July 22nd post

As we edge closer to the end of July, the dry and windy conditions have been consistent, putting stress on the turf, especially on the greens. While the sand based greens are preferred because of drainage capabilities and ability to maintain a firm surface even during times of heavy precipitation, in conditions like we have had this summer, the top few inches of the soil profile is quick to dry when we have temperatures between 25-30C and winds gusting up to 50km/h. I can understand the concern one might have seeing the turf browning out in areas but if we recall about three weeks ago we were in a very similar state and after a cool weekend with some rain the golf course greened up quickly, indicating the overall health of the plants are intact. Most importantly, the playability has not suffered. The greens have been stimped daily and have been steady between 9'3" and 9'7". Ball roll is smooth and putts are holding their line.

We undertook venting the greens using our aerator on this past Tuesday and Wednesday. Unlike the core aeration we complete in spring and fall, a venting uses a solid tine and creates small holes on the surface. The goal here is similar to core aeration, but without removing any material from the profile. The end result is breaking through the thatch layer and improving draining into the root zone. Thatch tends to absorb water like a sponge, minimizing the efficacy of irrigation practices as the water does not get to the roots efficiently. Additionally, this practice further improves air flow to the soil profile. This practice is great on all sides as it does not disrupt ball roll and firmness in the same way a core aeration does. A roll of the greens afterward and it is difficult, if at all noticeable, to tell the difference when putting.

The Toro 648 Venting the greens with solid tines

Following the aeration and roll we will apply a light topdressing of sand to the greens. Topdressing helps firm up the playing surface while also levelling off the surface that may be slightly uneven from ballmarks, different growing habits of our poa annua/bentgrass greens, among others. It also dilutes the thatch layer. I mentioned the downfalls of excessive thatch in the previous paragraph and a dilution of the layer benefits the health of the turfgrass plant. The topdressing is not applied heavily like we do during core aeration, a simple watering and a roll of the greens following application and the sand will be of little notice to the putting experience.

The look of the greens immediately following the venting, topdressing, and rolling.

I have received several comments regarding the clover in the rough. The concern lies in the playability of hitting a ball sitting in a patch of clover. This concern is duly noted. The population of clover is a result of a couple of different variables: First, our lack of fertility of the rough this year. As was discussed in the Annual General Meeting in January this year, it was decided that one of the cost saving measures would be skipping the annual fertilizer application to the rough this season. As far as the turf goes, the rough is at the bottom of the priority totem pole. Also, there should be some residual fertility in the rough from last season’s application. We use a controlled release fertilizer that gives sustained growth. Beyond fertility, this season has been a bit of an anomaly. A cool spring finally gave way to summer in June. But instead of the usual humidity and precipitation the Atlantic coast is accustomed to, we have been inundated with warm, dry, and windy conditions for much of the summer. Our irrigation system does not cover the rough (for the most part) and without any rain, and with the low humidity and wind the rough will dry out and even go into dormancy in some cases. When this happens, the opportunity for weeds, particularly clover, increases dramatically. Clover falls under the classification of a legume (other legumes include alfalfa, peas, among others). Legumes have the distinct ability to fixate nitrogen from the air in their root system. This means the clover can in effect fertilize itself, which is why you can see green clover leaves in rough surrounded by browned out bluegrass. The clover (along with the dandelions) were treated with herbicide in the spring, as they are every year. We exhausted our inventory of herbicide for the season, though we will assess whether or not to make another application in the future. This will not take place until the fall, when the conditions for growing grass (cooler temperatures and increased precipitation) take place so that the turf can fill in the void of any weeds that we treat.

The orange tee on 15 was opened last week for play. The surround of the tee has areas of soil that have been seeded to fill in the voids over the next couple of weeks. We have also just completed the orange tee on 12. The dry conditions this summer meant the sod from our nursery had browned out , but we have been watering it daily and the sod is progressively turning greener and greener. The tee will be open for play in early to mid August.

The new Orange Tee on 15. Open for play.

A quick note about the bench on #3. We have received many complements about the bench, it is a fine addition to the golf course. We have recently added a plaque to give credit to the Ladies' Division for generously donating the funds to the bench. We at Oakfield congratulate the Ladies' Division on celebrating their 50th anniversary this year!

As we approach the end of July that means that we are on the cusp on the Men's Club Championship, Ladies' Club Championship, Junior Club Championship, and finally the Oakfield Invitational over the course of the next month. Exciting times! That staff have been working tirelessly edging traps, watering dry spots, and of course, mowing the turf in preparation for this time of the season. Good luck to all that participate! For more day to day updates on the golf course you can follow me on twitter @Kevinmoores. Thank you!

Kevin Moores