Oconomowoc Golf Club

2011-11-28T11:16:00.001-06:00

Enter Sandman…

Even though some extended weather forecasts were suggesting a slight increase in temperatures for Thanksgiving, the greens were closed for the season and the golf course has been setup for reverse play on Monday, November 21st. Those same forecasts were predicting rain, cold and potential snow immediately following Thanksgiving. The unpredictability of winter in Wisconsin is too much to gamble on. Properly preparing the golf course for winter can go a long ways in setting the stage for a successful 2012 season.

In the closing days of the season, we were able to empty and blow out the irrigation. All snow mold protectants were applied to the greens, tees and fairways. And finally, all putting surfaces and approaches were covered with a heavy layer of topdressing sand. Applying this sand layer requires 75 tons of sand and 3 days to complete. To avoid addition winter damage, this sand application should be made prior to the ground and grass freeze.

So why put sand on the putting surfaces?
• Sand provides some protection against the turf drying (desiccating) from the dry winter winds.
• Sand interrupts the potential for the formation of a solid ice layer. The darker sand grains will absorb solar energy and warm disrupting the ice.
• Sand will warm the putting surfaces in the spring and help initiate growth.
• Finally, upon receiving a spring brushing, the sand will help smooth and firm the surface as spring arrives.

Jeff Muller, 2^nd Assistant, winter topdressing #7 Green.

100% overlap produces the protective sand layer.

#8 Green. Sand topdressed applied and ready for winter.

Range Tee Divot Management

2011-07-17T06:16:00.001-05:00

Our turf on our practice range tee is disappearing rapidly. We fill divots on the tee almost daily. However, with the high temperatures, the seed within the divot mix is having a difficult time germinating and establishing. All members and guests can assist us in maintaining the range tee by maximizing the hitting surface. Below is a link to a recent publication by the USGA Green Section. It discusses the proper way to form a divot pattern and maximize the usable turf.

USGA Guide to Range Tee Divot Management

Water Management

2011-07-01T14:32:00.003-05:00

As summer starts to unleash its heat and humidity, water management is critical throughout the golf course. We spent all spring attempting to provide the turf with the best opportunity to grow a deep and expansive root system. The turf will need to utilize those root systems over the next 6-8 weeks.

It is difficult to grasp this concept, but when it’s hot, watering the grass can do more harm than good. It takes a lot of heat energy to warm water. However, once warm, water holds onto that heat for a long time. Therefore, a wet soil in the summer will absorb and retain heat. The warmer the soil, the more stress the turf is subjected to. A drier soil allows the warm air within the soil to escape and keep the soil cooler.

So, we want to provide the turf with just enough water to cool itself through transpiration, yet not too much that causes the soil to heat up and bake the roots. This is where water management becomes critical, especially on greens. In order to monitor soil moisture, we measure it with a meter. Each green is divided into 9 sections and a meter reading is taken and recorded in the early morning following mowing. Each reading is then evaluated against the forecasted weather to determine the need for additional water. If an area requires water, an appropriate amount is delivered through 1-inch hose. ONLY the areas requiring water are hand watered. The intent is to provide the turf with sufficient soil moisture to get it through the day. Then as night arrives, the soil air can be exchanged and cooled. If surface temperatures are too high, we may perform a true syringe of the putting surfaces. The art of syringing involves spraying a fine mist over the turf. Syringing moisture does not reach the soil. Droplets land on the turf and are allowed to evaporate. The process of evaporation is a cooling effect and the surface temperature can be temporarily lowered, relieving some stress from the turf.

Assistant Superintendent, Harrison Beal,
records soil moisture on the putting green.

Volumetric Water Content reading: 12%

Daily Moisture Record Grid Sheet

Harrison hand watering #16 Green extension

When hand watering becomes too extensive and all areas are requiring significant water to support daily turf functions, the irrigation system will then be programmed to provide a deep watering that simulates a nice rain event. Deep and infrequent irrigation recharges the soil moisture and helps the turf retain its root system.

Water management is a skill that I’m constantly attempting to improve and understand. OGC is home of many challenging soil situations (green extensions) which behave differently during various parts of the season. Measuring the soil moisture provides a concrete value that improves our understanding of providing exactly what the turf needs, instead of what we think it needs.

Ecological Management of Poa annua

2011-06-30T12:57:00.000-05:00

Turfgrass management is a science. Science is supported by research. Research yields advances in all technologies. This spring, two University of Wisconsin – Madison professors began performing a research trial on our #7 fairway. The researchers ultimately want to learn more information about how non-chemical practices can reduce the spread of annual bluegrass. Specifically, they wish to document the individual and possibly synergistic effects of nitrogen, water, and iron management on the invasion (or elimination) or annual bluegrass.

Due to our recent re-grassing to bentgrass and our desire to reduce and limit Poa annua in our playing surfaces, OGC was a perfect candidate to participate. Westmoor Country Club will also be participating in the similar fairway trial. The O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research Center near Madison will conduct another trial on putting green turf.

As with all research trials, results can only be analyzed after data has been collected for multiple years. It’ll be difficult to remain patient, but I’m excited OGC has been able to participate.

Hazardous Repair

2011-05-29T06:21:00.001-05:00

Muskrat tunneling and erosion caused by the rise and fall of the water level has produced significant deterioration along the pond bank on #13. It is important to improve the playability of this area for this season until the Club determines the best course of action for a long term solution.

Bank erosion and playing surface interruption.

Collapsed areas are filled with soil and tamped.

The entire area is finished raked and prepared for sod.

Sod is installed.

Project completed.

