guyan golf & country club huntington, west...

GUYAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Huntington, West Virginia Visit Date:July 31, 2013 Present: Dr. Matt Rorhback, Board Member Jason Moses, Member Jason Hart, Golf Course Superintendent Jason Boronski, Assistant Superintendent Keith Happ, Director, North Central Region

United States Golf Association Keith Happ, Director | Green Section | North Central Region 1910 Cochran Road, Manor Oak One, Ste. 410 | Pittsburgh, PA 15102 | Phone: 412-341-5922 | Fax: 412-341-5954 | [email protected]

USGA Green Section Mission: The USGA Green Section are leaders in developing and disseminating agronomically, environmentally, and economically sustainable management practices. We help golf facilities maintain better playing conditions for better golf through science-based and practical solutions.

Guyan Golf & Country Club August 1, 2013

| Turf Advisory Service Report

It has been no easy task to maintain quality turf in the Mid-Atlantic Region this summer. High temperature extremes combined with persistent precipitation have wreaked havoc. With that said, it was a pleasure to tour your facility and view the results of efforts thus far this season. The putting green surfaces have responded marvelously well to the adjustments made during the season. Playing defense at the right time made all the difference in the world! The putting green surfaces were densely turfed exhibiting 3-1/2 inches of root mass in each green we examined. The adjustments in fertility and mowing practices saved grass. The fairway turf was responding to the recent change in the weather patterns. The cooler temperatures have slowed growth and there was a response to the most recent fungicide program. The treatment was made to control spring dead spot and it was applied in a very timely fashion. As the temperatures begin to warm the turf will respond and uniform growth will again occur. Later in this report several comments will be offered regarding the maintenance of the fairway turf. A major portion of our time was spent discussing the irrigation system, in general and your irrigation water supply system, in particular. Quite frankly, Guyan Golf and Country Club the club is operating on borrowed time. This issue will be discussed in this report. After touring the entire property the following is offered for your consideration. IRRIGATION 1. During our visit, we had an opportunity to tour and examine your irrigation water supply system. This system is virtually on its last leg. The conditions under which this system operates are extremely precarious and provide no reasonable assurance that the system will function as needed specifically, during drought conditions. I urge you to begin the process of evaluating all options for replacement of this all important aspect of your turf care operation. The irrigation system is the lifeblood of your operation and without the supply line to your irrigation pond many management options will simply not be available during critical times of the year. There are 3 options to examine. First, investigate drilling a new well relatively close to your transfer station. The well could be positioned on higher ground not prone to flooding from spring rains or other precipitation events during the season. The current system is in constant danger from damage from flooding and obstruction from debris. A second option would be to completely rebuild your current system. This would involve significant excavation in addition to installing a new supply line underneath the interstate. A third option is to use potable water from the city. This may be the most expensive long term option. Public water or even water from water treatment plant may be a viable option. Doing nothing should not be considered an option.



GREENS Surface Management

While turf stress was experienced, it was managed very well. No significant turf decline was experienced. This is a testament to sound judgment and the use of timely conservative maintenance procedures.

1. I could not agree more with the adjustments in mowing procedures during the difficult growing conditions this summer. Raising the height of cut, fitting your mowers with solid front rollers and using rolling as an alternative to mowing all contributed to the consistency in putting green conditions this season. The grass survived and turf density was sustained. As the weather conditions improve, programs can be reinstituted to meet set up criteria of the greens put forth by the committee. Maintaining the turf health first and then grooming it for play was the right decision. In fact, the Eighth, Twelfth and Fifteenth greens looked as good at this time of the year as this agronomist has seen since visiting your course. This is no idle compliment, this is simply fact that the grass survived under very difficult conditions. 2. Do not rush to make adjustments in the mowing program. Radically reducing mowing heights in an attempt to produce the putting green speed could set your programs back and in effect, harm the grass before the weather patterns change. If adjustments are to



be made do so with caution and in very small increments. Do not deviate from the use of the solid front roller attachments. Topdress when the weather will allow. Aeration

The adjustments to the timing of venting applications made the difference between turf stress and turf loss. New roots are a product of aeration efforts.

1. At the earliest possible convenience submit samples of all your greens to a diagnostic laboratory for nutrient and soil profile analysis. It will be critically important to determine the organic content within the upper portion of the profile of each and every green. This is the only way to quantify and determine if aggressive aeration techniques are needed. While it did appear that the organic matter was well diluted, the only definitive way to determine if program adjustments are in order is to test the soil structure. Once the results are returned please do not hesitate to submit them to our office. A strong indicator of the need for more aggressive aeration is the Twelfth green. Black layer contamination was evident on the back portion of this surface. This is often the higher drier side of the green which is normally not an area of concern when it comes to black layer contamination. If the organic debris remains wet the soils will heat rapidly



