Wiring Project on 18 Completed!

As  we stated before, there have been irrigation wiring problems for the last ten years with the 18th hole on Newport.  We had an independent contractor come in and assess the situation.  We determined there were too many splices and broken wires and wires falling into the Bay to make this a reliable operating irrigation system.  Any time you make a bunch of splices by different people, it leads to loss of electrical conductivity and corrosion.  Rather than have one laborer manually turn heads on and off, we chose to rewire the hole and run it by our Site Pro Central Computer..   The wire was pulled with a vibratory plow.  We ran the new wire in a conduit UNDER the rocks and bridge, so we did not have to cut the cart path.  We ran the new wire to 18 tees through a conduit and attached it to the cart bridge.  I am very confident turf conditions will be better because of this project.  A total of 45 wires were run.

What Are the Blue Spots on Newport Greens?

We treat the greens at OCGC twice a month with a soil surfactant. This helps lessen the surface tension of water applied and allows it to penetrate the sandy soil rather than bead up and run off. It helps keep the greens firm.  Sometimes chronic areas dry out and this is known as a localized dry spot. We hand treat those areas with a water retaining agent to retain moisture and turf health, especially on the windswept sand greens of Newport.  Today our applicatior was a little generous with the indicator dye.  This requires only 16 ounces of material to treat Newport.  We will see improvement over time of these areas.

Critters

You may have seen some of these bugs on the surface of the greens this week.  They are Black Turfgrass Aetinius or BTAs.  We try to reduce the adult populations before they lay eggs.  It is when the eggs hatch and the tiny larvae eat the roots of the grass plants.  We treated them with an insecticide made from chrysanthemums!

Rough Clumps

In our first month here, we observed the rough looking uneven and unkept, even with regular mowing.  We discovered problems with the large Progressive unit.  The decks were set at all different heights.  We did a LOT of work to repair and correct the situation.  The decks are now all set within 1/4" of each other.  We are mowing roughs now at 2 1/2".  Now that the height issues are taken care of, there will be some clumping of grass for the next week or so.  Hopefully it won't be too bad, but the upside isa more playable rough for our members and guests.

What are the Flags and Markings on 18 Newport?

The flags and markings are in preparation for our rewiring of #18 Newport.  The original satellite box was moved, as it was slipping into the bay.  We understand this has been a problem for ten years or so.  It made no sense to manually irrigate this area, when we have a computer operated system.  We hired an independent evaluator before making the decision to completely rewire the hole.  Manual irrigation causes the turf quality to suffer.  We are using a vibratory plow to set the wires in about 18 inches deep.  We are rerouting the new wires through a conduit attached to the bridge.  The old wires crossed our power lines to the shop, causing some radio interference.  We hope to have all the work done by Thursday.  This is a permanent solution to a long time problem, to make YOUR course better.

Storm Damage

This half dead tree was the only casualty from last nights storm. This is to the right of #2 green Newport 

USGA Visit

Yesterday, we had Darin Bevard in from the USGA for a Turf Advisory Service visit.  We spent the whole day discussing various items about the golf course.  It was an extremely interesting and educational day.  We spent a lot of time discussing the bermudagrass fairways on Newport.  As the final report becomes available, I will share some items on the blog.  We are definitely heading in the right direction to improve your Club!

Divot Filling Explained by the USGA

Why Are You Spraying Growth Regulator?

Directly in the middle of the picture, you can see a patch of light green poa annua.  While it is cool and damp, the poa has a competitive advantage over the bentgrass.  We apply a light rate of growth regulator to keep the poa regulated, so the greens are not as bumpy.  This also helps keep the seedheads in check, which helps prevent the poa from spreading.  THAT is why you saw us spraying greens with growth regulator this week when it was so cold.

Early Spring Putting Green Performance

Many people wonder this year why it is taking awhile for the greens to recover from aerification.  We look at long range weather forecasts and they were trending towards colder than normal.  We then made the decision to use SMALLER 3/8 inch tines compared to 1/2 inch last year.  the times that were put aside for us to aerify were very cold and damp.  It was impossible to fill the holes.  With the damp weather, we could not over apply sand.  The soil temperatures we measured yesterday were at 54 degrees.  We will be applying supplemental liquid fertilizers to help the greens along, but as Dr. Clark Throssell describes below:


Temperature Drives Spring Putting Green Performance

The warmer spring temperatures are driving the green-up and even a little bit of growth on putting greens at many courses. Bermudagrass, creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass putting greens are all starting to emerge from dormancy and begin growing for the season. Temperature will dictate how quickly greens emerge from dormancy and determine their spring performance. Despite the management practices implemented or the products applied to greens, temperature still has the greatest impact on spring green-up and putting green performance.
Bermudagrass performs best when air temperatures are in the 80 to 95 ^oF range and creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass performs best when air temperatures are in the range of 60 to 75 ^oF. In many areas of the country these ideal temperatures have not been reached or at least not reached on a consistent basis. Additionally, while the daily high temperature might fall within the ideal range, the temperature for most of the day falls below the ideal temperature range. Cool and even cold nights, which are common in spring, slow the rate at which temperatures warm up the following day.
The bottom line is to be patient in the spring with putting greens. Let the turfgrass respond to the temperature. Don't try to force the turfgrass to green-up and reach mid-season performance through management. Work with the weather. Adjust your management practices as the temperatures warm up.      
-- Clark Throssell, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Blog...it's great to be here!

This is my first posting on the new maintenance blog.  I hope you will visit it often, as we communicate some of the things you see and some you don't see.  First, a little background on me.  I am originally from Greensburg, Pennsylvania (where the tornadoes hit two weeks ago), about 25 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.  I am an honor graduate from the University of Maryland's Institute of Applied Agriculture.  I have been fortunate to be part of the construction of the new 9 at the Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier, PA.  Recently, I have worked for the Ruark Golf Group first at Glen Riddle and most recently at Nutters Crossing. I have a lot of large course management experience.  I have worked for KSL Recreation and Meadowbrook Golf, so I am well trained in stretching a dollar.  I have successfully managed 3 different bermudagrass facilities, all with great results.  I have one daughter, who is going to have her first child in August.  Her husband was just hired as the Assistant Superintendent at Ocean Pines.  My wife of almost 26 years Colleen, also doubles as my best friend.

We are in the process of evaluating the current operation and learning my way around.  I have met a lot of really nice and supportive folks, who have made me feel very welcome.  My experiences with all grass types in this transition zone will serve the Club well.  I hope we can make a difference over time.  My stated goal is to make the Ocean City Golf Club THE place everyone MUST play when they visit.

Please check back often as we tell the story.  I have linked a Twitter account to the Blog.  This way, I can tweet daily course conditions early in the morning.  This way, you can check cart rules and any daily happenings.  Also feel free to say hi anytime or email me at msalvio@oceancitygolfclub.com