow on a frequent basis to dislodge and remove the seed heads. You may consider investigating mechanical brushes that mount directly in front of the reel and bed knife. Beyond managing Poa seed heads, the mechanical brushes are very effective at managing grain, and to some extent, thatch. Localized dry spots - Localized dry spot was observed on some of the greens on the golf course. No. 1 was a good example, with a mottled appearance in the middle of the green where subsurface conditions were extremely dry. Much of the localized dry spots can be overcome with monthly applications of wetting agent. Although there are a number of wetting agents on the market, you may consider Revolution to cure the localized dry spot while minimizing excess surface wetness. On sand based systems, such as greens, tees and even the driving range tee, you may consider applying wetting agents every month of the year. Although localized dry spot is typically not found during the winter months, fertilizer and pesticide applications and rainfall flow more evenly into the soil profile when a wetting agent is present. This soil profile was collected from No. 1 green in an area that was visibly dry due to localized dry spot. This photograph depicts the light colored sand in this profile that is powdery and is very difficult to wet without the aid of a wetting agent.

5 Page 5 of 12 Waitea patch control - The yellow ring symptoms that were reportedly present in the fall may be caused by the fungal pathogen Waitea circinata (Note: Be sure to send a non treated hole plug to Dr. Frank Wong for analysis). Research by Dr. Frank Wong and Dr. Larry Stowell indicates that this is a completely different pathogen than yellow patch and can persist at temperatures ranging from 50 F. to 90 F. Fungicide trials conducted in San Diego, California, indicate good results with the following products: Banner Maxx 1.3EC at 2 ozs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Medallion 50 WP at 0.5 ozs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Endorse 2.5 WP at 4 ozs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Heritage 50 WG at 0.4 ozs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Prostar 70 WP at 3 ozs. per 1,000 sq. ft. This pathogen tends to produce cosmetic symptoms and can be masked with routine applications of nitrogen and iron sulfate. You may wish to consider making nitrogen and iron applications and monitoring disease activity before initiating a fungicide control program. 2. FAIRWAYS AND APPROACHES In general, fairways were in good condition on the day of the visit, and were relatively weed free as a result of preemergence herbicide applications. The fairways consist of a motley of turfgrasses, including ryegrass, bermudagrass, Poa annua, and creeping bentgrass. In general, the wide variety of grasses provides good playing conditions in fairways and roughs. However, in areas where creeping bermudagrass is the dominant species, thatch is more prevalent and there is a tendency to hold more water in these areas. Since it is not realistic to chemically remove the bentgrass with spot applications, it is suggested to increase the frequency of verticutting and aeration techniques to improve soil water movement. Verticutting can be employed using verticutting knives on the fairway or rough mowers, or using a dedicated fairway verticutting machine, such as the Graden Swing-wing. A dedicated verticutting unit, such as the Graden Swing-Wing, is an ideal method to manage thatch in fairways in a more efficient manner than tying up a fairway or rough mower with verticutting knives.

6 Page 6 of 12 After much experience in trials on compacted soils, the preferred aeration program is to employ a pull-behind type core aerifier that may extract a soil plug 1 to 2 inches deep. The core aeration event is then followed by deep watering to soften the soil in preparation for a deep tine event with a machine, such as a Verti-Drain, Wiedenmann, or Soil Reliever. The combined effect of core and solid tine aeration can be done two times per year with supplemental solid tine aeration an additional two to three times per year. Following such a program for two to three years will undoubtedly improve soil water infiltration and allow for more uniform soil moisture conditions. In addition to core and solid tine aeration, it was good to hear the staff continues to spot topdress fairways in strategic areas. This practice should continue in the following years and, if possible, should be augmented with additional funds. Irrigation uniformity - A study published by the California Agricultural Technological Institute through The Center for Irrigation Technology in 2003 documented the change in water distribution uniformity and usage following the installation of high-uniformity, retrofit sprinkler nozzles. It was interesting to learn that, on average, golf courses saved about 6% water use over the course of one year. You may consider installing such nozzles on a hole of your choice (install on full-circle sprinklers in the fairway and rough). For details, please visit the Cal State Fresno website at (select Research Centers, Center for Irrigation, Golf course irrigation nozzle study ), and/or visit the Full Coverage Irrigation website at An edger equipped with two blades is an ideal tool to cut in a trench suitable to accommodate inline drip tubing. The inline drip is typically installed on one-foot centers, but as you can see in this photograph, the design for such applications may vary depending on slope and area configuration. Irrigation on bunker faces and steep slopes - You may consider installing subsurface irrigation on steep slopes and bunker faces where it is difficult to maintain soil moisture. Toro manufactures in-line tubing with regularly spaced pressure-compensating emitters infused Treflan herbicide to help keep roots out.

