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February 17, 2012 -- Volume 50, Number 04 |
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Elliott and Eloise Take Up Golf! | The Harrison Bay Eagle Cam At The Bear Trace Golf Course
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![Harrison Bay Eagle Cam](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/492.jpg?a=1109314993176) | Elliott or Eloise? |
The USGA has an eagle in its logo, and now we have real eagles to go with it. The Green Section provided a grant to The Bear Trace golf course at Harrison Bay State Park (Harrison, Tenn.) to follow the nesting activities of a pair of bald eagles located on the golf course. Affectionately named Elliott and Eloise, the pair are using the nest for a second year after successfully fledging two eagles last year.
On February 11 the first egg was laid, followed by egg number two on February 14. The eagle nest is located in a 75-foot-tall pine tree behind one of the greens. If all goes according to plan, the eaglets should hatch in about 35 days, with both parents helping to incubate the eggs during this time period.
The project is led by Paul L. Carter, certified golf course superintendent, and his staff. You can watch the progress through the eagle cam by logging onto the Harrison Bay Eagle Cam.
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Turfgrass Disease Diagnosis | Proper Sample Preparation is the First Step in the Process of Disease Diagnosis by Dr. Steve Kammerer
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![Disease incubation](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/494.jpg?a=1109314993176) |
Disease diagnosis should not be rushed, if possible. Proper incubation can help identify causal pathogens so that effective treatment can be implemented. |
When lumped with all other day-to-day tasks, disease management can be one of the most challenging problems that face golf course superintendents. Sometimes when problems arise on turfgrasses, an unknown "disease" is the presumed culprit. Sample diagnostics can be useful in identifying the primary potential pathogens and when they are most likely to be infecting. This information is critically important in designing an agronomic program for prevention of diseases. This article is a short guide to taking the right steps to diagnosing problems associated with pathogens and extrapolating the results of a turfgrass diagnostic summary.
Read the rest of this article
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Turf Twister #1 | Five Players - Five Carts
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![Five carts for five players](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/495.jpg?a=1109314993176) |
Maybe they just don't like each other. |
Q: The majority of our members drive personal carts on the golf course and often do not ride with their golfing partner. As a result, we see three, four or even five carts per group. Do these additional carts produce more damage to the turf? What can we do to change this? (California)
A: Golf course superintendents are all too familiar with the damage incurred to soil structure and turfgrass caused by excessive cart traffic. A typical foursome with two carts will impact about 124,000 square feet of turf (on a 6,200 yard golf course), while the same foursome with four carts (or even five in this image) impacts nearly 250,000 square feet. All carts impart some turf damage; the more carts, the greater potential injury.
We recommend that you develop a written policy on golf cart operation, and implement penalties for cart operation violations. As an example, a first offense could result in a written warning, a second offense a formal admonition from the board, and the third offense could result in suspension of cart privileges for a specified amount of time. The cart policy should be carefully explained and well distributed, and each member should be required to register for cart privileges in the pro shop. Additional reading on this controversial subject can be found by clicking on the following link:
Letting the numbers tell the story on cart damage
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Turf Twister #2 | Using Synthetic Practice Tees For Winter Play
![Artificial practice tees](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/496.jpg?a=1109314993176) |
Although not as enjoyable as the real thing, a well-constructed artificial practice tee can prove invaluable during certain times of the year. |
Q: A few years ago our golf course installed a synthetic tee at the back of the practice facility so that golfers could use it throughout the winter months. Playability from the synthetic surface is actually better than most of us anticipated, but with temperatures being so warm and frosts limited this winter we would prefer to play from the 'real' tee. Any reason why we shouldn't be allowed to tee it up on the turf during warm days? (Illinois) A: Understandably, warmer weather this winter has generated more opportunities to practice, but, keep in mind, the turf is not actually growing even if it is green. Whereas air temperatures may warm to comfortable levels for a few hours on any given day to enjoy golf and melt frost, soil temperatures are still too cool to generate active turf growth. If the turf is not actively growing then it is has little traffic tolerance and no ability to recover from divots. Any divots or wear areas created now will persist for months and likely not fill in until early summer for cool-season turfgrasses and mid-summer for warm-season species. Keep in mind that as soils freeze and thaw throughout the winter and spring, golf course playing areas are more vulnerable to soil compaction. This eventually requires additional aeration later in the growing season to correct the problem. Furthermore, when turf is dormant and off color, winter play slows its spring green-up and reduces turf vigor. This condition will persist into the golfing season and oftentimes results in more fertilizer and pesticides being needed during the growing season to improve weakened turf. Winter play generates many questions each year for the Green Section staff, and there are very real risks involved for the turf and your golf course. Sometimes consequences are immediately noticeable, and sometimes they are not realized until later in the year. At any rate, it was a wise decision to install synthetic turf to allow for winter play, and it is just as wise to use it while the 'real' turf is resting. For more information on winter play, please read any of the following articles: Playing Par with Jack Frost Politics, Religion and Winter Play on Greens Too Hot to Handle |
Regional Updates |
![Florida Region](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/22.gif?a=1109314993176) Florida Region By Todd Lowe, agronomist The Winter Goods, Bads and Uglies
Florida is in the midst of the peak of the winter golfing season, and many Turf Advisory Service visits have been conducted throughout the region. North Florida is quite different than South Florida with regards to the degree of winter dormancy and stresses that can occur. Visits to most courses in the northern part of the region have shown good turf quality and few problems. However, many course visits in the southern part of the state have focused on disease problems and mechanical wear.
