Maumelle Members,
I wanted to give the membership and update on our golf course condition.
Over all I feel the course is in good shape at this time. The two exceptions being left over storm clean up, which will be addressed very shortly. And there are a few obvious issues with our Greens.
To begin, the vast majority of our greens surfaces are in good to very good condition and health. However, we do have some issues, three different issues to be more precise. I will do my best to explain each of these and what we have done and are going to do to correct each separate concern.
The first problem is the several very thin or bare patches on the greens. These include #4 and back #12 as examples. Theses patches/thin areas were a result of poor growing conditions early this spring combined with heavy nematode activity. Nematodes are always present in the soil and feed on roots, but normally our turf grows fast enough and is strong enough to withstand normal numbers of nematodes. However this springs cool temperatures slowed our growth during the time nematodes are quite active and the numbers became greater, so in some areas the turf was not able to out perform the feeding.
This problem is not a Maumelle CC problem, many courses around town have been fighting the same problem. I treated for nematodes and have now added this to my chemical program. We have also been giving these individual areas more fertilizer to stimulate growth. We have seen some good results already. There is much more I could discuss in regards to nematodes but will not take the time. Please feel free to ask if you are interested.
The next problem is physical damage to a few greens surfaces from aerification/veriticutting on June 10/11. Number 3 in particular, but there are a few smaller areas on other greens also. This damage was caused by the verticutter grabbing and pulling the turf in areas of excessive grain. Mowers then defoliated some areas, and in extreme cases pulled chunks of turf out of the ground, like on back right of #1. This has happened in the past, to a much smaller degree and normally much more localized. This damage occurs when areas of turf are weak. The roots are unable to hold so the verticutting blades raise the turf. This year our turf was not as strong as in previous years once again due to the cool weather, less than ideal growing conditions, and the added pressure of nematodes. Again this was not exactly wide spread but it occurred on more square footage than anytime before. Number 3 is the only green with large area of damage. We are treating this area with fertilizer and will be adding extra topdressing to help smooth the bumps. It should heal and be good as new in a few weeks. Even though the aerification process is aggressive and in this case caused minor damage it is extremely important for the overall health and playability of the greens.I can go on further about our verticutting/aerification process and why it is so important but will not take the time now, please contact me if you are interested.
The third concern, is the recent appearance of disease spots. Number 10 and 11 being the most obvious but patches are showing up on many greens. These patches are not fairy-ring, they are caused by a different pathogen. Although my current fungicide program, put in place primarily for fairy ring suppression, should have prevented most disease that we deal with for some reason it did not suppress this disease. After discussing with my chemical rep who helped me with the program, although we are puzzled we believe the disease is Rhizoctonia zeae, but are not sure yet. I have sent off samples this morning to the lab and should have results within two days. I will then proceed as needed. I have treated again, on Friday early morning, with a broad spectrum fungicide to slow the progression while I positively identify the pathogen and find the proper treatment. This is very strange occurrence because I have plenty of fertility in the soil, I have been treating the greens preventively all year(including just two weeks ago), and our moisture levels are good. It is occurring in areas of high organic matter, and in areas with lower organic matter. I do not believe it is a disease that is moved via traffic as there is not surface residue to track. In short I have done everything in my power to prevent such an outbreak. So far the cause and why it continues to appear is a mystery to me. The tests will shed much light on the subject. I will keep you posted and informed.
I just wanted to keep the membership informed and upto date , PLEASE feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
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