7 Page 7 of 12 Firming approaches - During our tour of the golf course, Mr. McDonald noted plans to firm up the approaches to offer the ability for golfers to bounce golf shots onto the putting surfaces. I offer my full support for this idea and would like to add that core aeration, aggressive verticutting, and sand topdressing will help to achieve this important goal. A prime example of an area where Mr. McDonald and his staff have already achieved a firmer surface is the approach on No. 5. In some areas, such as to the left of No. 3 green, you may consider a more aggressive approach, by installing sand drainage channels to remove surface water rapidly from this low, wet area. In this low, wet area to the left of No. 3 green, you may consider removing the clay soil to a depth of six inches in the center and taper to four inches on the sides. At the six-inch depth, you would place an orange drainage line that would run down and across the fairway to remove water from this high profile area. Low, wet areas, such as near No. 3 green, are difficult to maintain for optimum playability, while applying the necessary water on the nearby 3. ROUGHS Much of the discussion on roughs focused on the drainage ditches and decisions regarding the Rules of Golf associated with these areas. Good examples are along the right side of No. 5, and No. 16, where such areas have been designated as lateral hazards. Although the lateral hazard margin is justified, the club may wish to investigate methods to remove the drainage ditches, while improving the drainage characteristics of the area. As a result, the lateral hazard would not be needed. Through experience with a number of comprehensive drainage plans throughout the Southwest region, I can confidently recommend Mr. Dennis Hurley, Turf Drainage Company of America, to consider as a resource to develop a drainage plan. Mr. Hurley can be reached at phone (504) , toll-free (800) , dennis@turf-drain.com.

8 Page 8 of 12 Natural erosion in such areas as along the right side of No. 5 and No. 16 has resulted in drainage ditches that carry water during rainfall events. Ideally, the drainage ditches would be removed and the surface water handled in a different fashion. Removing the drainage ditches would also eliminate the need for lateral hazard lines associated with these areas. 4. TREES It was great to see the oak trees along the right side of No. 18 green have been lifted and pruned to increase the amount of morning sunlight impacting this green. During the tour of the golf course, an idea was expressed to improve the cosmetics and health of several of the specimen oak trees by removing turf under the drip zone and replacing An idea that has worked well with clubs in the Sacramento region is to remove turf under the drip zone of specimen trees and replace with mulch, almond shells, or a similar material (left photo). Such a practice would work well under the oak on No. 2 (right photo).

