A Matter of Course: November-December State of the Golf Course

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Over the past month, 26 out of 30 days have been below average (seen below), resulting in an early November course closing.  Thankfully before the snow, we were able to apply all our necessary chemical applications to protect the golf course from snow mold and desiccation.  However, with the below average temperatures and persistent snow immediately following those applications, we were unable to apply our final topdressing and fertilizers on greens.  Even though, there will be no negative effects to the golf course by forgoing the topdressing or fertilizing; it is a missed opportunity heading into 2019.

However, with big snow storms and frigid temperatures holding off, we have been able to take advantage of these mild winter-like conditions with projects throughout the course.  Below are just some examples of what the Grounds Department have accomplished over the past month.

#5 Tee Descent – 90% Complete including Cleanup

Front of Gold/White Tee

Front of Blue/Black Tee

#8 Green Creek Silt Removal

                                    Before                                                                        After

Rain and Bunkers

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Over the past 2 months, precipitation has been way above average (14.89”); which has resulted in a few flooding events.  When the rain comes down in that amount, in that short of time, you are bound to experience bunker washouts (seen below).

Washouts occur when the rain either comes down at a high rate, or a steady stream of surface water drains into the bunker, causing the sand to fall towards the middle of the bunker and exposing the clay bases.  Every time the washouts happen and expose the clay bottoms, the washed sand will mix with the clay base, causing contamination.  

The darker sand is contaminated, meaning it is mixed with some clay.  The contamination resulted from surface drainage from the fairway flowing into the bunker.

Over time, many storms alike will affect the performance of the sand (i.e hard bottoms, layering, poor drainage (seen below), etc).

The common misconception amongst golfers is when we receive frequent heavy rains, that the contaminated bunkers have no sand.  The playability may seem to indicate there is no sand, but in actuality, the bunkers all have plenty of sand. (See below.)

Left-side pic: The dark spot is a wedge shot bouncing off a contaminated layer

Right-side pic: Sand dug in that same spot with 6” of sand underneath

The long-term corrective mode of action is to remove the contaminated sand and replace with new sand.  In fact, according to the American Society of Golf Course Architects, bunker sand should be replaced every 5-7 years, depending on location, design, weather, and care.  The last time GBCC’s green-side bunker sand was replaced was 2012 and fairway sand 1995.

The Grounds crew have identified a handful of bunkers with the contamination issues and will perform the proper care in Spring of 2019.

A Matter of Course: Cart Path Additions & Guidelines

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Recently, the Grounds Crew repaired all potholes and repainted all the yardages found on the cart paths. In addition to repainting the yardages, we have added a 150 and 200 yardage to the #17 cart path. These yardages were painted for all the slicers (or hookers for you lefties) from #16’s tee, that happen to find yourselves hitting their second shot in #17’s fairway.  By having these yardages, this will help speed up play and give a better representation of yards to the center of the #16 green. Notice in the picture below, that the numbers face the direction of play; so not to be confused with a distance indication for #17.

Speaking of cart paths, now that rain has become more frequent, the low areas adjacent to the carts paths have become very soft.  Please avoid merging on and off the path around any areas that are muddy or wet; otherwise, damage will occur, similar to what is pictured below.  Also, when on the cart path, always drive in the middle with four tires on it at all times.

Lastly, when playing your next shot or putting on the green, please keep your cigars and drinks in your cart.  Pictured below, are examples of how a spilled alcoholic drink (left) and a cigar burn (right) can kill bentgrass.

All cooperation is appreciated. Thanks!

A Matter of Course: The Sink Hole at the Intersection of #6 & #7

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Many of you have driven past the sink hole (pictured below), located at the intersection at #6 tee and #7, wondering where it came from.

Upon further investigation the Grounds Department discovered that it was caused by a clogged drain line, on the west side of the cart path. The clog started with the adjacent cottonwood roots penetrating and growing inside the pipe (pictured below).  

From there, the water would slowly drain through the root mass leaving behind silt and minerals causing hard deposits inside the pipes (seen below). 

