New Flags

Members have probably noticed the new flags while out enjoying a round of golf.  They feature a checkered pattern and the silhouette of Willie Park Jr., the architect for the original 6 holes that Meadowbrook CC started with back in 1916.  The color scheme denotes the same pin position except the solid white flag is now a green checkered flag. 

Green Recovery; Comparison Photos II

Where we stand as of May 29th, 2014.  Enjoy

Traffic on Recovering Greens

Germination and young plants have been observed on all injured areas of closed greens.  While mother nature is still not playing ball, we would appreciate the memberships help when these living carpets are reopened. 
Young plants are particularly susceptible to traffic or wear.  Despite the necessary cultural practices that we perform, the only other traffic that a green will receive is from golfers putting on them.  While we cannot eliminate putting from the game, golf shoe selection we can influence.  The staff would greatly appreciate if the membership could pick a non-aggressive type shoe if buying a new pair.  Here is an example...

Aggressive spikes, such as the "Black Widow", can easily tear non-established turf from the ground.  Here is an example...

If members could refrain from these types of spikes, it would be very beneficial to the injured greens once they are reopened.  Thank you.

Green Recovery; Comparison Photos

To better illustrate the recovery process, the following slideshow gives a great comparison as to where we stand now as opposed to a month ago. 

Frank Beckmann podcast with Dr. Kevin Frank of Michigan State University

Dr. Kevin Frank and Frank Beckmann had a very interesting talk on the radio recently regarding the state of the golf courses in the Metro-Detroit area.  The following video has that podcast along with a slideshow depicting the conditions here at Meadowbrook CC.  Enjoy. 



Homeowners Lawn Care Update

Tri-Turf, a distributor of chemicals, seed and various lawn care products located in Farmington Hills is again offering a spring time sale on seasonal fertilizers and pesticides.  As usual, if the members mention Meadowbrook CC they will receive a $1 off a bag.  After a grisly winter like the one we just endured, getting your lawn as healthy as possible before summer is important for it's survival, let alone the aesthetics.  Enjoy.

Green Recovery

The 15th green did not handle the winter well.  Similar in condition is the 17th green, with over 80% of the green surface dead or in a very precarious condition.  Several other greens sustained injury in the 25-70% range.  Even some of the covered greens show signs of injury but this was namely due to trees that shade the green surface and do not allow snow or ice to thaw. 
The recovery process will be trying and the crew has their work cut out for them and unfortunately for golfers, the use of temporary greens will be necessary to allow the greens to recuperate.  Recovery from a winter like this is a slow process, and one that is detailed below. 

1. Verticutting- Developing a good seed bed is key for seed germination, and the crew aggressively verticut the damaged greens.  Seed to soil contact is necessary for germination.

    2. Seeding- Creeping bentgrass seed is applied at a heavy rate.  Some of this seed is expected to
        fill in these damaged areas but poa annua seed already present in the green will do the same.

    3.  Aerifying- Not a typical aerification, but a light one intended to push the seed into further
         contact with the soil. 

     4.  Rolling- Once again, just another way to ensure more seed to soil contact with the added
          benefit of smoothing the green. 

      5.  Fertilization- A fertilizer application is made to provide adequate fertility for damaged plants
           and seedlings alike.

    
      6.  Irrigation- Seed needs water to germinate and granular fertilizer has to be watered in so the
           irrigation system is already being utilized. 

After all this, the greens are recovered with tarps to trap heat and warm the soil.  The weather is starting to turn favorably for golf during the day but night temperatures still fall close or below freezing.  Young and damaged plants do not tolerate these low temperatures well making the covers necessary.  Luckily, these covers are permeable to sunlight and water so they do not have to be removed each day. 

Areas on fairways and tees suffered injury as well and the focus will swing to these areas soon, but greens have to be the priority.  The blog will continue to be utilized to keep the membership as updated as possible in regards to the recovery of these greens so please stay tuned.