Sod will be hand watered until rooted and established.

It’s Too Early for Too Short and Too Fast!

2011-05-04T06:23:00.000-05:00

The golf course has been open for less than 30-days. And we can all agree that the weather has been less than desirable. In fact, according to OGC’s weather station, April 2011’s monthly mean temperature was almost 8-degrees below the monthly mean temperture for April 2010. It has been very cool, if not cold.

Spring is an extremely important period for turf as it recovers from any winter stress as well as prepares for the upcoming summer. Although, everyone sees and plays golf on the green grass on top of the ground, it is the plant activity underground that’s critical for surviving a difficult summer. Without roots, the turf cannot extract water, minerals or oxygen from the soil. Without a healthy root system, there isn’t a place to store all of the food the plants create during photosynthesis.

Optimal soil temperature for root growth is 50-65 degrees. Spring and Fall are the two periods in which the turf can be the most efficient in producing roots and food reserves. As the soil and air temperatures increase, photosynthetic activity and root production slows and can even stop. When air and soil temperatures reach extremes the process of photosynthesis can stop foprcing the plants to rely on the food stored in their roots.

Besides, high temperatures, two other factors can drastically impact root production. Height of cut and the frequency of mowings. In a nutshell, as greens are mowed shorter and more frequently, the root systems become compromised and begin to shrink. The shorter the top growth, the shorter the under the ground growth.

So, mowing too short and too often during prime root growing weather could negatively impact the health and quality of the turf when it matters in July and August. Current mowing heights and green speeds mirror that of early May of prior years. As May proceeds, the mowing heights will be slowly lowered and the green speeds will begin to quicken. But right now, root production should be the priority and we're off to a good start.

Pictures Taken Tuesday, May 03, 2011.

Beautiful, white Creeping Bentgrass roots on #1 Green.

Excellent view of topdressing layer and aeration impact.

Bunkers and Sand Detail

2011-04-15T13:53:00.001-05:00

Each year, the grass surrounding bunker sand quietly grows into the sand. It’s possible that a bunker could literally shrink by several inches as a result of the encroaching mounds. Bunker edging is required to remove this encroachment and properly maintain the desired shape and performance. It is extremely labor intensive. After 170 labor hours, all 58 bunkers have been edged and their shape restored to their correct shape. The sand has been relocated and positioned to provide the appropriate depths. The sand has been disturbed and will take a little time to set and firm back up. Irrigation cycles and a few good rains will help pound and pack the sand.

Bunkers are hazards and are intended to catch an ill-hit golf shot. As a hazard, the player should encounter an increased level of difficulty for recovery. Great efforts will be made to keep the bunkers free of weeds or debris, raked with the same consistency and to maintain the correct sand depth on the bottoms and slopes.

Diagram illustrating sand depth placement for Oconomowoc Golf Club

Encroaching grass is removed.

Sand is relocated to meet appropriate depth per the slope.

Slopes are smoothed and raked.

Finished bunker.

Putting Green Ball Station

2011-04-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Last season, it was discovered that many members enjoyed utilizing practice range balls for putting practice. The black training line on the golf ball assisted in aligning putts during lessons or practice. When not in use, the numerous golf balls were left spread across the putting green and surrounding collar. In order to help keep the putting green area neat and orderly for all members and guests, I have designed a storage station for these practice balls.

Smokey, our Equipment and Shop Manager, applied his fabricating skills and brought my vision into reality. The station includes a small, removable wire basket which can hold 12-18 golf balls. A golf ball plunger is also available to assist in collecting the golf balls after use. The station is located along the edge of the perennial bed which separates the putting green from #1 Tee and will allow for easy access as you complete your practice and head to the 1st Tee.

Here's to a Great 2011 Season..

2011-04-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

All putting greens have been opened for play and the golf course has been “flipped” for normal play – TO WALKERS Only. All fine grass areas have been mowed once, however there has been very little green-up and zero grass growth. The current spring and weather conditions are keeping the ground soft, wet and cold. As the temperatures improve, the potential for golf car use will be re-evaluated.

Please restrict practice to the hitting mat on the Range Tee.

Reminder: Greens Deep-tine Aeration is scheduled for next week April 11-15th (weather permitting).

Purpose Means Everything

2011-03-17T13:13:00.006-05:00

Grounds & Greens Department - Mission

Our mission is to provide the finest possible playing conditions and ensure a superior golf experience to all members and guests of the Oconomowoc Golf Club.

Grounds & Greens Department- Vision
Our vision is to achieve those playing conditions and keep those standards constantly maintained so we can preserve the fine reputation and tradition of excellence, which the Oconomowoc Golf Club carries.

Grounds & Greens Staff - Pledge

Each of us is a leader that will come, each day, ready to work as a TEAM. We must work safely and take pride in our work as we share responsibilities.

TEAMwork will make everyone a better person and our TEAM's success will be the reward for our hard work.

"Purpose" Board displayed in Breakroom.

Motivating a department with 20 different personalities and backgrounds can be a challenge. It's important that everyone is on the same page and understands our purpose and responsibilities.

Golf Course Industry Magazine Article

2011-01-27T13:21:00.005-06:00

About a month ago, I was contacted by the editor of Golf Course Industry Magazine asking if I had any special turf management tricks or anecdotes that helped get the golf course through this past summer. There were several changes in my turf management prior to and during the stressful summer, but one practice stood out in my mind as being instrumental in surviving the hot and humid season. Here is the published article. This is the second article I've enjoyed contributing to my peers.

Enjoy….

