December Golf Diary 2010

Overview - November was a month of two halves, ending in widespread frost and substantial snow cover in some parts of the UK, bringing golf to a halt in much of Scotland and Eastern England.

The first half of the month brought continued rain, resulting in persistent dampness to the turf. Although not nearly as wet as in November 2009, when record levels of rain affected many areas of the UK, it was however an ideal time for disease and worm activity, along with the inevitable clearing of leaves. With an ever increasing 'tightening' of expenditure, courses prone to the negative impact of these pests have to balance cost versus playability.

The reality for most clubs is to treat key areas only for worm control, while trying to manage greens in a manner that reduces the risk of disease and costly applications of fungicide. The last week of the month signalled an end to growth this year.

For December, turf conditions are usually dictated by the amount of rainfall and hours of sunshine. During the last decade, there have been 3 very wet December's - 2000, 2002 & 2006 and all being generally milder than the long term average. However, as well as the current amount of snow lying throughout the UK, we must not forget last year's significant fall of snow just prior to Xmas that put paid to both golf and work plans for the remainder of the month.

December is usually interspersed with early morning frosts and, apart from the latter part of 2009, it is over 20 years since the UK experienced prolonged sub-zero temperatures. As such, playing conditions can vary considerably, with those courses on open and free draining sites faring much better than those on heavier soils and shaded environments.

Laurence Pithie MG
Turf Master One Ltd
www.turfmasterone.co.uk

With average UK temperatures in December of 3.8 Celsius, growth will be largely dormant except for odd days when temperatures remain mild. Under normal conditions, the key requirement is to maintain a dry, firm and open surface as best as possible.

The risk of Fusarium disease remains at a peak this month, therefore all measures within an IPM strategy need to be implemented. Mowing is likely to be a weekly requirement, preferably with walk mowers to avoid any turf stress, but staffing levels may dictate that this is not feasible.

The use of smooth rollers and care with turning is essential, and mowing height is likely to be around 5mm, higher on any fescue dominated surfaces. Regular aerifying at varying depths is the ideal, but should only be contemplated when ground conditions are suitable.

A mix of solid and deep tining with 12mm tines are the most common type of aeration, but other types, such as a rotary decompactor, can be used depending on the objectives being sought. Following any aerification, light rolling and a moderate sand dressing of about 5 to 8 tons per 18 greens can help 'settle' the surface, but care must be taken not to smother the surface when there is an absence of growth.

With low light intensity, algae and moss may also present themselves where the growing environment has been compromised, eg shade, surface drainage, low fertility, low mowing height etc. If this is the case, then seek to remove the problem as well as applying the appropriate treatment, otherwise any improvement in turf quality will be short lived. If nutrient levels are constantly leached through the rootzone following heavy rain, then applying a very small amount of nitrogen and a higher amount of Potassium will help to give strength to the plant, but too much then the risk of Fusarium attack becomes greater. Maintaining the right balance is the key.

A useful practice at this time of year, especially over the holiday period, is to apply a dew dispersant to help maintain drier surfaces. Any fungicide should be applied a few days in advance, otherwise the active ingredients within the fungicide will be less effective at controlling the pathogen in its parasitic mode of attack. A useful ploy, but correct timing is essential. Ensure that hole positions are spread throughout the green and, again, a good practice is to cut two holes per green, thus ensuring that pin placement can be changed if surfaces remain temporarily frozen. More about winter play next month.

Useful Information for Greens

Articles		Products
	Fusarium patch - switch hitting it!		Fungicides

The main challenge with all teeing surfaces in December is to maintain a firm, dry and level surface as best as possible. The ideal is to use separate, but designated tees, constructed with a sand base. This should be the long term objective if not already in place.

Newer and larger courses will generally have this facility in place but, for many, it is a case of making the best of what is available. Many courses suffer from restricted space and, therefore, may have to rely on artificial turf, especially on par 3 holes.

Whatever the outcome, maintaining surfaces free of leaves, divots or other debris is paramount, followed by regular sanding of the surface. Where aeration can be carried out, then it should be done so as often as deemed possible. Any worm control should have been completed prior to this month but, in severe cases, a repeat application may be necessary. Attention also needs to be given to banks and nearby walkways to ensure an adequate surface.

Mowing may only be required every fortnight, and preferably above 12mm in order to give the grass as much protection as possible. Where ground levels are inconsistent, the turf can be stripped clear, the surface re-levelled and then replaced within a relatively short period of time. This and possible tee extensions should form part of the overall course development plan.

Useful Information for Tees

Articles		Products
	Golf courses and wildlife		Golf Equipment

Requirements this month should be a continuation from that before, with the emphasis of installing traffic control measures by greens, and possibly tees, to alleviate any potential wear patterns; this is usually where bunkers restrict access.

This aspect was covered in sufficient detail last month. The other main priority is to sand dress key walk-off areas to maintain a firm and improved draining and playing surface. Aeration and worm control are other aspects of this planned programme which is very much an on-going requirement.

Each hole on each course will have its own potential 'pinch-points' and wear patterns, therefore it is in these areas where such measures need to be targeted. The aims should be twofold; namely to provide adequate playing quality and to limit any turf damage prior to the new season. Achieving both will allow the course to be presented in better playing condition in spring.

Useful Information for Surrounds

Articles		Products
	Hell bent on golf history ...		Machinery

Fairways:- Once any leaf clearing is complete, the only real maintenance requirement is for aeration in the form of deep slitting or tining when ground conditions are suitable. Again, the use of a rotary decompactor may prove effective to remove water from areas between drainage laterals or into suitable outlets. Mowing is more likely to be a periodic requirement and nearer to 17mm in height.

Roughs:- It is unlikely that any mowing will now be required, but there are always exceptions. Where areas of out of play and deeper rough are present, this work can still be contemplated during settled dry and windy conditions. Any cut down deep rough should be collected and removed, using either a 'hired' machine or one that is purchased for this type of work and be part of the overall environmental plan. Areas near trees or adjacent woodland will inevitably have a final leaf clearing requirement, but this work should be completed well before the end of the year.

Useful Information for Fairways and Rough

Articles		Products
	Winter Play Revisited		Snow & Ice solutions

Playability and consistency are the two main requirements at this time of year, and this will largely depend on the effectiveness of drainage and removal of water.

Since December is usually a wet month, the bunker's ability to deal with excess water is paramount. Apart from ensuring that sand is distributed evenly throughout the bunker, including any faces, the checking of any drainage outlets will depend largely on whether or not any water remains. During periods of heavy rain, much time and labour may be spent moving sand and removing loose debris; this inevitably leading to contamination and poorer performance.

Renovation work, which is likely on most courses to some degree, should be in full swing by December with the aim of completing as much of the turfing work as possible. The earlier that faces can be re-turfed the better, thus giving maximum time for recovery. Where this work is carried out, it is essential to dig out all excess sand and replace with a good quality soil or compost mix in order to give the turf maximum chance of establishment.

On steep slopes ensure that the turf is 'pegged down', and that any gaps that subsequently appear due to slippage are filled with compost dressing.

Useful Information for Bunkers

Articles		Products
	Bunkers or bonkers?		Sand