Once flow was completely halted from continuous deposits, the water had no choice but to back up and push through the ground, causing the sink hole.  This past week, the Grounds Crew replaced approximately 100 ft. of drainage pipe to rectify the clogged drain line.

Now, all neighboring drain lines will be ready to drain for our next heavy rainstorm…..whenever that will be.

A Matter of Course: Cultural Practices to Beat the Heat

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen 

The weather this past weekend was hot and humid; and is forecasted to continue all this week.  What will this long stretch of heat do to the turf………?  In general, turf goes through two different processes, photosynthesis and photorespiration.  Photosynthesis (energy production) is beneficial to the turf and its optimal production ranges from 68 °F to 77 °F.  Photorespiration occurs during hot weather (especially temperatures > 87 °F) and has a negative impact on the turf because it has trouble capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce energy.  Furthermore, when photorespiration occurs instead of photosynthesis, the plant will use stored energy instead of making new energy.  Once that stored energy is depleted, the turf will not grow (roots or shoots); which can lead to a decline in turf quality.  On a positive note, this past week the Grounds Crew performed some preventative cultural practices for turf decline.  The healthier the turf is going into the heat, the better it will survive and recover.

Verticutting and topdressing have their playability benefits providing true and firm putting surfaces; but they have turf health benefits as well.  Verticutting (seen below) not only removes thatch but it also cuts any laying down or “grainy” turf, resulting in the leaf blades standing up.  We want the leaf blades to stand up because it creates denser and healthier turf.

Light topdressing (seen below) provides protection from summer stresses by covering the turf’s crown (mainly from the sun and traffic), and promoting topical drainage (prevents the turf from burning in surface water).

Verticutting and topdressing are ongoing practices that are performed throughout the golf season, but the most important practice we completed is venting/aerifying.  Venting and aerifying are basically the same thing but the difference is in the size of the tine.  We vented the greens with a small ¼” tine (seen below) that is visibly gone after a couple days.

Venting is performed every 4-6 weeks, dependent on the weather.  This practice was necessary for four main reasons:

• Rooting
• Oxygen Exchange
• Soil Temperature Cooling
• Water Percolation

We aerified our fairways with a 5/8” tine (seen below) which may take a little longer to heal but leaves the fairways playable after one mowing.  We chose to aerify fairways for the same reasons listed above; plus we have not aerified the fairways, yet, this year.

Other practices the Grounds Crew will be doing during this hot temperature stretch:

• Light irrigation waterings on wilted turf – overwatering will cook the turf and/or promote disease inoculation
• Monitor frequency of mowing and rolling – not wanting to injure the turf past the point of recovery
• Spray phosphites – fertilizer that strengthens turf and prevents diseases

A Matter of Course: When It Rains, It Pours

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Prior to last week’s rain storms, GBCC had only received 1.2” of rain over the past month. After the rain ceased on Tuesday, June 19th, GBCC had received 4.6” of rain over 5 days; not to mention, 2.75” came Monday morning, causing the course to flood and become unplayable.

Notice how the bridge on the left-side washed away and was hung up on the bridge on the right-side.

This past week, the Grounds Crew spent most of the week cleaning up debris, restoring the course and catching up on mowing. Below is a before and after of #3 and #17 showing the terrific job the Grounds Crew did on bringing course conditions back to where they were prior to the storm.

A Matter of Course: Course & Weather Update

Have we skipped spring this year...???  The calendar tells us it’s spring, but the weather says otherwise.

Picture was taken April 4th

This April, the record weather events seem to be surrounding us:

• Most snow in April in the last 108 years: With the forecasted rain/snow this weekend, we may reach a record of most snow in April. 
• Second coldest temperature recorded in April at 9 degrees 
• Latest spring recorded date reaching 9 degrees on April 8th 
• Accumulated more snow than previous months this past winter: 
• April (so far) – 12.5”  
• March – 7” 
• February – 6.7” 
• January – 5.1”
• December – 12”

Photo from WISN Meteorologist, Mark Baden.

