From my viewpoint, turf health has been the primary concern at golf courses this spring. Excessively cloudy days until about April 1st have slowed bentgrass regionalUpdateContent development and bermudagrass recovery.
The wet winter also produced a proliferation of weeds this spring, primarily in roughs and slopes. This was due to a breakdown of fall pre-emergent materials, and because of the rain and an inability to apply post-emergent herbicides. On top of that, the ground was too wet for sprayer traffic. Mowing these areas now will quickly mask and eliminate the winter annuals.
Bentgrass regionalUpdateContenting is rapidly on the rebound now, and we finally have some warm and sunny weather. Make sure potassium applications are up to date.
Bermudagrass recovery is the last point of concern. The extreme weather has left many bermudagrass areas slow to recover. These are mainly shaded, high traffic areas or north facing slopes. On Tuesday, April 20, at 10:00 CDT I am presenting a webcast about "bermudagrass injury, evaluation and recovery." Link information can be found on the main page of the USGA website under "Upcoming Events".
Let me remind you that the USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Service visit rates for 2010 remain the same as 2009.
- Half-day -- $2300 with a discount of $500 if paid by May 15 ($1800)
- Full-day -- $3100 with a discount of $500 if paid by May 15 ($2600)
I encourage your club to pay prior to May 15th to receive the $500 discount. If you receive your visit prior to May 15th, submit your payment within 30 days of the visit invoice to receive the $500 discount. You can download a TAS application at http://www.usga.org/course_care/turf_advisory_service/How-to-Subscribe
If you would like more information about a Turf Advisory Service visit, please contact either of the Mid-Continent regional offices listed on this web site: Bud White, (972) 662-1138 or (budwhite@usga.org) and Ty McClellan, tmcclellan@usga.org or (630) 340-5853. We look forward to being of service to you and your course.