Winter Season Golfer Alert
By John H. Foy, DirectorMarch 11, 2010
Twice in the past 25 years, the USGA Green Section Florida Region has sent letters to all golf courses in the state in an effort to make golfers aware of the effects of adverse conditions on the environment. The 1998 winter season is a case in point, where the Pacific El Nino effect caused major problems in providing the expected conditioning and quality at Florida golf courses. The purpose of this update is the same.
An El Nino condition is warmer than average surface sea temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Although it’s located thousands of miles away, it influences weather conditions across the United States. As in the past, when a moderate to strong El Nino is in place, winter temperatures in the Southeast and Florida are colder than average, while at the same time precipitation is above average. The extended stretches of cold temperatures in January and February resulted in average temperatures four to five degrees below normal, and the National Weather Service recently reported that this was the second coldest January to February on record in West Palm Beach, going back to 1888. The average temperature for the season, reported at Palm Beach International Airport, was 64.1 degrees F; 3.2 degrees below normal.
Although 3.2 degrees below normal average may not seem significant, it has a major impact on warm season turfgrass growth, such as bermudagrass and seashore paspalum, in the central to southern part of the state. Basically, there has been no turf growth for the past two months, and, when combined with peak winter season play, the fairways and roughs at many courses have been beat down and worn out. Normally, during this time of year, there are golfer complaints about tight fairway lies and no definition between the fairway and rough cuts, but the degree of deterioration experienced at some courses is greater than normal.
An even greater impact on conditioning and quality occurs at facilities that deal with budget cuts, where further reductions in fertilization and pest control programs have taken place. The one silver lining to the cold weather is that it makes it easy to provide medium fast to fast putting speeds.
During the second week of March, temperatures have started to climb into the 70’s throughout the state. After all of the cold weather, these temperatures feel quite warm and are sufficient to produce a turf green-up. However, based on the extended forecast, this will be a short-lived spring tease. The Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service issued its latest El Nino Advisory, and, based on all of the forecast models, the El Nino effect will remain in place until at least May. For Florida and the Southeast, temperatures will continue to remain below average and precipitation above average. A cool and wet spring is just the opposite of what is needed for recovery from the winter and to quickly reestablish course conditioning.
For warm season turfgrasses to resume sustained active growth, daytime and nighttime temperatures must remain consistently in the mid-80 and mid-60 degree range, respectively. In Central to South Florida, the combination of a progressively increasing day length and milder temperatures will make it possible to reestablish the green color, but, regardless of inputs, forcing the resumption of sustained growth activity and being able to produce a rapid recovery simply is not possible.
Though the extent of winter overseeding programs has been cut back at courses in the northern part of Florida, the prospect of a cool and wet spring raises additional concerns about increased difficulties and a more pronounced deterioration in conditions during the transition process out of the overseeding cover. This is because growth and maturing of the overseeding grasses is favored, and they are able to persist longer and have a competitive advantage over the underlying base bermudagrass. We can only hope that the current, long range forecasts are wrong.
On a positive note, the base bermuda turf of Florida golf courses does possess a tremendous recuperative potential. Thus, with a few weeks of sunny, warm, and dry weather, a full recovery and reestablishment of good quality course conditioning can be accomplished. Yet, until more favorable environmental conditions are occurring, a degree of patience and understanding will be required during the remainder of the winter play season in Florida.
Showing posts with label USGA Regional Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USGA Regional Update. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
USGA Florida Regional Update - Feb. 23rd
Cold conditions continue to plague Florida golf courses, as below-normal temperatures have persisted since early January. A golf course superintendent from Southwest Florida questioned a local meteorologist about weather conditions, and below are a few of the reported facts:
- There have been nine morning lows in the 30's. In an average year, we reach the 30's only a few mornings for the entire winter season.
- Three morning low records have been broken.
- The coolest high temperature was tied on Jan 10.
- The area has tied "the record" for consecutive lows below 50 F.
- On January 9th, a high of 52 F was reached at midnight, but around 8am temperatures fell into the 30s and remained there all day. The coolest high temperature was 40 F, so, if you overlook midnight, January 9th could be the coldest day ever in Ft. Myers.
The turf actually began to come out of winter dormancy and turn green on lower mowed surfaces, when a slight reprieve from the cold weather was experienced in late January. Believe it or not, this factor also had a negative impact on some golf courses that deal with plant-parasitic nematodes, as the nematodes became active as well. Soil temperature dropped shortly thereafter with several cold fronts and frosts, and this caused additional turf loss, as already-thin areas received continued golfer traffic and no turf recovery. Putting green perimeters have been the most widely damaged areas due to the stresses of increased mower turning, golfer entry and exit, and shade.
