Poa actively seeding

It is that time of year, birds are chirping, sun is shining and Poa Annua is trying really hard to go to seed.  The past few years I have always talked about increasing bent grass populations to try and minimize the unknown and negative factors associated with Poa.  Some people really hate Poa, others enjoy growing it and many of us tolerate it due to the fact it covers the majority of our putting surfaces. Last years winter damage was a blessing in disguise as we really increased our bent populations on a few greens. We try everything to manage Poa, the most popular is spraying growth regulators to shift the focus on root development verses seed development.  Over the next few weeks I ask for patience as we might have severe fluctuations in speed, color and consistency.  In a few short weeks we will begin our aggressive cultural practices of Topdressing, Verticutting, Rolling and Spiking to give a consistent smooth putting surface.  I will be attempting to average a speed of 10 this coming year as I find that best compliment the wide range of golfers we encounter.  The Bent really stands out on holes 2,5,6,7,12,13 and 14 this year, but it in no way affects ball speed.  One species is not any slower or faster than the other and right now everything is being maintained at the same height of cut.

Who would have thought that by Mid April we would already have over 5000 rounds and hit the 90 degree mark.  Ironic that they both happened on April 15th this year.  The 16th hole is progressing nicely as can be seen in the picture to the right where the cover was temporarily removed today for inspection. As you can see germination is moving along at this point and next week we plan on removing the cover and mowing the fairway portion of the turf.

How long will the delay be?  Why can we not practice putting?  What really will happen to the turf?  These are all questions that are presented while waiting out the frost delay.  Today we encountered our first real delay of the season and it was just over an hour.

"Frost is basically frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90 percent water, therefore it also freezes. Because of the short mowing height and fragile nature of the turf, putting greens are most affected by frost. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally.

 Damage from frost usually comes 48-72 hours later as the plant leaves turn brown and die. The result is a thinning of the putting surface and a weakening of the plant. While it may not appear to be much of an issue if a foursome begins play early on frost covered greens, consider the number of footprints that may occur on any given hole by one person is approximately 50. Multiply that by 18 holes with an average of 235 rounds per day and the result is 211,500 footprints on greens in a day. Thats 6,345,000 in a month."

 Last night the moon was bright, clear skies and it got down to 27 degrees. The perfect setup for a frosty morning.  

This morning to speed up the proces we attempted to throw some water.  It is very important to wait until the air temperature is above 32 degrees or it is possible to make the situation worse.  We also spread out the staff and made adjustments such as spot raking bunkers and rolling greens versus mowing. All of these changes were made allow the golfer to enjoy the day as soon as possible.  Being patient is sometimes tough, but we are only attempting to protect the golf course and keep it moving forward for all to enjoy this season.

For many, the Masters represents the start of a golf season - when visions of breaking 90 for the very first time are more reality than merely a dream. 

But, to a Golf Course Superintendent in the northeast, it’s the curse of Augusta!

This year we are lucky that spring snuck in a little early and gave us a head start.  And the course, in what is barely spring, is in great shape.  But, when the average golfer spends 10-12 hours watching Phil read a 75 foot putt that breaks three times before ending in the cup, suddenly golfers everywhere visualize their putts the same. Lost on those same golfers is the fact that our public golf course needs to be maintained for the vast majority of golfers and greens speeds in the 14 range will cause a course like Richter to average 7+ hour rounds!



Golf courses are meant to be extensions of the natural surroundings - friendly to wildlife and a benefit to the environment. Golfers must learn to accept less than perfect conditions - a brown spot here and there and bunkers that have been played in - as a normal part of the game. My favorite time of year is British Open when the course “is what it is” and the focus is skill and not on a perfectly maintain course that is simply not attainable for 99.5% of the courses in the country.



As you watch the Masters, embrace the fact it is one of sports greatest events and one to not be missed. Also realize that achieving Augusta conditions at Richter Park is not possible, especially in early April. We have a gem in Danbury that while not perfect is one of the best in the state, the northeast and in the country!