The lack of snow cover and above average temperatures have been welcomed by many golfers and a striking difference from the winter of 2011. Golf course superintendents, however, are keeping a close eye on the weather and how it could impact turf health for the remainder of the winter.

'Snowmageddon' and 'snowpocalypse' were frequently used terms the past two years. This winter, these terms have been replaced with 'nice shot', 'good putt', and 'fore' at many golf courses in the Northeast Region. Unusually warm, dry weather during December and the first half of January has provided an opportunity for some golfers to get in a game. In fact, a few courses saw 80 plus golfers during the second weekend of January when temperatures reached the 50's.  Although recent snow storms blanketed courses in southern Ontario and parts of New England, most of the region is without significant snow cover, which is not completely positive. I hate to be pessimistic, but it is important to consider some downsides to the unusual weather.

    

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Southeast Region

By Chris Hartwiger, senior agronomist

'Tis The Season For Educational Opportunities 

Conference season is well underway and turf professionals are taking advantage of multiple opportunities to broaden their knowledge, network with others, and earn valuable certification and GCSAA points. In this update, I will review the first conference of the year and update you on upcoming USGA educational opportunities.

My first stop in 2012 was the 46^th Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference in Nashville, January 9-11. Attendance was good with speakers from throughout the country and even overseas. Dr. Micah Woods, president of the Asian Turfgrass Center, travelled from Thailand and wowed the audience with unique pictures on how golf courses are maintained in other parts of the world. There is definitely more than one way to get the job done.

Dr. Rick Brandenburg of North Carolina State University made several presentations, and his talk on "Transition Zone Top Pests" had multiple tips for superintendents in the region. A few are noted in the rest of this update.

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Northwest Region

By Derf Soller, agronomist

L) May 2011 - Late spring snow kept turf wet, and soil temperatures on the cool side well into the summer, causing a slow start to turf growth. (R) January 2012 - Lack of snow cover on many turf areas keeps golf course superintendents busy watching for damaging, drying conditions, or desiccation. Hand watering greens, even in January may be necessary to save exposed turf.  (Photo courtesy Mike Valiant, director of agronomy, Talisker Club, UT.)

January 2012 has presented conditions sharply contrasting a year ago in most of the Rocky Mountain region. Courses that didn't receive snow last year are getting some limited coverage, while many mountain courses that set snow amount records last winter are now facing large areas of exposed turf. The precipitation, white and otherwise, just wouldn't let up last spring, and now it's nowhere to be seen.

What do you do when you get unusual winters? Evaluate the current condition, react accordingly and communicate how things are different from normal. Many courses that typically have sufficient snow cover for turf insulation thru the winter are finding themselves dealing with different concerns and solutions this winter. Instead of monitoring for the possible development of winter snow mold diseases under snow cover, many superintendents are instead keeping a close eye on exposed areas that are now prone to winter desiccation. Drying winds and prolonged winter sun can cause significant turf thinning and loss, especially on elevated mounds and exposed tee boxes. 

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Southwest Region

By Pat Gross, director

A Community Approach To Managing The Mess Created By Coots And Canada Geese

Although superintendents in the region have been moderately successful discouraging coot and goose activity with various non-lethal harassment techniques, Jim Ferrin at Sun City Roseville (California) enlisted the help of the entire community to address the problem. Over the years, Jim and his staff tried various methods to discourage coots and geese, yet the results were limited and temporary because the staff did not have enough time throughout the day and into the evening to keep the birds moving off the property. Fortunately, the local residents had the time and were happy to coordinate their dog walking activities as part of a community goose and coot patrol. The first step was amending a local leash ordinance to allow the dogs to run freely and chase the birds. Next, Jim set up a meeting for interested volunteers to give them background and training on the goals of their coordinated goose and coot control efforts, which included allowing dogs to chase the geese, the use of remote controlled model boats in the lakes, and the occasional use of water cannons. A few of the volunteers also were trained to safely use a hand-held green laser to disturb the geese and coots in the morning and evening, which has been a very effective program at golf courses in the Pacific Northwest and is commonly used by airports to discourage bird activity. Two follow-up meetings are conducted each season to share information and adjust the program as necessary.

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Mid-Atlantic Region

By Stanley J. Zontek, director