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STRATEGIES TO PREPARE BERMUDAGRASS FAIRWAYS FOR OVERSEEDING HAVE CHANGED

A NEW ERA FOR OVERSEEDING PREPARATION STRATEGIES

Close observation of bermudagrass fairway treated with pelargonic acid (Scythe�) reveals green stems underlying the burnt leaves. The burn-down process simplifies overseeding preparations without damaging the crown of the bermudagrass plant.
Overseeding bermudagrass fairways and primary playing areas remains an important part of business in operating a golf facility in the southwestern U.S. Only a decade ago, many facilities designed their business model around a seven-month cycle from November through May. By far, this seven-month period was the most important window for facilities to generate revenue for the entire year. The absence of golfers during the remaining four or five months was common, as "snowbirds" fled north to escape the heat. Recognizing the importance of the overseeding season and conversely the relative insignificance of the summer season, golf facilities would very aggressively verticut, scalp, and generally mangle the bermudagrass in October to prepare a seedbed for establishment of a ryegrass cover turf. The following summer, the agronomic staff would spend four or five months reviving the bermudagrass to a level that would provide a suitable surface for the next overseeding period. The bottom line was that the quality of the bermudagrass playing surface during the summer was not a priority.
 
Oh, how times have changed. The term "snowbirds" is no longer appropriate, as it seems that most golfers live and play golf year-round in the Desert Southwest, or only leave for short periods of time. To meet the demands and expectations of summer golfers, facilities have had to modify their practices to provide good playing conditions throughout the year, not just during the winter season when the golf course is overseeded. Gone are the days when the bermudagrass was verticut and scalped to the ground. Turf practitioners have learned that seeding into a healthy bermudagrass canopy yields similar overseeding quality without the need to damage the bermudagrass prior to winter dormancy.
 

  

BALANCING AGRONOMICS, COUSE PREPARATION AND BUDGET LIMITATIONS

THE SUPERINTENDENT TRIANGLE

At Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, Calif., host site for the 2015 U.S. Senior Open Championship, the goal is to focus 90 percent of resources to the 50 percent of the property where the majority of golf is played.
Golf course superintendents are charged with producing and maintaining excellent course presentation while
 balancing agronomics and budget limitations. These three equally important components form what I call
 the"Superintendent Triangle."

1. Agronomics
2. Presentation (of the golf course)
3. Budget (for golf course maintenance)

Keeping the triangle balanced is key, which means to be successful superintendents must commit to 
manage all three components.
 

 
Ever wonder what goes through the mind of the person selecting hole locations that day? This short video covers the basics for the maintenance task that arguably has the most impact on your round of golf. (If video does not load on first attempt, please return to the mailing and launch again.)

The USGA is funding research at the University of Florida to identify more environmentally-friendly nematicide products as well as bermudagrass cultivars with greater tolerance to sting nematodes. 

It is that time of the year that many superintendents and all golfers hate - overseeding. The desire for green grass all year is not new, and in fact, has been around since the first bermudagrass fairways, tees, and greens showed up on golf courses and went dormant the following winter. It did not take long for someone to try overseeding dormant bermudagrass with cool-season grasses to provide year-round color. So how long has overseeding been around and how did they complete the process "back in the day?" Read on to find out. You might be surprised to find that some of the mistakes made in 1926 are still being repeated today.

REGIONAL UPDATES
REGIONAL UPDATES
The USGA Green Section is broken into eight regions with each staffed by Green Section agronomists who work with golf facilities on care of the golf course. Every two weeks USGA agronomists provide updates outlining current issues of what they are observing in the field. Be sure to view updates from other regions and not just your own because featured ideas, techniques and solutions to problems often apply to other parts of the country.
NORTHEAST REGION 
It's time to start thinking about preparing the course for winter which includes consideration of winter covers for greens.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Fall is near and grounds staff levels will soon be reduced following aeration efforts. Will you be adequately staffed this winter? How will it impact your spring golf season? 
SOUTHEAST REGION
Brown no more. Turf colorants are proving to be a game-changer when it comes to winter playing conditions in the Southeast.
FLORIDA REGION
Even as the year winds down weed and insect control are still ongoing challenges.
NORTH-CENTRAL REGION
What do trees have to do with aeration? Read on to find out. 
MID-CONTINENT REGION
Another hot summer leads to continued drought conditions for many. Is your golf facility prepared for water restrictions? Encroachment of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass into greens is at an all-time high. Your best solution? Mechanical edging. 
NORTHWEST REGION
The weather always has a huge impact on golf courses but this year has been exceptional to say the least.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Another successful Turfgrass Field Day was held at UC Riverside on September 12. Twelve of the ongoing research projects were presented during the day ranging from disease and weed control trials along with several studies focused on water conservation. Highlights of three studies are presented in this update.

IMPORTANT LINKS


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The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published biweekly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association�.

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