Summer Cultural Practices

Toro Hydroject and Topdressing

  Another tool that we use during the summer months is called a Hydroject.  This machine increases the pressure of our irrigation lines to inject a stream of water into the greens sub-surface much like a traditional aerator would do using a metal spike.  The water makes a small penetrating mark in the surface of the green then expands out and down to create a shattering effect to the root system.  This stimulates the roots of the plant by providing new avenues for growth and much needed oxygen to the root system.  By using water instead of the shattering effect of a metal spike, this approach is a much more delicate practice to employee during the heat of the summer.

We also apply a layer of topdressing sand during this process to help repair the small marks on the green and to simulate the top growth of the plant. This practice helps to keep the crown of the plant more protected.  The topdressing also provides a smoother surface for players putting on the greens in the coming weeks.

New Greens in 2013

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce that ClubCorp has committed to resurfacing the greens at Laurel Springs in 2013.

As of this blog posting, we have not determined what type of grass will be used during the resurfacing.

Core samples of the greens profile have been taken to determine the greens structure is still healthy and sound.  We are also conducting shade surveys to help us finalize the type of grass that will be used and to give us a better idea in regards to the scope of  the project.

Below is a photo of just one of the tools we use in determining sun patterns on the green.  The Solar Pathfinder is a device that normally would be used to find the best location for solar panels in residential and industrial applications.  This technology was adapted in for the golf industry a few years ago. 

The device is placed in the center of the green and a photo is taken of the tree line reflection.  This photograph is then transferred into a software program that can provide daily and monthly sunlight totals, in real time.  This give us the capability to understand what turf grass works best in our surroundings and what trees, if any, need to be removed from the green surround. 

We are continuing our research on grass selection and will update you as soon as a firm commitment is in place.



Summer Stress

During the summer months, you will see us watering the greens throughout the day. We do this because the surface of the green exceeds the air temperature by at least 10-20 degrees.  This temperature fluctuation  causes extreme stress to the turf, placing it in a state of degradation that potentially could lead to detrimental wilt.  There is a fine line to walk between too much water and not enough.  If we apply to much water we can choke the grass blade and cause it to wilt also.  This fine line is what keep us constantly running throughout the course during your round of golf.  Please be aware that there is a very small window for us to apply the water and we will get out of your way as soon as we can.

The tool we use to gauge the temperature of the greens surface is an industrial tool used to read the temperature of metals during fabrication.  This "temperature gun"  fires a laser at the greens surface and relays the information back to us so we can effectively monitor "in real time" what we are accomplishing.

Temperature of Number 2 green after we applied water/misting of the surface on Saturday.

Temperature of Number 2 green 10 minutes after the application of water 

As you can see from the photos the temperature of the greens surface rises dramatically throughout the day.  It is critical that we move quickly and efficiently around the course to ensure the putting quality of all of our greens stays on par.