Rotational Venting Article

Winter Maintenance Part II

2011-01-27T09:11:00.002-06:00

Believe it or not, winter is the best time to perform basic tree maintenance tasks. The winter months provide a wonderful window in which the threat, of disease causing organisms or insect infestations, is at its lowest. Although slow, once pruning work has been performed on a tree, the tree initiates its internal defense and starts the healing process. Allowing these processes to occur with little threat of addition damage from disease or insects is very beneficial.

Throughout the winter we will assess each tree on the golf course. We'll perform basic pruning tasks to remove damaged or hazardous branches. We'll also perform pruning tasks to shape and thin tree canopies. Shaping will help provide an attractive form for the tree. Thinning will remove undesirable branches and provide the more desirable branches additional space to expand. All of these tasks are performed to protect and enhance our tree population. Healthy trees, in the right location, add a wonderful framework to the layout of the golf course.

As seen in the photo, tree maintenance produces a mess of debris, adding to our spring cleanup duties. Once the snow melts, we'll begin the cleanup process by raking and piling the debris. This debris will be removed once the ground is firm enough for maintenance vehicles.

Assistant Superintendent, Harrison Beal, performs a shaping prune.

Winter Painting

2011-01-07T06:05:00.004-06:00

Although snow may cover the ground, my "to do" list is several pages long as we prepare for the 2011 season. One of our key tasks involves cleaning and refinishing all of the golf course furniture and accessories. All tee markers, ball washers, garbage baskets, benches, tee yardage plaques, etc. are examined, repaired and reconditioned for the upcoming season.

When spring arrives and the golf course opens for the 2011 season, all equipment and golf course accessories will appear as if brand new and will be ready to present the attention to detail the Oconomowoc Golf Club proudly displays.

Tee Markers, Putting Green, Broken Tee Containers…

Ball washers…

Finished and Ready for 2011!

Wisconsin’s State Bird…the Mosquito!

2010-12-21T15:29:00.002-06:00

I realize the week of Christmas is a strange time to talk about mosquitoes. But, as a result of the 2010 mosquito plague, Smokey, OGC's Shop & Equipment Manager, and I have developed our very own mosquito fogger.

A large area commercial fogger can cost $5,000 plus. For only $125, we purchased a 10-gal chemical spray tank and a low volume misting nozzle. This setup was adapted to fit one of our pull behind blowers. During operation, the chemical tank and nozzle will dispense a very fine mist at a rate of 12 oz per min into a high volume flow of air from the blower. The blower will atomize and disperse the mosquito insecticide upwards 20-30+ feet. The versatility of the blower will allow the applicator to tilt and direct the fogging mist into trees or other areas prone to high mosquito concentrations. We are excited to see this creation successfully impact the 2011 mosquito population. However, please understand that fogging is only a temporary relief. Only periods of high mosquito activity will be targeted for fogging.

Golf Course Industry Article

2010-11-22T15:04:00.003-06:00

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by the Editor of Golf Course Industry Magazine and asked to elaborate on the process that was used to address our crowned approaches. Below is the article and information I assembled. It was a little exciting that projects that dirtied our hands attracted some attention from outside viewers.

Fix Your Crown

The Stimpmeter: Friend or Foe?

2010-11-04T07:10:00.001-05:00

Although the 2010 season is coming to an end, a recent USGA article prompted this blog update.

One of the most common questions I may hear from members, friends who golf or just about any stranger that discovers I care for the golf course at the Oconomowoc Golf Club is "So, how fast are the greens?" I try to shy away from providing an exact distance reading taken with a stimpmeter because most people only understand a speed (distance) that they've seen or heard on TV during a professional golf tournament. Also, because what one person feels are fast greens, another may view as slow. Therefore, I feel it is more important to promote the message of turf health while maintaining smoothness and consistency.

I do measure green speed via the stimpmeter daily from May through October. The main reason is to provide me with data that I can use to evaluate the impact of my turf maintenance programs and practices. This information also helps me respond to the comment "The greens were much faster the other day!" You'd be surprised how many times the recorded measurement differs from the perception. What I've learned over the last two seasons while collecting this data is that greens speeds can fluctuate from day to day without rhyme or reason. Or that one green can be faster or slower than the rest. It can be frustrating. But, acquiring this information helps in the decision to make adjustments in mowing or rolling practices to achieve a targeted green speed and desired consistency.

The most important thing to remember is that a golf course is living entity. It is important to understand that the grass on a putting green is placed under a lot of stress such as low mowing heights, rolling, dry soil, brushing, vertical mowing, disease pathogens, insects, heat, ice and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at it. Turf management programs should be designed to maximize the turf health while providing great playing conditions. By not taking these factors into consider and solely focusing on making the greens faster, faster, faster…we could end up "browns" rather than greens.

2010-10-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Is that SNOW?

Nope! Just frost. Just billions and billions of ice crystals clinging to the grass blades. So why is frost such concern or hassle? Frost is the natural freezing of humidity onto a surface. For a golf course, frost is more of a hassle and causes delays in maintenance and play. The concern with frost arises when traffic is applied to frosted turf. Pretend your finger represents a blade of grass. And on your finger tip is dozens of acupuncture needles. The needles are not painful and are barely felt, as long as no additional pressure is applied. Now, if you apply additional pressure to the needles, they're likely to puncture your finger deeper and pain will develop. This is same thing that grass blades experience with frost. Each blade of grass is covered with tiny needle-like ice crystals. Without pressure, no harm is done. But, if footprints are applied or golf cars are allowed to travel across, these ice crystals will be pushed into the tender leaf tissue and cause damage. If the damage is severe enough, the plants can be killed.

