January Golf Diary 2012

What a difference a year makes, or words similar to an old song. The extreme weather conditions experienced in 2010 were very different to that of last December.

On many days there was a temperature difference of at least 15 degrees compared to the previous 'deep freeze' a year ago. Last month saw some much needed rain in the south and east of the UK, whereas it caused more rain to fall on already saturated ground in parts of the west.

The mild and wet conditions also included a number of days of storm force winds, particularly in Scotland and the north of England. Clean-up operations followed on many woodland courses with several reporting the loss of trees as well as a few wooden or less secure structures.

Apart from a few days when golf was not a realistic option, courses have largely remained open for play, thus continuing to attract some much needed revenue. Drainage and playability were two key aspects last month, with the former having a major impact on the latter.

With rain falling on over half the days during December, good drainage was essential along with an open environment to benefit from the days when wind helped to dry the surface.

Earthworm activity remained high in areas which are susceptible and not previously treated with Carbendazim. Good spraying days were few and far between but those who did utilise the few 'windows of opportunity' to apply products such as iron and dew repellents, generally benefitted from having cleaner and drier surfaces, especially over the festive season when staffing levels were at a minimum; this being an example of good forward planning.

Previous articles have highlighted the need for turf to be healthy and free from stress heading into the winter and this is the time for that to be put to the test. Greens susceptible to poor drainage, shade and limited air movement will be more prone to winter damage and where disease is a threat, then a preventative fungicide is a key requirement along with other key practices.

Where Fusarium has taken hold, it is imperative to treat the turf as soon as a possible, preferably with a multi-mode of action fungicide which eradicates the current attack and then protects others from being infected. January is due to start on a mild theme but whether or not this will continue is anyone's guess.

After previous snow and ice, followed by a rapid thaw, last January proved to be a more normal month with a mix of rain and frost which has generally been the trend in recent years. However, in January 2010 there were some significant falls of snow during the early part of the month. Perhaps and more so in the past, Course Managers could rely on cold and frosty conditions in January, therefore it is best to be prepared.

Should mild and wet conditions prevail, then additional stress could be placed on turf and playing conditions, with golfers keen to maximise their time during favourable playing conditions. On the positive side and although light levels remain low in January, towards the end of the month, the hours of daylight slowly increase and limited afternoon golf is again possible.

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

UK temperatures in January are usually at their lowest and with an average of only 3° Celsius, virtually all plant growth will be dormant. Under normal conditions, the main emphasis will be to provide playing surfaces of suitable quality that are firm, dry and as smooth as possible. These criteria will largely centre on drainage, soil type, grass type and environment. Greens with poor surface or sub-surface drainage and high levels of organic matter will not provide these 'ideal' conditions.

Therefore, long term objectives should be to create a better growing environment. The question of frost and temporary greens is likely to be a 'hot' topic should frosty conditions prevail. Apart from managing the greens in a sustainable manner, the question is whether or not to allow the greens to remain in play or to protect the surfaces and use temporary greens.

For more detailed information and recommendations, refer to the article 'Winter Play Revisited' which appeared in March 2009. Two key recommendations mentioned were to utilise a two hole system whereby one such position would be close to the front edge of the green and this to be used during periods of hard frost.

The idea being to allow play on the main green, thus maximising revenue but to limit any potential damage to a small peripheral area of the green. The other recommendation during frost is to instigate a one club length rule from the hole, whereby any ball inside this diameter becomes a 'gimme'. This has the advantage of avoiding holing out, thus reducing wear. It also helps in speeding up play and introducing an element of fun during adverse playing conditions.

Disease risk from Fusarium will probably still remain high in January unless sub-zero temperatures are the norm. This will keep Fusarium at bay but it will not eradicate it. Mowing should continue each week when conditions allow but more as a requirement to roll and clean the surface with the height of cut at 5mm or higher. Aeration should remain as a key priority in order to allow as much air as possible into the root-zone, but only when ground conditions are favourable to accommodate heavy machinery.