and turf decline could occur in a short period of time. The numbers will not lie. Once the percentage of organic matter is known program adjustments enacted. 2. Do not back off in the manner in which the greens are being vented. In each green white fibrous root structures were exhibited. This truly is an example of benefits of the treatment program and more importantly, how the treatment strategy sustains surface performance. Treating on an every other or 3 week basis is achieving the desired effect. Do not hesitate to alter the program in a site specific manner if necessary. Treating on a 7 to 10 day interval may be necessary in low lying areas that are more prone to soil saturation. PEST MANAGEMENT 1. Consider acquiring Daconil ZN and treating the putting green surfaces. This material offers a mechanism by which to control blue green algae. Treating at a rate of 3 to 4 oz. of actual product per 1000 sq. ft. will achieve the desired effect. This product can be tank mixed with other products to achieve broad spectrum control of pests. 2. Minor summer patch was exhibited on the Fifteenth green. It will be important to treat with a DMI or strobilurin fungicide product. In either case, the product should be applied at high spray volumes so that they reach the target site. Summer patch attacks the roots and high volumes of water will move the fungicide to the target site. You may want to consider treating with Insignia at a 0.9 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. rate. This will not only help to control summer patch, it will provide a mechanism to control pythium spores near and around the new root development. Fertilization 1. It was very impressive to see how the turf has responded to adjustments in fertilization. For example, fertilizing the drainage lines with additional product during the summer allowed these areas to flourish. Normally, during periods of precipitation nutrient losses occur rapidly in sand content of the drainage lines. Using controlled release products is clearly providing the desired effect. Do not hesitate to retreat in a site specific manner as the summer progresses. This will help to prepare when core cultivation is conducted in mid-September. Treat the drainage lines with additional ¼ lb. of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. from the product of your choice. Milorganite, Sustain or Nature Safe will achieve the desired effect. COLLARS AND APPROACHES 1. Incorporate into the long range plan a program to resod the collars surrounding the greens. All unwanted contamination can then be removed and uniform grass can then be established. Then control procedures can be enacted to limit the redevelopment of bermudagrass, sedges, dallisgrass and other undesirable weed populations. Even if only a few collars are treated in this manner each and every year it would be far better than not doing anything at all.



The tests conducted on the tees clearly demonstrate that selective control of bermudagrass contamination can be achieved. Excellent results were exhibited.

2. Treat all of the approach areas this summer with the selective herbicide Velocity. Treat at a rate of 3 oz. of actual product per acre. Attempt to achieve 3 treatments at 2 week intervals before the end of the season. This will control Poa annua contamination and severely stunt the bermudagrass development in these areas of the course. 3 oz. of product per acre equates to 15 grams of active ingredient per acre. TEES 1. Very impressive results are being received with programs to control bermudagrass encroachment into cool season grasses. Do not back off of the protocol in place. Continue selective pressure allowing the bentgrass to flourish. Aeration should be conducted and seed could be introduced to supplement the treatment strategy. In fact, when divots are repaired include seed with the mix to speed the recovery process.



Excellent results were achieved with the selective control of bermudagrass on and near the tees.

2. Consider treating the Fourth tee with the selective herbicide Revolver. Revolver will control the goosegrass contamination as well as the dallisgrass encroachment into this surface. Begin by treating at the lower labeled rate (5 oz. per acre) and evaluate the response. This bermudagrass tee should then be fertilized fairly aggressively to promote growth after selective weed control has been achieved. Treat with a minimum ½ lb. of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.



FAIRWAYS

Plan now to prepare the fairway turf for eventual dormancy this winter.

1. At the earliest possible convenience fertilize all of the fairways with a minimum ½ lb. of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. from an ammonium sulfate source. It is important to fertilize soon to take full advantage of weather to grow healthy bermudagrass before a level of dormancy sets in. Treatment should be conducted before mid-August. 2. Also consider core cultivating those fairways that exhibited the highest contamination of spring dead spot activity. The Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh fairways are the examples that come to mind. Core with 1/2 or 5/8 inch diameter tines and aggressively destroy the material. Reincorporate the soil and sprig materials for more rapid recovery from the procedure. This in itself is a mechanism by which to minimize the amount of spring dead spot activity that will reoccur next year. 3. Those fairways that are not core cultivated should be aggressively slice aerified with your pull behind slice aeration tool. Attempt to treat at the earliest convenience and repeat the process sometime in mid-August.



4. To prepare the bermudagrass for fall and winter play it will be important to enact mowing procedure adjustments. Mowing heights should be raised as the turf approaches its period of dormancy. By the end of September the turf should be mowed at no closer than ¾ inch. In early October the mowing height should again be raised to approximately 7/8 inch. After the first hard frost cease all mowing programs allowing the turf to approach approximately 1 inch height. I cannot overstate the importance of preparing the turf in this manner. It will help to produce the healthiest possible surface for the following spring. 5. You may also want to consider incorporating a calcium nitrate application into your fertility program. Research has demonstrated the calcium nitrate applications may have a positive impact on reducing spring dead spot activity. The treatments should be conducted sometime in early to mid-August. One half to 3/4 lb. N per 1000 sq. ft. should achieve the desired effect. GENERAL 1. Methar 30 (DSMA) can be used to selectively remove dallisgrass from cool season turf. The product in inventory should be exhausted allowing for very effective control of your dallisgrass contamination. 2. Become as aggressive as possible with control procedures in the rough to control dallisgrass populations. Trimec Plus for example, could be applied at 2 week intervals at recommended rates to achieve a level of control before cooler weather reduces herbicidal efficacy. The right side of the Fifteenth hole is the example that comes to mind. Use a combination of Trimec Plus with the selective herbicide Pylex. Pylex can be utilized at 1/4 to 1/2 oz. of actual material per acre. CONCLUSION This concludes our summary of the major topics of discussion during our visit and tour of your golf course. If any questions arise concerning this visit, our report, or any other area, please feel free to call our office. We are here to help. We look forward to working with you again in the future and seeing how things progress. Sincerely,

Keith Happ Director, North Central Region KH:ln Allan Thacker, Vice President & Green Committee Chairman Jason Hart, Golf Course Superintendent

guyan golf & country club huntington, west...

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