As the sun warms the air and the ground, the ice crystals will begin to melt and the threat for potential damage disappears. Please understand that frost delays are not intended to inconvenience membership play, but to protect the playing surfaces.

Fixing the Crowns!

2010-09-30T12:48:00.000-05:00

Years of aerations and topdressings have caused several collars and approaches to become crowned. The raised crowned approaches and collars on #1, 3, 4, 15 and 16 are interfering with proper surface drainage from the putting surfaces. Interrupted surface drainage can cause significant turf concerns, especially during hot, wet and humid summers (like this past one). Since the crowning slows the surface drainage, more water is pooled and forced to enter the soil at the front of these green. Increased moisture increases soil temperatures, reduces rooting, induces disease concerns, etc. All of which lead to reduced turfgrass health and potential thinning, which we witnessed this season.

To improve the turf health for future summers, the crowned approaches need to be corrected to assure there's positive surface drainage off of the green surfaces. Below is a series of photos illustrating the process on #15.

#15 Crowned Collar and Approach.

Sod is stripped and crowned soil is removed.

The crown is removed to promote proper surface drainage.

Bentgrass sod is returned to collar and approach.

Renovated area is cleaned and rolled.

Finished collar and approach is water and the healing will begin.

New Divot Sand Mixture

2010-08-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

A new sand mixture will be found in the sand bottles. Over the last several years, a green sand mixture has been provided to help fill divots that were too damaged to replace. This mixture consisted of 50% green sand + 50% Construction Mix (80% sand: 20% Peat). The green color masked the divot; however the sand mixture did not hold moisture very well, slowing a divots recovery speed. Although we've received a lot of rain this year, the new bentgrass fairways are too be kept firm and dry. A new sand mix is needed to help the divots recover during drier conditions.

The new mix is much darker in color as it is a mixture of 40% sand: 30% Marsh Peat: 30% Compost. It was attempted to create this mixture using green sand. However, there was no difference in color yet the green sand component doubled the cost. This divot mixture was created to help maintain moisture for seed development. Beginning in early August, the Grounds staff will begin using this mixture along with Memorial bentgrass seed. The seed will germinate quickly with the warmer temperatures and the cooling fall weather should promote a faster healing of the divots. Filled divots will be visually more obvious than those with the green sand, but the faster healing will be more beneficial to the quality of the fairway surfaces. A seeded mixture will only be applied by the Grounds staff in order to reduce the chance of rough contamination. In addition, a seeded divot mix does not store well in bottle or other containers. If the mix is not utilized within 3-4 days, the seed will germinate within the mixture clogging the bottle becoming useless. I am expecting this divot mixture to significantly improve the speed of divot healing on the Practice Range Tee as well as the fairways.

As a reminder: "When in doubt please replace your divot".

Old Green Sand Divot Mix / New Sand Divot Mix

Mosquito Spray Damage

2010-08-07T05:02:00.001-05:00

2010 appears to become the year of the mosquito. Reports are indicating that we haven't even reached the peak of the mosquito hatch yet. And since everyone is already dreading about going outdoors, an increase in mosquito activity is not what we want to hear.

The roughs around each fairway have been treated with the same active ingredient that can be found in Cutter's BackYard. I have also treated the wooded edges of the golf course. These treatments do not impact any mosquitoes that are flying or residing in tree canopies. But, this should provide some relief from the mosquitoes and other biting insects.

"Some relief" does not mean 100%. Surviving mosquitoes will continue to search for unexpecting golfers in mid-swing. If you are looking for additional protection, please consider lotions, wipes or pump bottles of insect repellent rather than an aerosol type product. If you prefer the aerosol type, DO NOT apply aerosol insect repellent while standing on greens, tee or fairways. The propellant in the can will burn grass blades.

Mosquito Spray Damage.

Summer of 2010

2010-08-06T11:48:00.001-05:00

Although we haven't experienced many 90-degree days, this summer has been much warmer than average. How? Very high relative humidity and warm nights provided average daily temperatures 4-degrees warmer than average in July. In July 2009, our warmest nighttime temperature was 65-degrees. In July 2010, I recorded only 3 nights with temperatures lower than 65 degrees (62, 63, and 64). The other 28 nights were warmer and very humid.

High nighttime temperatures can be more stressful to the turf than a 90-degree day. The soil relies on the nighttime temperatures to cool down and drawn in fresh air. When soils are wet from repeated rainfalls and continually absorbs solar heat each day, but cannot cool down at night, the turf becomes very stressed. In addition, the high humidity also provided an ideal environment for many of our most destructive turf diseases, requiring an increase use of plant protectants. This summer has been extremely stressful to many areas from the Midwest to the Northeast. I hear many reports of turf loss, dead greens and even golf course closure as a result of the damage.

Thankfully, our weather hasn't been that severe. However many of our turf management programs are helping use survive our current stresses.

Venting Greens to facilitate gas air exchange to roots
Smooth Rollers on greens and fairway mowers
Light, frequent foliar fertilizing
Increased mowing height on greens with an increase rolling frequency to help maintain green speeds
Hand watering only the dry spots on greens.

It'll be interesting to see what Augusts' weather is. High rainfall, high temperatures and continued high humidity will continue to stress the turf, especially the Poa annua. Although the new fairways are displaying stress from excessive moisture and golf car traffic, the bentgrass is surviving and performing much better than the Poa annua. The years 2008 and 2009 were fairly easy seasons, weather speaking. If we still were maintaining the old fairways, 2010's summer would have significantly impacted the conditions negatively. Proof is in the first cut of rough as the old annual bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrasses have been thinned by heat, disease, traffic etc.

