Superintendent's Comments

2014

This addition to the blog has to deal with properly repairing golf ball marks on the putting greens and the importance of doing so.  Whether it is the maintenance crew, marshal, members of the club or the day to day green fee players, we all have to pay due diligence by fixing ball marks on our greens.  Fixing ball marks is not just for golf etiquette but more importantly for plant health and providing smooth putting surfaces for the best playing conditions possible.  In saying all of this what most golfers do not realize is that if these craters or depressions are not repaired properly it can cause more damage than not repairing at all.  By not fixing the mark properly it can take much longer for these spots to recover.  Research has shown that an improper repair can take up to three weeks to heal, compared to a 24-48hr recovery time frame when a mark is repaired properly. 

 

 

When not repairing properly

 
Directions:
 
1) Insert divot tool into the edge of the depression. (Do not put into the depression itself)

 

2) Push the edge of tool towards the center of the crater and gently use a twisting motion.

** Remember only put the prongs into a depth that goes half down of the depression; NOT ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM! IF you do and make a motion in an upward direction there is a chance that roots will tear and potentially kill the grass

 
 

 

 

3) After you have worked around the circumference of the ball mark by pushing towards the middle of the depression, gently tamp down the repair by using one of your clubs (preferably the putter) to ensure the area is back to its smooth playing surface

 

 

As turf managers we are always focusing on plant health so we can produce the best possible playing conditions for the golfers.  As golfers we are only focusing on playing the game to the best of our ability and the beautiful surroundings when being outside.  There are certain actions golfers do and not think about when on the playing surfaces that may cause harm to the plants (grass), therefore creating less than expected conditions.  For now we are going to look at two major factors we are noticing golfers do that may be detrimental to both playability and aesthetics on the golf course.  These two are; entering turf that has frost on it and spraying insect repellent while standing on the grass, especially near the ground when spraying ankle and feet area of the body.
We all know what Alberta weather is like and there should be no surprises when it comes to the inconsistency of it.  This time of the year we can have above +25 Celsius conditions in the day, clear off overnight and have frost on the ground the next morning.   As it is still spring time turfgrass is sensitive to conditions such as frost and is important we all obey frost delays.  As golf enthusiasts we as superintendents do not like to delay play due to frost and realize this may slow down play, create less revenue or make golfers mad but plant health is most important for the long run and well-being of the venue.  Although entering grass with frost on it will not appear to be damaged right away but within 48-72 hours damage will be evident and could be permanent.  We want the best playing conditions all season long so we do whatever it takes to make this happen. 

Why damage occurs; the grass blade is made up of 90% water and when it freezes due to heat loss to the atmosphere it will crystalize and become brittle. When pressure (weight) from golfers, carts or maintenance equipment hits the grass it causes the plant to break and rupture cell walls therefore the plant will not be able to function properly.  If the crown (growing point of the plant) is damaged permanent injury can occur, creating dead areas to
the course.

The same principles follow when spraying insect repellent and harmful aspects to the course. When the repellent comes in contact with the turf certain chemicals in the spray solution will cause damage to the plant tissue, actually burning the grass and a potential to cause permanent damage to the area. 

 

As you can see in this picture the healthy grass is the person’s foot prints and the damage is the surroundings of the area where the person was standing.

We here at PCGC are all pretty good at obeying these annoying delays and following instructions but it never hurts for a quick educational reminder on why these things need to be voiced.

Thanks!