Calabasas Country Club
Course Update
This week I would like to talk about the putting greens and why some are healing slower than others and what can be done about it.
With the cooler temperatures, the greens are growing at a slower rate than in the warmer months. For instance, this week the greens will only up-take 0.08lb of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Nitrogen is plant energy, and the less Nitrogen the plant can take up the slower it grows. Nitrogen up-take is influenced by duration and intensity of the sun. Higher intensities(hot) combined with longer durations(long days) decreases the uptake rate, just as lower intensities(cold) combined with limited durations(short days) will also decrease uptake rates. Not only are the days shorter in the Fall and Winter months, but the last few weeks have been cooler than average temperatures, which is inhibiting growth. Moreover, the greens in shadier areas on the course are at a disadvantage from those with greater sun exposure.
Fortunately, with the rain and the warmer temperatures expected this week, more growth is also expected. The most visible sign of this to members will be the speed of the greens. As sun intensity increases this week and promotes growth, the greens will be noticeably slower. The greens will be mowed and rolled to keep the greens speed at an acceptable level.
As far as the complete healing of the greens it is a process that is in the hands of nature. What I am doing is giving the greens as much energy that can be taken up without wasting resources on what cannot be used. Also we will be applying preventive fungicides for Snow molds, Rapid blight, and Cyanobacteria.
In conclusion, the greens are getting everything they need and will heal throughout the winter. In March we will be doing an aggressive drill and fill vertical drain application. This will protect the greens from the intense long summer days, relieve stress and compaction in the time it needs it most.
Regards,
Eric Wenzinger
Golf Course Superintendent