The rest of this update provides examples of what is good, bad and ugly in the region.
Read the rest of this update
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![southeast gif](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/15.gif?a=1109314993176)
Southeast Region
By Chris Hartwiger, senior agronomist
Summer Starts In Winter: The 2012 Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Field Trip
On February 7 and 8, approximately 15 to 20 turf professionals gathered in the Atlanta, Ga., area to discuss planning for putting green conversion projects in the summer where bentgrass putting greens will be replaced with an ultradwarf bermudagrass. Our trip began at The Oaks Course in Covington where we met with Course Owner and Professional Dick Schulz and Golf Course Superintendent Curtis Singleton. They shared with the group how they made the conversion in 2005 on a limited budget and in a tight time frame. While observing several of the outstanding putting surfaces at The Oaks, we also discussed winter management of ultradwarfs and shared tips for success.
Read the rest of this update
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Northeast Region
By Jim Skorulski, senior agronomist Mild Weather Complicates Late Winter Decisions The winter weather extremes continue in New England and across the Northeast. The warm temperature anomaly this winter dominates the minds of turf managers and golfers, albeit in much different ways. Most golfers see the warm weather as a unique opportunity to play golf. Superintendents see the open winter in a slightly less positive light considering the potential impacts the mild temperatures will bring later in spring. No matter how you stand on the winter play issue, there will be some cost in terms of wear and tear associated with keeping greens open to play through the winter. The extent of that injury depends on the volume of play and weather conditions that occur over the next three to four weeks.
Read the rest of this update
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![Mid-Atlantic gif](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/14.gif?a=1109314993176)
Mid-Atlantic Region
By Keith Happ, senior agronomist
The Most Asked Question Remains, "How About The Weather?" At the writing of this update, the weather has turned more seasonal with temperatures within the expected range for this time of year. However, recent Turf Advisory Service visits have provided evidence that, in many cases, the soil is not frozen and there is a very good chance that winter hardiness (the turf's anti-freeze mechanism) is all but gone. We have just passed the halfway point for the winter, and, while the days are getting longer, we still have a way to go before the grass grows consistently. Resist the temptation to mow if at all possible. Mowing stimulates growth and will physically remove snow mold protection. If it gets very cold (it is predicted to be in the single digits in the northern tier of the region), plant health could be compromised, particularly if wet weather occurs prior to the drop in temperatures. The potential for crown hydration damage is still real. If something has to be done, roll rather than mow and topdress to insulate and protect the turf. Both strategies will pay off as we get closer to spring. These are not compromises; they are wise agronomic practices that will result in better turf conditions later in the year. The mild weather this year has provided bonus playing time for golfers so do what is necessary to allow them to enjoy the course while still protecting the turf. Read the rest of this update _____________________________________________________________________ ![north central gif](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/16.gif?a=1109314993176)
North Central Region By Bob Vavrek, senior agronomist Wishful Thinking
The Green Section office in Wisconsin always receives a few additional inquiries about Japanese beetle grub survival every time a mild winter occurs. Everyone wants to hear that a lack of snow cover and above average temperatures will disrupt the life cycle of this pest and ultimately reduce or eliminate populations overwintering grubs.
A little help from Mother Nature regarding grub control would be a welcome bonus considering the high cost of pesticide treatments for fairways and roughs, where most turf loss occurs, versus the more modest expense of treating only a few acres of putting surface where relatively little grub injury is typically observed.
