TURF TALK FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Coharie CC Members,

The agronomic plan in November is to raise the heights of cut in the fairways, greens, green surrounds and tee tops so the grass will be protected during the winter months. You will read that I refer to these areas in whole as the “shortgrass” areas of the course,

The course pre-emerge herbicide applications were completed on October 1 st and 2 nd . The pre-emergent applications for Poa Annua on the greens have begun, with the first application on October 3 rd and the second application will be applied approximately November 3 rd and the final application will be applied on December 3 rd . In saying that, I have noticed a few small Poa plants near the edges of #2 and #5 greens both on the back side, our traditionally Poa greens 11, 13, 15 I have not seen any on those greens or surrounds yet. Be rest assured that we will not go the season without having to treat for POA as it is a very persistent weed year to year. Our focus is to mitigate it when it arrives, stay diligent with our scouting and treat when the threshold gets too high.

November 1 st the grass teeing areas of the range are closing for the season to grow those areas back in before winter, and the range mats will be in play. Additionally, when the upper grass teeing area just in front of the mats is closed, please do not hit from it, this defeats the purpose of it being closed. My goal is to keep that area for member tournaments only during the year and not for the public practicing on the range. If you see anyone hitting from that area, please advise them to hit from the roped off areas or contact the clubhouse so they can address. It normally happens in the afternoon and early evening.

We will most likely top-dress the greens for the last time on the 28th of October. If November continues to warm, we may need to do it again, but I will play that by ear.

Note of interest:

1. Our number one green was infected with Pythium Blight which is a leaf blade fungus, a few weeks back and is recovering slowly. We have treated it accordingly and it will continue to grow out of it. The fungus affects the top grass and will not affect the root structure in milder cases such as ours.

2. Our number twelve green was infected with Take All Root Rot (TARR) fungus and has responded very well to treatment and is virtually fully recovered.

Fairways and Greens

Mike,