We are supposed to be on the down swing of summer and cooler temperatures will return. At that time, our bentgrass playing surfaces can rebound and expand into any voids created by the weakened Poa annua.

If you're interested in learning a little more, please click the link…

Why Turf Dies in the Summer

Divot Etiquette

2010-07-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

I am often asked about the proper method for dealing with divots. Each golf course may have its preferred method based upon geography, maintenance goals or desired turf. At Oconomowoc Golf Club, the preferred method is to replace the divot following a golf shot. Location (tee, fairway or rough) does not matter. If the divot has been destroyed and cannot be replaced, then fill the depression with the green sand provided. Bentgrass spreads laterally and it is very important to fill the divot depression completely with the green sand. The surrounding bentgrass can then spread evenly across the depression, resulting in a smoother surface.

The green sand is best used on tees and fairways. There is no seed within this mix and will not cause any problems if used in a rough area. Seed is not included within the mix due to the ongoing fairway conversion program. A variety of conversion products will harm or kill any new bentgrass seedlings and therefore would be a waste of money. In addition, any divot mix containing bentgrass seed could result in rough contamination as bentgrass is suited for greens, tees or fairways.

On average, studies have shown a bentgrass divot requires 16-24 days to recover 50%. In other words, a normal divot will heal to one-half its size every 2-3 weeks. Divot healing is not a fast process and could take months if the growing conditions aren't favorable (hot, dry). The quickest route to a healed divot is to replace the grass that was just removed by your golf club.

When in doubt…Replace the divot and give it a chance to grow.

Please visit the USGA educational video regarding proper divot etiquette: Divot Etiquette

If the link does not initiate the video, copy the following address to your web browser: http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/video/divot_etiquette.html

New Range Mat

2010-07-09T09:58:00.001-05:00

In 2004 an artificial hitting mat was installed to relieve divot pressure from our grass tee hitting surface. The mat would be utilized by Outings, high school play and provide an opportunity for members when the tee surface is aerated or needs to be overseeded. The 2004 version of artificial mat required/recommended that sand be worked into the carpet fiber for a more "natural feel". However, the "natural feel" disappeared the hitting surface became extremely firm.

There is approximately 19,000 sq. ft. of hitting area per the two tiers. I will setup 8-9 hitting stations for member and guest practice. These hitting stations are rotated across the range tee in a specific pattern to maximize the area. During the peak of our season, this rotation will be completed in 3 weeks. Additionally, every time the Club schedules an event, members and guests extend the hitting stations to include as many as the tee can hold. This occurs several times each month. Once an area has been vacated, the divots are filled with a sand/seed mix. This area will then have approx. 3 weeks to heal. This is an extremely small window to re-generate the turf.

It is very important to the health of our grass tee surface that we have a functioning artificial mat. During the first week in July, we replaced the old mat with the newest and greatest version. This hitting mat will not have sand or crumb rubber incorporated into the fibers. A custom cover will be made to help protect the mat and keep it clean.

The new mat will be utilized periodically for member practice to provide an occasional "break" from the grass tee and allow the tee surface divots an extra day or two to heal.

Old mat is removed

Gravel base is prepared.

The new mat is rolled out.

The seam is glued.

Sod is laid along edge.

Installation Complete!

Hazardous Detailing!

2010-06-22T06:22:00.001-05:00

'Fairways and Greens' is the scoring moto of the US OPEN. That same moto can be applied to our course since a stray shot can find the thickened rough or be obstructed by one of our many trees. Hitting a green or fairway is supposed to give the golfer an advantage over competitors. Primary rough grass or trees are meant to frame a golf hole as well as create a potential half stroke disadvantage. Another area that might collect an errant golf shot is one of our 50+ sand bunkers.

The USGA Rules of Golf define bunkers as a hazard. A hazard is defined as any bunker or water hazard. According to Donald Ross, "There is no such thing as a misplaced bunker. Regardless of where a bunker may be, it is the business of the player to avoid it." (Golf Has Never Failed Me, pg. 75). And if the golfer finds a bunker, again there should be a potential half stroke penalty.

Although bunkers are considered hazards, we will go to great lengths to attempt to make them as consistent as possible. Bunkers are exposed to varying amounts of moisture or wind exposure. The varying amounts of water and the speed of drying can definitely impact the playability and consistency of the bunker sand. Essentially, the size, shape and location can all impact the consistency. Bunkers around #9 green are exposed to the wind and can behave differenlt than the bunkers on #12, which are wind protected. Consistency also varies greatly in the eyes and skill level of the golfer. Some members like bunkers that are firm. Some like soft, fluffy bunkers. Some want firm slopes so that a ball will roll down to the bottom and then desire a soft lie. Bunkers definitely fall into the category of "you can't please everyone" because everyone has a different preference. Yet, we try.

From a maintenance standpoint, here are the tasks that are performed in hopes to providing a golf course with consistent bunkers.

All bunkers should be raked with the same consistency
per that day. Due to the sand composition, our bunkers can tend to become very soft when dry. By limiting the aggressiveness of the raking procedure, the sand is allowed to settle and hopefully remain firm, thus reducing the dreaded "fried-egg" lie. To combat this problem, a combination of raking practices are utilized:

Typically 1x per week, the bunkers are machine raked. Machine raking does a very good job of removing any waviness and then smooths the base of the bunkers. Machine raking is limited to 1x per week as the machine tends to loosen the sand too much and creates 'fried egg' lie conditions.
2-3x per week, the bunkers are hand raked with a plastic leaf rake. The leaf rake is light and will only penetrate the top ½-inch of sand. Therefore the surface will be softened, while the base of the bunker can remain undisturbed and firm. All raking patterns are directed toward the center of the green.
On the remaining days, the bunkers are checked and any markings are spot raked.

