GREENS

Greens have been sprayed this week with a nutrient package and plant growth regulator (PGR) to encourage more lateral growth of the bent grass producing a smoother surface. These products will also reduce poa annua seed head formation again aiding in producing a smoother surface. These applications will run year round and are based on a  growing degree days (GDD) model.  https://www.greencastonline.com/growing-degree-days/learn-more

l also base the majority of our nutrient needs on a Growth Potential (GP) model among other applications also https://www.files.asianturfgrass.com/201306_growth_potential.pdf .

We will be making an application of herbicide to our greens over the coming days, to begin control of the broadleaf weed infestation. This is being done as part of the greens renovations over the coming weeks to achieve the quickest recovery and grow in to the affected turf areas on our greens. Our surfaces have been responding well to the new schedule we have implemented and we will continue to develop this over the coming months, with a major focus on thatch reduction and moisture management. Focusing on these two particulars will ensure we can minimise our disease risk, whilst letting the chemistry of our fungicide program work behind the scenes.

TEES

Over the past 5 weeks our tee surfaces have seen two applications of herbicide for broadleaf weed control. We are in the process of overseeding these surfaces with a cool season turf blend containing 4 seed varieties suited for our unique climate. These works will involve topdressing and fertilizing of tees once the seed has been spread, this will also see tee tops left un mown for a period of 3 weeks to enable the seed to have an effective strike without any mechanical damage from mowers. Prior to the seed being spread tees are sprayed with a PGR to slow the growth of the current turf species.

IRRIGATION

We have made some very good progress on a multitude of previous irrigation issues and continue working through the system performing a full audit.

FAIRWAYS

Fairways have had an application of herbicide for poa annua control, this was a mix of two separate chemistries giving us both post and pre-emergent control. This will be followed up with another herbicide application for control of broadleaf weeds over the coming month.

Regards,

Dylan Knight

Course Superintendent

Gisborne Golf Club

 

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