Cold fronts have generally been accompanied by rain. In fact, many superintendents have reported no irrigation applied in 2010 to date. This has had a beneficial impact on lake levels, as they are very high on most golf courses, but excessive leaf and soil moisture and moderate temperatures can increase turf diseases. Patch diseases have been observed at a few golf courses, and the University of Florida turf pathology lab has reported a high incidence of Pythium in golf course samples. Preventative fungicide programs should be continued until warmer and drier conditions occur.
Recovery simply cannot occur until active turf growth resumes with warmer soil temperatures. Multiple days above 80F and nights above 60F are necessary to make any marked improvements in turf quality. Sustained warm air temperatures are necessary to significantly raise soil temperatures. Active bermudagrass recovery can occur when soil temperatures rise above 65 F at a four-inch depth. The forecast for the upcoming week is low temperatures and scattered rainfall. Unfortunately, considerable improvements in turf quality should not be expected for at least another three to four weeks.
Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-262
Friday, January 15, 2010
USGA Regional Update
By Todd Lowe – USGA Florida Region Agronomist January 12, 2010
The Southeastern United States is being blasted with an arctic chill, and Florida is not immune to these frigid temperatures. Frosts have been reported on many South Florida golf courses over the past couple of days. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the mid to upper 50’s in South Florida, and freezing nighttime temperatures are predicted over the upcoming week. Forecasters predict this to be the coldest week on record over the past 25 years.
The winter golf season is now in full swing, and golfers will not only be inconvenienced with frost delays, but will experience a lighter shade of green over the next few weeks. Bermudagrass loses its green chlorophyll as nighttime temperatures remain under 50 degrees F. In Central to South Florida, cold fronts typically only last for one or two days and are followed by warmer temperatures, so that the turf experiences only temporary color loss. Prolonged cold conditions will have a significant impact on playing conditions.
The practice of winter overseeding on bermudagrass for color has been dwindling in Florida over the past few years. Not only is it a costly practice, but it is one that can cause major turf loss during spring transition. When the bermudagrass is only temporarily off-color as occurs during a more typical winter, the merits of winter overseeding decreases. However, prolonged bermudagrass dormancy can be trying on a membership that is accustomed to lush green overseeded turf. Patience is needed at this time, as the temperatures will eventually increase and the bermudagrass will begin to grow. Remember that we don’t play on color!
There are a few practices that can improve turf growth and maintain conditions more in keeping with expectations. These include:
Dark Sand Topdressing – Dark materials like black or green dyes or charcoal improve heat retention within the turf canopy and upper soil. This can equate to a faster green-up and better overall growth. Turf paints also can be applied to improve turf color and heat retention, not to mention provide a darker green color.
Fertility – Regular spray applications of the micronutrients iron and manganese will improve color without encouraging succulent leaf growth. At most golf courses, the putting greens are being treated throughout the winter months, and at a growing number of courses, similar programs are being used on fairways. While fertigation saves time and labor, spray applications supply nutrients to specific areas.
Cart Traffic Management – The combination of semi to fully dormant bermudagrass and daily cart traffic can wear the turf to the nub. Aggressive cart traffic management must be practiced to protect the turf in areas with concentrated wear.
While low soil temperatures have a negative impact on color and wear tolerance, it is important to remember that there also is a positive impact on certain playing conditions. Namely, putting speeds increase dramatically at this time, as well as fairway ball roll. It is important to accentuate these positives from time to time to improve golfer morale until warmer weather returns.
Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625
The Southeastern United States is being blasted with an arctic chill, and Florida is not immune to these frigid temperatures. Frosts have been reported on many South Florida golf courses over the past couple of days. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the mid to upper 50’s in South Florida, and freezing nighttime temperatures are predicted over the upcoming week. Forecasters predict this to be the coldest week on record over the past 25 years.
The winter golf season is now in full swing, and golfers will not only be inconvenienced with frost delays, but will experience a lighter shade of green over the next few weeks. Bermudagrass loses its green chlorophyll as nighttime temperatures remain under 50 degrees F. In Central to South Florida, cold fronts typically only last for one or two days and are followed by warmer temperatures, so that the turf experiences only temporary color loss. Prolonged cold conditions will have a significant impact on playing conditions.