The sand depth on the bottoms and on the slopes should be consistent. Irrigation, wind, rain and golf play can relocate the sand. 3-4x per year the sand depth throughout the bunkers are checked. The sand is probed and measured. The target sand depth is 4 inches throughout the bottom while maintaining 2-3 inches across the slopes.

Sand Depth is Checked. Target 4" across bottom, 2" across face.

Sand is relocated to the original location.

Machine raking will smooth the finished surface.

Most would think that managing sand would be fairly simple. Unfortunately, bunker maintenance and grooming actually has a greater labor impact than the maintenance of the putting surfaces, which sounds a little strange since bunkers are intended to be hazards. According to the current PGA statistics, touring professionals that are able to 'get up and down' from the bunker 49% of the time. If the best players in the world aren't any better than a coin flip in regards to getting up and down, bunkers are providing the hazardous challenge architects present.

Irrigation Demand

2010-06-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

Over the last several weeks, the warm and dry weather has initiated the need to supplement rainfall with irrigation water. As the need for irrigation increased, an issue arose with the correct operation of the irrigation system. Although, the pond has sufficient water, the large intake pipe appears to be restricting the flow of water and has not been able to supply the pumps with a constant water source. When an irrigation cycle was programmed, the pump station was "running" out of water and turning off. Therefore, areas of the golf course were getting fully irrigated, partially irrigated or not receiving irrigation at all.

Organic Sediment Removal (OSR) was able to re-schedule their contracts to assist in the investigation of our irrigation interruption. OSR was able to dismantle the irrigation intake piping and vacuum suction any muck and sediment from the piping and main wet well. In addition, they suction dredged the pond bay directly in front of the pump house and removed approximately 1 foot of organic muck which has developed over the last 15 years, since the installation of this irrigation system. Removing 1 foot of muck/Acre increases the water holding capacity by 325,851 gals. As expected, the divers did locate a few golf clubs, ball retrievers, golf balls and even a tee marker. What wasn't expected was the number of logs that line the bottom of the pond. According to the divers the pond bottom is lined with many large chainsaw cut logs, appearing that the logs were intentionally disposed of within the pond.

Although, the accumulation of organic sediment wasn't as great as expected, OSR was able to determine the cause of the irrigation problem. As the intake screen was removed from the pond, the reason for irrigation failure became evident. The intake screen was 90% sealed shut. When clean, the intake screen can provide 1700 gals/min. However, during this crisis, the irrigation system would "run out" of water when drawing only 300 gals/min. We were able to clean the screen after 4-hours of scrubbing and power washing with a steam cleaner. The system was inspected and repaired and re-installed.

Point blank range steam and power washing was required to remove algae and sediment thus clearing the screen pores.

An OSR diver prepares to suction clean the bottom of the pump house wet well.

Multiple divers were required to remove the intake screen and operate the suction hoses which removed 12" of muck from the pond bottom.

The muck is removed from the bottom of the pond and was discharged into the wooded area on #13.

The irrigation system is approximately 15 years old and has served us well. Annual maintenance on the pump station is performed. The exterior surface intake screen is scrubbed and cleaned 1-2x per year. However, the interior surface and inspection could not be performed without complete removal of the screen. I am expecting this extensive inspection, cleaning (as well as our annual inspections) and muck removal to provide another 10 years of great operation. Of course, now that the system is clean and ready to go, it hasn't stopped raining!

Venting Greens

2010-06-03T09:36:00.001-05:00

In May, we leaped frog over spring and into summer weather with upper 80's/low 90's degree days. It is now time to begin venting the greens on a regular schedule. Venting? Yes, venting. There are various types of aeration practices. Core aeration will remove a column of soil, to be replaced with clean sand. Deep-tine aeration will create 8-9 inch deep channels throughout the profile. Venting is the practice of poking very small holes on the putting surface. The millions of vent holes allow warm soils to cool and allow fresh air to penetrate the soil. Creating these vent holes will help keep a fresh supply of oxygen to the turf roots. In a sense, the venting process allows the greens and soil to breathe better. The fresh air and deep-tine channels will promote deeper and more expansive root systems. The stronger the root system, the stronger the plant and the better it'll handle summer stresses. In addition, the small vent holes will provide wonderful mini-channels for irrigation and rain water to enter the soil profile.

Needle tines are used to vent the putting surfaces. ¼" diameter tines penetrate the surface to a depth of 2.5 inches on a 2 inch grid pattern.

The roller smoothes any "tufting" prior to the green is mowed and rolled in preparation for play.

The small black dot on the right side of the golf ball is a vent hole. Once the green is mowed and rolled, the vent holes are virtually invisible and do not affect putting quality.

The venting process will be performed weekly through the summer. However, only 6-7 greens will be scheduled per week. Therefore, each green will be vented on a 3 week schedule. This rotation will provide a valuable agronomic benefit while not interfering with any member or guest play and help Oconomowoc GC have fantastic putting surfaces.

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)

2010-05-14T10:10:00.001-05:00

Over many years, Oconomowoc Golf Club has been home to a variety of wildlife. Over the last several years, the residential expansion surrounding the golf course has directed an increase in animal populations towards the golf course. Occasionally, I'll tend to focus on the nuisance wildlife (i.e. Deer, geese, muskrats, and Japanese beetle grubs) that I fail to recognize the beauty of other creatures that call OGC home. This morning, I came across our resident Sandhill Crane family. Unfortunately, the young chick is hiding and I was unable to get close enough to take a successful photograph, as the adults were threatening to attack me. Here are a few pictures of the parents as well as some interesting information about Sandhill Cranes.

