Extended heat and humidity causing problems again.

Last season was one of the most difficult growing seasons in many years.  So far, the summer of 2011 is doing whatever it can to show 2010 up.  Fortunately, thus far, we have held up fairly well in relation to last year.  The rains have been a little more timely this year and the lessons I learned from last year have helped me adjust our maintenance practices to hopefully be better prepared.  Other courses throughout the midwest have not been as lucky as us.

Below is a link to a press release from the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America (GCSAA) that speaks to these struggles with the weather.  There are a few important points contained therein that describe some of the misconceptions from members.

1.  Cool-season grasses, which make up 100% of our golf course, do NOT like heat - especially Poa annua, which makes up between 40% to 80% of our greens, fairways, tees and rough.  When soil temperatures reach above 90, roots die and the plants go into 'survival mode'.  Under these conditions, it is best to be very cautious and 'baby' the course through the heat and humidity.

2.  Rain does not cure all of the problems.  Heat stress on grass and drought stress on grass are two different things.  Turf maintained as intensely as putting surfaces especially will often change color and die from extended periods of heat and humidity that no additional water will necessarily cure.  Many members think that rain will cure all problems.  While it does help to have a well-timed rain from time to time, it often will not bring some turf back from extreme heat stress.

3.  Traffic is important.  Managing cart and even foot traffic goes a long way towards keeping grass healthy.  Repeated foot steps on greens or cart traffic on fairways or rough will increase the likelihood of turf damage.  The yellow ropes and stakes we use here, while annoying to some players, are a necessity to minimize damage.

As I've said many times before, we will always attempt to do what's best for the long term health of the golf course while trying to keep the course fun and playable for everyone.  Take a couple of minutes and read the press release which I'm sure explains things better than I do.  Thank you all for being supportive of me and my crew while we battle the weather again this year.  Next summer has to be nice, right?


Click here for the press release from GCSAA