9 Page 9 of 12 with mulch, almond shells, or similar material. More specifically, two such areas were identified on the right side of No. 2 and on No. 18. This practice improves cosmetics and protects the tree health by eliminating mowing and line trimming around the base of the trees, and may extend the life of the oak trees. 5. TEES Tees become mounded over time from continual divot removal and subsequent sand topdressing. It is important to periodically reestablish a level playing surface by removing the turf, leveling the soil, and resodding or sprigging the new tee. Ideally, this practice should be out-sourced to an experienced shaper with the proper equipment (laser level preferred). Most clubs I visit perform this task periodically on teeing grounds as needed. Several tees at Pine Mountain Lake, like upper and lower tees on No. 7, are in need of leveling to improve playability, and it was mentioned that this would be an ongoing project as funds become available. It is important that tees be of appropriate size for the amount of play they receive, otherwise, the teeing ground remains thin or bare during the peak play season. In general, we recommend that 100 square feet of teeing area be provided for every 1,000 rounds received on that particular tee. Tees on holes Nos. 1 and 10 should be even larger due to increased mulligans taken, and par-3 tees should be nearly doubled this size due to increased divot removal from iron shots. Several tees on the course need tree and brush trimming and removal, such as Nos. 4, 7 and 14. The line of sight is blocked from golfers playing from these teeing grounds. It was reported there may be plans to extend the length of No. 2 with a newly constructed tee. This will require tree trimming and removal in this area to provide at least 8 hours of sunlight for this tee. 6. LAKES It was unfortunate to see the duckweed present again on the lake on the right side of No. 8. You may consider the following strategy to eliminate duckweed from this lake: Duckweed can be chemically controlled, but the application must be perfect for effective removal. The herbicide application should be made over the top of the duckweed as a fine mist that does not disturb the water, yet will rest, and sit on the duckweed plant. Although some of the duckweed can be sprayed from the shoreline, you may need to purchase or rent a small boat to spray the remainder of the lake.

10 Page 10 of 12 The most effective application consists of a combination of Diquat and either Cutrine Plus or Clearigate as a tank mix. Be aware that if Diquat is applied, the lake must not be used for irrigation for a period of three days. If such a restriction does not make this application possible, then the next best alternative is to spray with Clearigate by itself at a 15 to 20% mixture by volume. With any application, it is very important to add a nonionic surfactant to ensure the herbicide penetrates the leaf surface. You may expect it will take two to three applications for effective control. It was unfortunate to see the return of the duckweed in the lake along the right side of No. 8. Hopefully, the recommendations contained in this report will assist your efforts to control this problematic weed next summer. Dredging - Debris has accumulated over the years in the lake on No. 1 and needs to be dredged. The depth of the lake should be reestablished to at least 15 feet in the middle to improve the lake cosmetics and health. The lake should be lined and the shoreline stabilized with rock or concrete. The following information on companies offering dredging services is offered for your reference: SYN-TEX (800) or (204) info@syntexgeo.com TenCate royal@tencate.com Michael Hodges Genesis Fluid Solutions (719) mhodges@genesisfluidsolutions.com U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. (866)

11 Page 11 of 12 Waterfowl - Mr. McDonald reported that geese and other migratory birds are problematic at the course, often leaving their deposits on greens, tees, and fairways. Such unwelcome deposits are unsightly, difficult to clean, and make an even bigger mess when mowing. A technique that can work well for turf managers is to string fishing line across the lakes in a grid pattern. A presentation by Mr. Pat Gross, USGA Agronomist, can be viewed at the USGA Green Section Portal website at Several photographs offered below show the fishing line attached to eye bolts inserted into the shotcrete lake edge. Monofilament fishing line is strung in a grid pattern, and secured to eyebolts inserted into the shotcrete lining the lake edge.

12 Page 12 of 12 CONCLUSION Thank you for a most enjoyable visit and the opportunity to discuss golf course maintenance issues. I was very impressed with overall course conditions, especially considering this was my first visit at the tail end of the summer. I continue to be impressed with the product that Mr. McDonald and his staff of only ten greenskeepers produce on a daily basis. It is great to see that Mr. McDonald continues to find ways to improve the golf course, and has plans for future cart path improvements, tree maintenance, and leveling tee areas. Best wishes for continued progress into the fall and over the winter months, and I look forward to being of further assistance on behalf of the USGA Green Section. Respectfully submitted, Brian Whitlark, Agronomist USGA Green Section bw:ws:dc Distribution: Mr. Alan McDonald, Golf Course Superintendent Articles: Dredging Up a New Idea (USGA Green Section Record 2007)