With all factors mentioned above, current conditions, and future forecast; there is no set opening date. Once the snow clears, the frost lifts and temperatures stay above freezing; the Grounds Crew will be out working vigorously to open the golf course. Thank you all for your patience and watch your emails for any updates.

A Matter of Course: March 2018 Update

 Photo taken 3/7/2018 on the Quarry Course

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Does late-winter snowfall harm or kill the turf?  Much depends upon whether the turf has broken dormancy.  If the turf has broken dormancy, then snow can act as an insulator/microclimate for snow mold development.  If the turf has not broken dormancy, then there is a decreased chance for snow mold but the snow acts as an insulator, which will slow the defrosting process in the soil.  At GBCC, because we have not broken dormancy, we are most likely not in any harm on our playable surfaces for a snow mold outbreak; but could delay the soil defrosting process.

Contrary to the photo above, we have been below the yearly average for snowfall.  Seen below from Green Bay’s NOAA, is a comparison from this year’s winter to the average: temperature, precipitation and snowfall.

The red circles signify our normal weather trends for temperature and rain this winter.  The yellow circle signifies the below normal amount of snow accumulated this winter, 12”.

Prior to last week’s snowfall, when the course was exposed, I am pleased to report that there was no winter turf kill; however, we are not out of the woods, yet. Although the threat of desiccation and low-temperature kill is low, there is still a threat of water crown hydration.

Water crown hydration can happen when temperatures increase, the plant starts to uptake water and breaks dormancy.  From there, the damage occurs when temperatures go below freezing, while the plant is growing, causing cell rupture in the crown, resulting in turf kill.  With the forecast reaching low 40s during the day and mid 20s at night; those are perfect conditions for water crown hydration.  However, because of the predominate population of bentgrass, it takes a longer warming tend to break dormancy.  Plus, bentgrass has a high tolerance of water crown hydration.  In fact, water crown hydration may be a positive; because of poa annua’s high susceptibility to water crown hydration, it could aid in the elimination of our course’s small poa annua population.

Overall, this winter has been ideal for the Grounds Department to complete outside projects when warm and inside projects when cold/snowy.  Below are just some of the winter projects completed:

Refurbishing all golf course supplies, including: rakes, ball washers, benches and tee markers. Refurbished Ballwashers Repaired/Renovated/Replaced areas around the Clubhouse and Sport Center, such as this wine cooler.

• Attended regional and national seminars and trade shows 
• Pruned trees and shrubs on the golf course and club grounds
• Re-organized numerous documents and data records from the 2017 season; in order to make 2018 better
• Removed dead/dying trees
• Removed brush
• Removed Snow – Hopefully Completed
• Reconditioned all golf course maintenance equipment for the 2018 season – 90% Completed

A Matter of Course: Will No Snow Cover and Cold Temperatures Lead to Turf Damage?

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

During last month’s conditions, we discussed the benefits of having snow cover and its insulating properties; this month’s conditions are quite the opposite.  The course is currently exposed with little to no snow cover.  The 14-day forecast does not predict any high amounts of accumulation of snow, but we will experience subzero temperatures.

Will no snow cover and extremely cold temperatures lead to turf damage/kill?  USGA states, “Winter injury is a very complex event because it is controlled by many variables that are not completely understood.”

During these windy sub-zero temperatures, two winter injuries can occur: low temperature kill and desiccation.  As of now, because of our high population of low temperature tolerant turf species, along with the amount of precipitation we have accumulated this winter, low temperature kill and desiccation are unlikely.

During these winter periods of extremely low temperatures and no snow cover can have their benefits for the upcoming golf season.  As a matter of fact, once temperatures plummet, we would prefer there to be little to no snow all winter.  The reason being is snow acts as an insulator which would not allow as deep of a freeze.  A deep freeze is beneficial because the soil profile to undergo a “natural aerification.”  This is made possible by having moist or saturated soil which will then freeze and expand.  During the course of expansion, the ice will create underground fissures which results in the break-up of the soil profile creating air flow and gas exchange to assist next spring’s root growth and overall plant health.

A Matter of Course: What is the Impact of Sub Zero Temps?

