Spring always brings three different concerns to southern golf courses. First, golfers are impatient for the bermudagrass tees and fairways to regain density. It is key that superintendents educate golfers to understand that until the daytime temperature highs and nighttime lows add up to 150º F, active bermudagrass growth is not possible - only the foliage greens up. Golfers may see runners on the cart paths or in the bunkers, but the increased soil temperatures at these locations greatly affect growth in mid-spring.

Second, spring aeration is continually a delicate subject. Explain to golfers that the superintendent, the golf professional, and the board have balanced this critical aeration with the golf schedule as best as possible Mentioning a concern about the spring golf schedule seems to make a difference.

Third, the spring preemerge schedule, especially for goosegrass control, is critical. A February application is not going to give late July through August goosegrass control - PERIOD! Goosegrass germinates three weeks after crabgrass, on average, and a delayed, or split application is the only way to achieve August control. No matter how good the material is, it can only last a limited time in the soil.

If goosegrass is your primary target, delay the preemerge application until late March (depending on your north/south location) or split the applications in a March 1 and May 1 program.

We strongly urge you to visit the USGA web site at www.usga.org and click on Supporting the Game to learn more about Green Section programs and to stay up-to-date on activities in the Mid-Continent area via our Mid-continent Regional Update, bringing you new information every two weeks.

All of the golf courses in our database should have received a mailing about subscribing to a Turf Advisory Service visit this season. Discounts are given for payments received prior to May 15th. If your course did not receive this information, let us know.

If you would like more information about a Turf Advisory Service visit, please contact either of the Mid-Continent regional offices: Bud White, (972) 662-1138 or ( budwhite@usga.org ) and Ty McClellan, tmcclellan@usga.org or (630) 340-5853.