To make matters worse, courses affected by the most severe infestations of grubs are often in sites where Japanese beetle populations have just become well established as they slowly migrate westward across the Region. There tends to be minimal natural control of grubs or adult beetles from disease, parasites, etc. for as long as five to eight years when they invade new turf. During this time, beetle populations can go hog wild and make life miserable for superintendents who are not yet familiar with the direct and indirect effects of grubs making a permanent home in high quality turf.
Read the rest of this update |
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A Sure Bet While In Las Vegas |
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2012 USGA Green Section Education Program
Golf Industry Show - Las Vegas
March 2, 2012 10 a.m. - noon
Improving Your Golf Course Management Odds
Presentation |
Presenter |
Showcase your Value at your Facility. Highlight your skill at knowing where to cut and not to cut in the maintenance budget. |
Keith Happ, USGA Mid-Atlantic Region and Bud White, USGA Mid-Continent Region |
The Best Turf Tips
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USGA Green Section staff |
Turfgrass Microbes - some practical perspectives |
Dr. David Zuberer, Texas A&M University |
Presentation of the 2012 USGA Green Section Award to Dr. Wayne Hanna
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Patrick O'Brien, USGA |
If I Were the Emperor of Golf for a Day
Often, golfers, committees, and tradition determine the golf course operations. It may be time to shift the paradigm.
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David Oatis, USGA Northeast Region |
More Best Turf Tips
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USGA Green Section staff |
The Fun Factor
Understanding what makes golf fun will be good for your bottom line.
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Chris Hartwiger, USGA Southeast Region |
The Best Turf Tips Aren't Done
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USGA Green Section staff |
Things I Wish our Superintendent Knew -
Perspectives from the Green Committee
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Pat Gross, USGA Southwest Region |
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2012 USGA Green Section National and Regional Conferences | |
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
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March 2, 2012
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Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
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Las Vegas, NV
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MID-ATLANTIC REGION
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March 20, 2012
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Oakmont Country Club
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Oakmont, PA
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March 27, 2012
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DuPont Country Club
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Wilmington, DE
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MID-CONTINENT REGION
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April 2, 2012
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Belmar Golf Course
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Norman, OK
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December 12, 2012
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Overland Park Convention Center
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Overland Park, KS
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NORTHEAST REGION
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February 7, 2012
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Rhode Island Convention Center
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Providence, RI
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March 15, 2012
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Alpine Country Club
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Demarest, NJ
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March 20, 2012
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Blue Hill Country Club
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Canton, MA
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March 27, 2012
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Oak Hill Country Club
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Rochester, NY
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SOUTHEAST REGION
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March 27, 2012
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Grandover Resort
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Greensboro, NC
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NORTHWEST REGION
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February 8, 2012
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Peaks and Prairies GCSA
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Sheridan, WY
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March 26, 2012
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Waverley Country Club
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Portland, OR
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SOUTHWEST REGION
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March 12, 2012
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Ruby Hill Golf Club
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Pleasanton, CA
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March 26, 2012
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Gainey Ranch Golf Club
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Scottsdale, AZ
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FLORIDA REGION
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May 18, 2012
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Naples Beach Hotel
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Naples, FL
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USGA Green Section - Turf Advisory Service | For more than 80 years, the USGA Green Section's sole mission has been to collect and distribute information on proper construction and maintenance of golf courses.
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![TAS visit](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1103157499740/img/476.jpg?a=1109314993176) |
The Green Section agronomists are the most knowledgeable, respected, and impartial golf-turf consultants in the world. Backed by the USGA, the Green Section's services provide dependable recommendations that course officials can count on.
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First started in 1953, this service permits individual facilities to reap the benefits of on-site visits by highly skilled USGA agronomists located in Green Section offices throughout the country. Each agronomist visits more than 100 courses annually. Their experience helps golf course staff and officials produce the best possible golf turf for the dollars that can be spent. The TAS's purpose is not to tell anyone how to run a golf course or what products to buy. Rather, it seeks to bring a wealth of information and an impartial yet concerned perspective regarding turfgrass growth requirements, how these requirements might best be managed for golf, and ideas that other golf courses have found to be beneficial.
The Turf Advisory Service is used by the biggest and smallest golf courses. Golf keeps America beautiful, and day after day, year after year, the Green Section helps golf courses produce better turf for better golf. Your golf course should be a TAS subscriber.
Turf Advisory Service Brochure
The Value Of A USGA Turf Advisory Service Visit
Sample TAS Report
Tips On Getting The Most From A TAS Visit
Services And Fees
Contact Green Section Staff
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