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

Are these sustained sub-zero temperatures harming or injuring the golf course??? The USGA states, “Winter injury is a very complex event because it is controlled by many variables that are not completely understood.”

During these windy sub-zero temperatures, two winter injuries can occur: low temperature kill and desiccation.

Low Temperature Kill
As of now, low temperature kill is not a concern because of our high population of bentgrass on our playing surfaces. Bentgrass has a very high tolerance for low temperatures and can withstand this type of weather pattern. As an added benefit, the average 6” of snow is insulating and protecting the bentgrass.

Desiccation
Desiccation is the drying of the plant due to the exposure of low temperatures, high winds and no added precipitation. This past fall, just prior to the low temperatures and snow, we executed a couple of a preventative practices for desiccation.

 First, we sprayed an anti-desiccant on all high exposed areas (i.e. #6 green, putting green and etc.). An anti-desiccant is coating that helps protect and lock in moisture on the bentgrass leaf blades and crown. Second, we did a heavy topdressing application on all greens and tees (seen below). By doing this, the sand acts as an insulator from the low temperatures and cool high winds.

The most important and natural element to minimizing and/or eliminating low temperature kill and desiccation is snow. Snow is the best insulator for the golf course; it protects from high winds, locks in warmth for the plant to survive and keeps the plants hydrated. As of today, with current conditions, we are setup for the course to over winter nicely.

Winter Projects
On a positive note, we have been able to complete some projects during the deep freeze. Below are just some of the projects the Grounds Department has completed:

Repaired and re-routed irrigation lines around #13 tee

Installed a new Simulator screen

Re-leveled the Simulator floor

The Winterization Process Well Underway at Green Bay Country Club

The weather these past 2 months have been out of ordinary. Pictured above, October’s high temperatures in the beginning of the month have been unseasonably warm; only to have the start of November’s temperatures plummet, cutting the golf season slightly shorter than average. But the most unusual part of the graph is the October high temperatures are lower than the November high temperatures towards the end of both months.

Golf Course Closure

2010                       11/22

2011                       11/29

2012                       11/23

2013                       11/22

2014                       11/9

2015                       11/21                        

2016                       11/22

2017                       11/9

The reason for the golf course closure is the low temperatures reached the teens two nights in a row; which developed an impenetrable frost layer on all playing surfaces. With that being said, the long-range forecast, thereafter, didn’t reach above freezing; only to have deepened the frost layer. Not only is the frozen soil not conducive for playing but also affects the winterization of the golf course. Dependent upon workable weather, the Grounds Department needs approximately 2 weeks to prepare the golf course for winter. Listed below are just some of the tasks needed to complete before the snow and sub-freezing temperatures.

• Spray dormant fungicide and herbicide 
• Dormant fertilizer applications 
• Remove and trim all drains 
• Remove all course furniture 
• Blowout irrigation system 
• Fill ALL Divots 
• Heavy topdressing all tees and greens for winter protection

Projects that we have completed these past two months:

• Repaired #18 Beach Bunker

• Re-seed Bare Areas 
• Spray & Mow Fescue 
• Spray & Remove Phragmite 
• Verticut Fairways 
• Aerify Fairways 
• Fertilize Rough 
• Renovate Entrance & Exit Drive Landscape Beds

Projects that we will be working on over the winter include:

• Snow removals 
• Reconditioning all golf course maintenance equipment for the 2018 season 
• Refurbishing all golf course supplies, including: rakes, ball washers, benches and tee markers
• Attending regional and national seminars and trade shows 
• Pruning trees and shrubs on the golf course and club grounds 
• Re-organizing numerous documents and data records from the 2017 season 
• Removing dead/dying trees 
• Removing brush 
• Repairing/Renovating/Replacing areas around the Clubhouse and Sport Center

GBCC Hosts Regional Golf Course Superintendents Association Event

This past Monday, Green Bay Country Club hosted the Annual Joint Meeting of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association and Northern Great Lakes Golf Course Superintendents Association.

 The meeting had approximately 90 in attendance consisting of Wisconsin’s superintendents, assistants, researchers, and vendors. The agenda for the event consisted of education, followed by lunch; from there, everyone played the course and ended with dinner and awards.