The practice of winter overseeding on bermudagrass for color has been dwindling in Florida over the past few years. Not only is it a costly practice, but it is one that can cause major turf loss during spring transition. When the bermudagrass is only temporarily off-color as occurs during a more typical winter, the merits of winter overseeding decreases. However, prolonged bermudagrass dormancy can be trying on a membership that is accustomed to lush green overseeded turf. Patience is needed at this time, as the temperatures will eventually increase and the bermudagrass will begin to grow. Remember that we don’t play on color!
There are a few practices that can improve turf growth and maintain conditions more in keeping with expectations. These include:
Dark Sand Topdressing – Dark materials like black or green dyes or charcoal improve heat retention within the turf canopy and upper soil. This can equate to a faster green-up and better overall growth. Turf paints also can be applied to improve turf color and heat retention, not to mention provide a darker green color.
Fertility – Regular spray applications of the micronutrients iron and manganese will improve color without encouraging succulent leaf growth. At most golf courses, the putting greens are being treated throughout the winter months, and at a growing number of courses, similar programs are being used on fairways. While fertigation saves time and labor, spray applications supply nutrients to specific areas.
Cart Traffic Management – The combination of semi to fully dormant bermudagrass and daily cart traffic can wear the turf to the nub. Aggressive cart traffic management must be practiced to protect the turf in areas with concentrated wear.
While low soil temperatures have a negative impact on color and wear tolerance, it is important to remember that there also is a positive impact on certain playing conditions. Namely, putting speeds increase dramatically at this time, as well as fairway ball roll. It is important to accentuate these positives from time to time to improve golfer morale until warmer weather returns.
Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
USGA Regional Update
By John H. Foy, Director December 3, 2009
The Florida winter golf season is underway. While increased play is now occurring, rounds and membership levels are still down at many courses compared to just two years ago. The national recession may have bottomed out, but many courses and clubs throughout the state continue to deal with very challenging times. Hopefully, there will be progressive improvement as we move through the winter season.
With reduced revenues, cuts in operating budgets and capital expenditures have been mandated at essentially all facilities. However, based on Turf Advisory Service visits over the past three to four weeks, appropriate and good quality course conditioning for daily play is being provided. Many courses are operating with reduced staff, and this has required reductions in grooming and manicuring practices of perimeter areas and hazards. So far, this change has not been noticed by most golfers.
In the central and northern part of the state, elimination or reductions in large acreage winter overseeding programs also has been a common cost saving measure. Large acreage overseeding is not an economic, agronomic, or environmentally sustainable course management practice. As bermudagrass enters into a semi- to fully-dormant stage, which is the normal response to colder temperatures, quality conditioning can still be provided over the next three to four months. Aggressive and ongoing traffic management must be employed during the time when active turf growth is not occurring, and recovery from wear damage cannot occur, regardless of inputs. While we still have a ways to go, golfers are beginning to understand and accept that green color is not a critical factor in course conditioning and quality.
Unfortunately, however, unrealistic demands and expectations for fast to very fast putting green speeds have been a concern at some courses. In Florida, slow, soft, and wet putting green conditions in the fall was a legitimate concern when establishing a winter overseeding cover on Tifdwarf bermudagrass putting greens. This concern was compounded by the fact that putting greens at northern golf courses were in superb condition and were used as a basis of comparison for golfers returning to their Florida courses. Today with ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars now being the base turf on putting greens at the majority of Florida courses, winter overseeding is no longer necessary, and thus it is possible to routinely provide a smooth and true ball roll along with putting speeds in the range of 9.5 to 10.5 ft. This is certainly appropriate conditioning for the vast majority of golfers. There are always a few golfers who tend to be the most vocal and always demanding faster putting speeds. With more frequent double cutting or cutting and rolling, faster putting speeds can be maintained. Along with the necessary equipment, additional labor hours and time must be available to routinely conduct these practices, although, this incurs additional cost.
While the ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars can tolerate extremely low heights of cut, during the late summer and fall, sufficient leaf surface area must be present for sustained growth, photosynthesis, carbohydrate production, and storage. This is critically important for properly preparing the base turf to survive the late fall, winter, and spring months. Maintaining slightly elevated heights of cut during the fall is necessary, and once cooler temperatures prevail, putting speeds will increase. If turf health and coverage is compromised or sacrificed early on, producing a full recovery during the winter is not possible.
