Private clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to replace the 5% of members who are typically lost each year due to factors such as the slow economy, the increasing age of the golfing members, lack of sufficient leisure time for four to five hours of golf, or simply too many other choices for golf. Similarly, rounds of golf are down at most public courses and fewer and fewer golf outings, the universal cash cow of both private and public courses, are being booked each season. Regardless of the reasons for reduced golf revenues, most superintendents face the difficult challenge of achieving a high level of course conditioning under severe budget limitations to meet the expectations of golfers who are generally paying higher dues or higher green fees each season.
 

In the northern tier of the Mid-Atlantic Region the turf is waking up from a long winter's rest. As the snow has melted throughout the region, evidence of varying degrees of damage is apparent. We have observed and heard reports of direct cold temperature damage on Poa annua putting surfaces, although it is impossible to determine the exact cause of the damage. We experienced one of the longest periods of heavy snow cover in recent history. Significant levels of gray snow mold, pink snow mold, and direct cold temperature damage in the northern and eastern portion of the region have been reported. The key issue now is how you recover from the damage and prepare for the upcoming season? Read this update

Many of our articles over the last year have focused on some aspect of ultradwarf putting greens. Bentgrass managers, we have not forgotten about you! Now is the time to begin putting your summer management plan into action. Below are a few topics that may help the summer go a little easier. We have included links to turfgrass research articles in case you wish to delve deeper into each topic.  Read this update

Yep, it's always a factor. We talk about it frequently and no doubt always will. It directly and persistently affects golf course maintenance. No matter how well we plan, there are times it gets the best of us. There are times it compromises what we'd like to present to those playing the course. There are times when it prevents us from playing at all. There are also times when it gives back more than we could ever accomplish on our own. Some say don't use it as an excuse, but the reality is it can be the reason. The 'it,' of course, is weather. Whether or not all agree, weather is a factor in both the preparation and play of golf courses. If nothing else, the past should teach us not to fight against it, but to work with it by preparing for the unexpected. Read this update

Spring has sprung, and with the warmer temperatures comes the return of annual bluegrass weevils (ABW) to golf courses across the Northeast. The weevil currently seems to be the greatest insect challenge facing annual bluegrass golf courses in the region. Management programs continue to target the egg-laying adults that emerge in early spring, and the success of the management programs can be significantly influenced by the timing of the initial insecticide application. Justifiably, there also are concerns with ABW resistance to pyrethroid insecticides that have been used as contact controls against the adult insects.   Read this update

Don't forget that if you pay for a Turf Advisory Service visit by May 15, 2010 you will save $500 on the cost of the visit.

 

Find out more about the Turf Advisory Service