 The feedback and reviews from the participants was nothing but positive about the food, service and course conditions.

This Summer's Weather and the Impact on the Course

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

For the first half of summer, the average low temperature for the months of June and July have been 57 and 60 degrees; while the average high temperatures have been 78 degrees and 82 degrees. Comparing this year’s temperature averages with the historical average, for the month of June and July, is 3 degrees warmer. However, the big difference between this year’s start of summer with the historical average is the amount of precipitation. This past June and July we totaled 10”, while the average total for June and July is 7.4”.

A view all too common this summer……rainy and cloudy.

Not only is the total accumulation higher but the frequency as well. In fact, 27 out of the 61 days we have received rain; that’s just below an average of receiving rain every other day. A couple of positive results from the amount and frequency of rain we have received this year. First, as of today, we have used approximately 55% less irrigation than a typical year. Secondly, since adding seed to the divot bottles, the divot recovery has been much more quick and successful. Pictured below is an example of how the frequent rains have help germinate and keep alive the seedlings in the middle of the divot, while the sides grow together.

 Frequent rains have help germinate and keep alive the seedlings in the middle of the divot,
while the sides grow together.

However, with the above average rain, temperatures and humidity, comes slower and less desirable playing conditions, mainly on the greens and fairways.  From a playability standpoint, rain will soften the playing surface and slow ball roll.  How the Grounds Department lessened the issue is this past June we aerified the fairways.  By introducing ½” holes into the ground, we were not only speeding up the drying process but also providing a void for the surface water to get underground quicker.  For greens, we have increased the frequency of sand topdressing and verticutting. 

Verticutting greens provides a more upright stand of turf

Topdressing greens will firm the surface 

The result, when both verticutting and topdressing greens are performed, is the turf stands more upright with a firmer surface. The more upright the turf, the less amount of turf friction you experience (less friction = more ball roll).

The Golf Course is Open for the Season!

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

The golf course has overwintered in terrific condition and is primed for another great season. This weekend’s forecasted warmer days will lift the soil temperatures just enough for our putting greens to break dormancy allowing for some recuperative potential from mowing, rolling, and foot traffic. As a result, the golf course, quarry course and putt-putt course will officially open today at 9 am.

 Our Grounds Department staff has been prioritizing our clean-up efforts to the more playable areas of the course: Greens, Tees, Fairways, Bunkers and Cart Paths. Also, most of the golf course accessories (ballwashers, tee markers, garbage cans, and water coolers) have been set on the course, and the remaining will ready by next week.

This foursome officially kicked off the 2017 Outdoor Golf Season.

The State of the Course

By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen

This winter we have experienced average temperatures and snow accumulation; however, on January 10th 2017, we accumulated 1” of rain.  Rains this time of year are unfavorable because the turf is dormant and the ground is frozen, resulting in an impermeable surface; so any water drainage is purely surface drainage into either a drain or creek.  That being said, the temperatures during the rain storm dropped from 38 degrees to 15 degrees resulting in an ice storm.  Since the time between the rainfall and the deep freeze was so quick, the majority of the rain was unable to drain and remained on the surface to then freeze.  Overall the course has an average depth of 1” of ice and 4” of snow covering all greens, tees and fairways.

The picture above was taken January 18th, 2017

Since the picture above was taken, there has been considerable amount of melt throughout the course but much of the course (mainly low lying and shaded areas) remains under ice.

#5 Green Before 1/18/2017	#5 Green After 1/24/2017
#5 Fairway Before 1/18/2017	#5 Fairway After 1/24/2017

The good news is the majority of the golf course (about 90%) is bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass; which are both highly winter tolerable grasses.  In fact, bentgrass can survive under ice around 90 days.  The Grounds Department has started a log, tracking when the ice formed and what date(s) to check for turf damage.  If we are near the turf damage date(s), we will take measures to remove the ice.  Currently the ice is a benefit, providing protection from other forms of winterkill (crown hydration, low temperature kill and desiccation).