Description: Sandhill Cranes are tall, long-necked, heavy-bodied birds, measuring about 45 inches from bill tip to tail. Lesser Sandhill Cranes average about 10 percent shorter in height. During summer, adult Sandhill Cranes have rust-colored bodies, wings, and tails subtly shaded with gray; necks are entirely gray. In winter, rust coloration is mostly absent, replaced by pure gray. Variable amounts of reddish-brown may appear in the wings. In all seasons, legs and bills are black, and crown is red. Juvenile Sandhill Cranes have mostly rusty brown upperparts and gray

underparts, with no red cap.

Voice: Sandhill Cranes issue a variety of vocalizations, usually loudly. Most common are loud rattles and rolling trumpet-like calls covering multiple pitches at once.

Cool Fact: Sandhill Crane families (mother, father, and young) typically stay together for nine to ten months, until early in the spring after the young bird's hatching.

Well known for their elaborate courtship dances and graceful flight, Sandhill Cranes are the most common and widespread crane in North America. Their assembly in huge numbers in central Nebraska during spring migration is one of North America's great avian phenomena. The species, which includes multiple distinct populations on the continent, also shows fascinating family dynamics, including unusually durable pair bonds and extended parental care of young.

Sandhill Cranes forage by picking and probing with their long bills both at and below the water's surface, as well as on land. They prefer grain when available, but eat a wide variety of foods. In their northern breeding areas, they consume berries, mammals, and insects.

Nests are generally built above water, attached to emergent vegetation and/or actually floating on the surface. Floating nests have the advantage of remaining intact and accessible even with increases in water level. Some Sandhill Cranes build their nests on dry land; such nests are typically smaller than those built over water. Surrounding vegetation, such as twigs or grass, is used to construct the nest.

Clutches usually include two eggs. Within 24 hours of hatching, Sandhill Crane chicks can walk from the nest; they can also swim. By the second day, siblings are highly aggressive toward each other; indeed, conflicts between siblings may be one important reason that most often, only one young crane per brood survives to fledging.

Notwithstanding this intense sibling rivalry, Sandhill Cranes have close and durable pair bonds and family relationships. Pairs remain bonded and monogamous for periods of multiple years. Mother, father, and young stay together from the time of hatching into the following March, a period of nine to ten months. During this time, first-year birds feed on their own, but depend on their parents' locating food and providing protection from predators and other territorially aggressive Sandhill Cranes.

Practice Tee Divot Management

2010-05-06T06:55:00.000-05:00

As a member, you can play an important part in managing the quality of the practice tee. Our practice tee is approximately 19,000 square feet of hitting surface. The season is already in full swing and the grass on the practice tee will get used up fairly fast. To combat this use, divots are filled 1-2 times per week with a sand/soil/seed mixture. In addition, each Monday, the entire tee surface is over seeded with a new variety of Perennial Ryegrass. Perennial Ryegrass is our best option for a practice tee turf. Perennial Ryegrass germinates fast and will help heal the divots quicker than any other grass species. Although, this divot filling and over seeding is occurring frequently, the healing process can still require 3-4 weeks.

So, how can you help? In order to maximize our practice tee hitting area, divot concentration is extremely important. Each day the hitting zones are shifted slightly in order to concentrate divots within an area prior to shifting to a new clean area. Please stay within these hitting zones. The more stray use…the faster the practice will get used up. When you practice, please concentrate your divots in a small area rather that scattered.

Good Divot Pattern

Poor Divot Pattern

Proper practice etiquette will help improve and maintain the quality of our practice area.

Right Hand Men

2010-04-22T12:17:00.001-05:00

Managing the care of a golf course requires the development of many different programs. Programs are developed for mowing, irrigating, fertilizing, pest management and staff efficiency. In order for these programs to work across the golf course, they must be implemented correctly and their progress monitored constantly. As Mother Nature presents weather challenges, I need to be able to adjust operations and care for any immediate needs of the turf.

Oconomowoc Golf Club is comprised of over 100 acres of maintained turf. Visually inspecting this property requires multiple sets of trained eyes. I have two assistant superintendents that have the responsibilities of helping me monitor the golf course and staff production. Their enthusiasm and attitudes complement their education and experiences. On most days, my staff may go unnoticed to the membership. However, the skills and efforts of my assistants help guide the staff to produce consistent, high-quality playing surfaces. I’d like to use this week’s topic to introduce my right hand men, the Oconomowoc Golf Club’s Assistant Golf Course Superintendents.

James Van Sickle, 1st Assistant
Joined OGC – May 2007
Over 13 years – Golf Course Experience
Degree: Kishwaukee College, IL
Associates of Applied Science in Horticulture
Emphasis: Golf Course Management

Harrison Beal, 2nd Assistant
Joined OGC – April 2010
Over 6 years – Golf Course Experience
Degree: Rutgers University Professional Golf Turf Management School

If there are any problems and concerns, James and Harrison are two dedicated individuals that are prepared and excited to help make OGC the best it can be.

Deep Tine Aeration

2010-04-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

Deep Tine Aerators are specifically designed to penetrate deep into the soil to maximize water percolation, root growth, and air flow to the root system. With deep tine aerification, an 8-10” channel can be created every 3-4 inches on square. These channels allow air to pentrate the soil providing the plant roots the required oxygen needed to thrive and grow. As new roots are developed this spring, the young roots enter these deep tine channels and can extend deep into the soil profile with ease. A deep and expansive root system will create a healthy plant, enabling it to withstand the heat and droughty periods that may arrive throughout the summer.