Following up with a light sand dressing afterwards will help to 'firm-up and settle' the surface but avoid smothering the grass. Fertiliser requirement will be low but if sandier root-zones are showing signs of 'leached' nutrient loss then a very small amount of Nitrogen can be applied along with a higher level of Potassium. The addition of sulphate of Iron or one of the many chelated products on the market will give enhanced colour but if the intention is for disease control, then only the former will prove effective. Continuing to keep surfaces dry remains the key objective, therefore brushing and switching must feature on a daily basis. The use of a dew dispersant, as mentioned previously, will also help but may only be effective for a couple of weeks.

Useful Information for Greens

Articles		Products
	Llanymynech Golf Club - a gem on the Wales/England border		Golf Fairway Grass Seed

Maintenance requirements this month are largely a continuation from those in December, with good playability being the key priority. Whatever grass tees are in use, the requirements remain the same, namely clean, dry and firm surfaces.

Therefore, regular brushing, periodic tining and light sanding will be the norm along with varying degrees of traffic control, especially on raised tees. Here, there is a tendency for bankings to become worn if there are no designated access points. Where worm control was completed in late Autumn, there is a possibility that a repeat application will be necessary since the effectiveness of Carbendazim is limited to a maximum of 3 months.

A periodic trim with the mower will help to clean and present the surfaces but best to keep the height of cut above 12mm. Should the turf be lacking in colour, vigour and ability to recover from wear, then a low amount of Nitrogen can be applied to help replace any loss from leaching. Where artificial teeing mats are in use, then these should be brushed clean on a daily basis.

Useful Information for Tees

Articles		Products
	The Anatomy of a golf course: TEES		Tees

Traffic control measures, sand dressing and possible worm control will be the main requirements this month in order to maintain adequate turf cover and to provide good playing conditions. Similar to tees, aerify when ground conditions are suitable, penetrating as deep as possible to alleviate any compaction.

Ensure that any outstanding turf repairs are completed this month in order to give the turf time to 'settle' prior to Spring. It is unlikely that any additional feed will be required at this time of year but there are always exceptions. If required, then fertilise as per tees.

Useful Information for Surrounds

Articles		Products
	Astbury Hall Head Greenkeeper, Sean Jarvis, is rocking all over the course!		Golf

January can be a key month for deep tine aeration if ground conditions remain favourable. Operating a deep tiner with varying degrees of 'heave' will prove beneficial for removing surface water and to maximise air movement through the soil. Slitting is also beneficial and much quicker but really needs to be completed a few times over the winter to make any real difference.

As stated previously, the use of a rotary decompactor may prove effective to remove water from areas between drainage laterals or into suitable outlets. If mild weather continues, then a periodic pass with a mower will help to tidy and define the surface but avoid removing any real amount of grass cover. Fairways prone to divots should also be cleaned regularly and the holes filled where possible.

A useful ploy is to give the fairways a foliar application of Iron and Urea to give the turf a 'green-up' tonic. This is more of a cosmetic approach but does enhance presentation at a time when courses often take on a 'bleached' appearance. For less than £20 per fairway it can be money well spent at a time when many clubs are looking for that competitive edge.

Useful Information for Fairways

Articles		Products
	Sustainable management leads to year round play at Lymm Golf Club		Holes and Hole Cutters

Winter playability and consistency will remain the two key requirements, therefore good drainage is fundamental. Much time may be required in this area if the bunkers tend to hold water and suffer from wash-outs or erosion.

Refer to the December article on renovation work which should be nearing completion by the end of this month, especially where turfing work is required. On a more routine basis, the requirements are to maintain adequate depth and sand on the faces along with regular brushing of sand from the surrounding banks.

Useful Information for Bunkers

Articles		Products
	The anatomy of a golf course - Bunkers		Spreaders