Over the past two to three weeks, putting green disease outbreaks have been another concern in the central to southern part of the state. Going back to October, rainfall has been well below average, however, the persistence of warm and humid conditions, along with reduced sunlight intensity, resulted in moderate to severe outbreaks of leaf spot disease on putting greens, tees, and fairway areas. While not necessarily desirable, continuation or implementation of fungicide treatments is advised. Extreme care also needs to be exercised with nitrogen fertilization and supplemental irrigation so as not to further favor disease development. If a disease problem is suspected, submit samples to the University of Florida’s Rapid Turfgrass Diagnostic Service. For more information on this tool, access their website at http://turfpath.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Source: John Foy, jfoy@usga.org or 772-546-2620.
The Florida winter golf season is underway. While increased play is now occurring, rounds and membership levels are still down at many courses compared to just two years ago. The national recession may have bottomed out, but many courses and clubs throughout the state continue to deal with very challenging times. Hopefully, there will be progressive improvement as we move through the winter season.
With reduced revenues, cuts in operating budgets and capital expenditures have been mandated at essentially all facilities. However, based on Turf Advisory Service visits over the past three to four weeks, appropriate and good quality course conditioning for daily play is being provided. Many courses are operating with reduced staff, and this has required reductions in grooming and manicuring practices of perimeter areas and hazards. So far, this change has not been noticed by most golfers.
In the central and northern part of the state, elimination or reductions in large acreage winter overseeding programs also has been a common cost saving measure. Large acreage overseeding is not an economic, agronomic, or environmentally sustainable course management practice. As bermudagrass enters into a semi- to fully-dormant stage, which is the normal response to colder temperatures, quality conditioning can still be provided over the next three to four months. Aggressive and ongoing traffic management must be employed during the time when active turf growth is not occurring, and recovery from wear damage cannot occur, regardless of inputs. While we still have a ways to go, golfers are beginning to understand and accept that green color is not a critical factor in course conditioning and quality.
Unfortunately, however, unrealistic demands and expectations for fast to very fast putting green speeds have been a concern at some courses. In Florida, slow, soft, and wet putting green conditions in the fall was a legitimate concern when establishing a winter overseeding cover on Tifdwarf bermudagrass putting greens. This concern was compounded by the fact that putting greens at northern golf courses were in superb condition and were used as a basis of comparison for golfers returning to their Florida courses. Today with ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars now being the base turf on putting greens at the majority of Florida courses, winter overseeding is no longer necessary, and thus it is possible to routinely provide a smooth and true ball roll along with putting speeds in the range of 9.5 to 10.5 ft. This is certainly appropriate conditioning for the vast majority of golfers. There are always a few golfers who tend to be the most vocal and always demanding faster putting speeds. With more frequent double cutting or cutting and rolling, faster putting speeds can be maintained. Along with the necessary equipment, additional labor hours and time must be available to routinely conduct these practices, although, this incurs additional cost.
While the ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars can tolerate extremely low heights of cut, during the late summer and fall, sufficient leaf surface area must be present for sustained growth, photosynthesis, carbohydrate production, and storage. This is critically important for properly preparing the base turf to survive the late fall, winter, and spring months. Maintaining slightly elevated heights of cut during the fall is necessary, and once cooler temperatures prevail, putting speeds will increase. If turf health and coverage is compromised or sacrificed early on, producing a full recovery during the winter is not possible.
Over the past two to three weeks, putting green disease outbreaks have been another concern in the central to southern part of the state. Going back to October, rainfall has been well below average, however, the persistence of warm and humid conditions, along with reduced sunlight intensity, resulted in moderate to severe outbreaks of leaf spot disease on putting greens, tees, and fairway areas. While not necessarily desirable, continuation or implementation of fungicide treatments is advised. Extreme care also needs to be exercised with nitrogen fertilization and supplemental irrigation so as not to further favor disease development. If a disease problem is suspected, submit samples to the University of Florida’s Rapid Turfgrass Diagnostic Service. For more information on this tool, access their website at http://turfpath.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Source: John Foy, jfoy@usga.org or 772-546-2620.
Monday, December 7, 2009
USGA Regional Update
By John Foy, Director September 23, 2009
Throughout Florida it still feels like summer even though the calendar says fall has arrived. Especially in the central to southern part of the state, hot and humid conditions persist, and afternoon thunderstorms are still boiling up on a fairly regular basis. September 10th is the time when peak Atlantic hurricane activity typically occurs, but, so far, the tropics have been quiet. While we certainly can’t let our guard down, hopefully we can make it through another season without a direct hit.
Earlier in the summer the Climate Prediction Center noted the development of an El Nino effect in the equatorial Pacific, affecting Florida weather patterns thousands of miles away. In particular, upper level westerly winds disrupt and redirect tropical waves and low pressure systems coming across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa, which, in turn, reduces storms and hurricanes forming and hitting the peninsula. Based on the predictive models, further strengthening of the El Nino effect will occur and is expected to last at least through the upcoming winter months. When a strong El Nino was in place during the winter in the past, Florida and the lower Southeast experienced below average cool temperatures and above average rainfall.