Later this spring, I will revisit this topic and provide photographs of turfgrass roots extending well past a 6-inch depth on greens. The photos will illustrate the impact of a spring deep tine aeration on root growth. Roots extending 6+ inches are exceptional for greens mown well below 1/8 inch.

Stocking the 'Fridge'

2010-04-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

As the season begins, there will be a common question heard from many returning members. “When are you going to cut the greens shorter?” Following winter, many of the grass plants “slough off” their root systems and begin growing new roots. Roots serve several functions for the turf. Most people understand that roots remove water and nutrients from the soil. The turf utilizes the water, nutrients and sunlight to produce food. This food is then reserved within the turf roots for use at a later time. So, storage is another function of roots. In a way, root systems behave similar to that of a refrigerator. When the turf gets hungry, it can then pull out some food out of its “fridge”.

Spring is an extremely important time for the turf to produce roots and food reserves. The longer leaf blades provide maximum surface area for photosynthesis and food production. It is critical for the turf to store sufficient food reserves prior to the arrival of the hot summer months. When the soil temperatures get hot during the summer temperatures, the turf can stop producing food and will enter into a survival mode. As the turf’s food production slows, the turf begins using food reserves. The more extensive the root system, the greater chance for survival during July and August.

Mowing also causes the turf to use its food reserves. Mowing causes injury to the plants which in turn recover by producing more leaves. Plants will utilize their food reserves for this process. As the mowing frequency increases and the height of cut is lowered, the injuries occur daily and there is less leaf tissue available for photosynthesis and food production.

Therefore, lowering the height of cut too fast in the spring can negatively impact the greens turf ability to grow an extensive root system and “fill its fridge” required to withstand a potentially difficult summer. The mowing heights are slowly lowered through April and May. By mid-late May, the Oconomowoc Golf Club’s green speed will return along with a healthy root system ready for the summer.

Fire!

2010-03-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

Was the golf course on fire? Yes! In late March, the weather conditions were perfect for our annual native area burning. Burning the long grass areas throughout the golf course helps remove much of the dead grass tissue from last season. The burned surface provides little resistance for the grasses to grow and send up new grass blades. The heat from the fire also helps “cook” some weed seed that may be waiting for an opportunity to become part of the area.

Unfortunately, these lower maintenance areas are not zero maintenance. Once the burned native areas begin regenerating, the areas will be treated for weeds. When the grass gets to a height of 6-8 inches, we’ll attempt to mow the areas down to 4” and re-treat for weeds. The areas will then be allowed to grow and develop their whispering seed heads. This yearly maintenance plan helps provide beautiful native areas throughout the golf course.

A Peak Under the Covers

2010-03-25T06:37:00.001-05:00

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s happening under the white germination blankets that are covering the repaired areas after last fall’s cart path improvements. Once the asphalt installation was completed, all edges and truck damage were backfilled with topsoil and seeded. The seeding was considered a dormant seeding as environmental conditions did not favor growth of any new grass. The seed absorbed water and then sat waiting for this spring’s warmer temperatures. The sun’s radiation is able to pass through the white blanket and warm the soil, jump starting the germination process. The germination blanket traps the heat and helps reduce temperature fluctuations, essentially creating a green house atmosphere.

This picture shows the many new seedlings emerging. Most are already one-half inch tall. As the new growth continues, the plants will push up against the blanket. If the new plants begin to grow through the blanket, the blanket will need to be removed. Hopefully at that time, the warm spring temperatures are here to stay. The new plants will still require time to spread and fill the areas. But, by performing a dormant seeding of these areas last fall, these areas will be 3-4 weeks ahead of normal spring seeding.

Spring Thaw

2010-03-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

This has to be one of the most consistent winters I can remember. Besides a little rain around late Christmas, the winter months were....winter. We didn't experience any super cold snaps or a winter thunderstorm. As March arrived, we finally started seeing a gentle warm up. The 6" snow layer across the golf course is starting the recede and the turf is starting to poke through. Rain and temperatures near 50-degrees are fore casted for the next several days. If the weather personnel are correct, most if not all of the snow should be gone by early next week.

Then what? I am in the process of calling back some of my key seasonal employees. We will begin the cleanup process. Winter surprisingly brings down a lot more tree litter than most realize. All 100+ acres of the golf course will be raked into piles. Bunker sand will need to be repositioned. Gravel cart paths will need to edged and smoothed. And turf areas prepared for the first mowing.

As spring continues to bring warmer weather, it is very important to remember that turf responds to soil temperature. Even though we may experience a sunny 55-degree day, which feels great to our winter skin, the ground will most likely still be in the 30s or low 40s. The turf doesn't start growing until the soil temperature reach 50-degrees. It is at that point that turf can begin recovering from any winter damage or hold up to spring play.

As the snow continues to melt and expose the golf course, I'll be able to report on the status of the fairways as well as the other fine turf areas.

Welcome to Oconomowoc GC's Turf and Grounds Blog

2010-01-28T14:35:00.000-06:00

Thank you for visiting my first blog pertaining to the maintenance and care of the turf and grounds at the Oconomowoc Golf Club.

It is my intent to provide the members of the Oconomowoc Golf Club with frequent updates of the care and conditions of the golf course. I hope to provide these updates monthly throughout the winter months and weekly throughout the season.

It is currently 8 degrees F (-3 degree wind chill) and I am excited for the warm up and anticipate an exciting year.