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. 

2012 Men's Member/Guest

Congratulations to all of the flight winners of the the 2012 Men's Member/Guest.  

Overall Champions Mark Hancher and Marcel Leroux fought hard to come out on top against some of the best players at Laurel Springs.  During the Final hole of the shootout, Hancher and Leroux, stood victorious over runners up Mike Lamb and Paul Smith.  Thank you to all of the player for your kind words over the course conditions during the event.

Stimpmeter

The Stimpmeter

The art of measuring the greens consistency dates back to 1935. During the US Open that year a spectator, named Edward Stimpson, wanted to create a device that could be used to measure the speed of a green.  The original device was made of wood, but in 1976 it was recast in aluminum and the USGA started using it during events.  The Stimpmeter became available to Golf Course Superintendents in 1978.  

The device is always surrounded by controversy due to the use of the word "speed"  in its definition.  "Speed" of a green is a relative term and varies from course to course and green to green.  The Stimpmeter reading has always been used by me to measure the consistency between our greens at Laurel Springs,  therefore creating a better product for you to enjoy.  There is nothing worse than playing a golf course and putting on one green that is slow then on the next green, rolling the ball 15 feet past the hole. 

As we continue into our golf season,  we track the progress of the greens consistency and alter the speed based on the event taking place.  Double mowing, rolling and light topdressings are just a few of the cultural practices we employ to ensure our greens fit the needs of our members and guests.

For further reading about the Stimpmeter, check out the Wikipedia link.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimpmeter

Senior Member/Guest

Senior Member/Guest was a huge success.  I would like to congratulate Overall and Individual Flight winners.

This week is a busy week for us.  We have received close to 4 inches of rain since the close of the event.  Bunkers are once again being repaired and we are topdressing greens again today.  

We hope everyone is enjoying the current conditions!

Senior Member/Guest 2012

Our staff is readily preparing the course for our Senior Member/Guest tournament.  Although we needed the rain we received Sunday, we were delayed with our mowing and bunker preparation.  We are diligently working to put the golf course back together to provide everyone with the conditions expected for this event.  I hope that everyone enjoys the golf tournament, conditions, and the camaraderie that golf is all about.  Can't wait to see you on the course!

Wesley Michielsen

Golf course Superintendent