Without pronounced environmental extremes, most people have a limited appreciation of the major negative impact on general turf health and course conditioning that occurs from a prolonged period of cool and wet weather. The El Nino winter of 1997/1998 stands out and is remembered because of the problems experienced at golf courses throughout the state and the tremendous number of SOS calls received in our office. On top of cool and damp conditions, increased cloud cover further exacerbated the reduced sunlight of short winter days such that one golf course superintendent so aptly described the situation as "trying to grow grass in a closet". This situation is not conducive to bermudagrass growth and also caused problems with establishing and maintaining a dense and healthy overseeding cover on putting surfaces, tees, and fairways.
While the accuracy of long range weather forecasts still leaves a lot to be desired, given past experiences and the possibility of a moderate to strong El Nino being in place this winter, the importance of good fall preparations and having the base turf in as healthy a condition as possible is critical. A key component is a good fertilization program to maintain sufficient levels of available nutrients in the soil to support balanced and sustained growth while environmental conditions remain favorable. Unfortunately, at many courses around Florida, the current economic recession has required budget cutbacks, but course fertilization is an area that should not be compromised. There are no magic elixirs or substitutes for the basic macro- and micronutrients needed to support plant growth.
Especially with putting greens, sufficient leaf surface area is necessary for photosynthesis and, in turn, carbohydrate production and storage. There are no chemical treatments that can replace carbohydrates after they become depleted in the late fall, winter, and early spring. While there will always be pressure from low handicap golfers for fast to very fast putting speeds, maintaining slightly elevated heights of cut for the next two to three months is especially important to make sure the turf is adequately prepared to survive the winter. This is true regardless of whether or not the putting surfaces are overseeded.
Throughout Florida it still feels like summer even though the calendar says fall has arrived. Especially in the central to southern part of the state, hot and humid conditions persist, and afternoon thunderstorms are still boiling up on a fairly regular basis. September 10th is the time when peak Atlantic hurricane activity typically occurs, but, so far, the tropics have been quiet. While we certainly can’t let our guard down, hopefully we can make it through another season without a direct hit.
Earlier in the summer the Climate Prediction Center noted the development of an El Nino effect in the equatorial Pacific, affecting Florida weather patterns thousands of miles away. In particular, upper level westerly winds disrupt and redirect tropical waves and low pressure systems coming across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa, which, in turn, reduces storms and hurricanes forming and hitting the peninsula. Based on the predictive models, further strengthening of the El Nino effect will occur and is expected to last at least through the upcoming winter months. When a strong El Nino was in place during the winter in the past, Florida and the lower Southeast experienced below average cool temperatures and above average rainfall.
Without pronounced environmental extremes, most people have a limited appreciation of the major negative impact on general turf health and course conditioning that occurs from a prolonged period of cool and wet weather. The El Nino winter of 1997/1998 stands out and is remembered because of the problems experienced at golf courses throughout the state and the tremendous number of SOS calls received in our office. On top of cool and damp conditions, increased cloud cover further exacerbated the reduced sunlight of short winter days such that one golf course superintendent so aptly described the situation as "trying to grow grass in a closet". This situation is not conducive to bermudagrass growth and also caused problems with establishing and maintaining a dense and healthy overseeding cover on putting surfaces, tees, and fairways.
While the accuracy of long range weather forecasts still leaves a lot to be desired, given past experiences and the possibility of a moderate to strong El Nino being in place this winter, the importance of good fall preparations and having the base turf in as healthy a condition as possible is critical. A key component is a good fertilization program to maintain sufficient levels of available nutrients in the soil to support balanced and sustained growth while environmental conditions remain favorable. Unfortunately, at many courses around Florida, the current economic recession has required budget cutbacks, but course fertilization is an area that should not be compromised. There are no magic elixirs or substitutes for the basic macro- and micronutrients needed to support plant growth.
Especially with putting greens, sufficient leaf surface area is necessary for photosynthesis and, in turn, carbohydrate production and storage. There are no chemical treatments that can replace carbohydrates after they become depleted in the late fall, winter, and early spring. While there will always be pressure from low handicap golfers for fast to very fast putting speeds, maintaining slightly elevated heights of cut for the next two to three months is especially important to make sure the turf is adequately prepared to survive the winter. This is true regardless of whether or not the putting surfaces are overseeded.
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