Winter Weather Alert

After weeks of blue skies, warm weather and temperatures that have made it unnecessary to cover our greens, winter has finally arrived at The Ford Plantation.

During the week of January 2-5, 2011 (Monday-Thursday), the golf course maintenance department will be covering the P.G. and front nine putting greens due to night time temperatures between 25 and 38 degrees. The covering process will begin at 3:00 PM each day on #1 and will go in order from there.

Remember that the back nine will be OPEN for play even if the front nine covers have been secured. All covers will be removed the following morning as soon as the frost has lifted, typically between 9:00 and 9:45 AM.  

Please see our previous blog (Covering Process to Begin Soon, December 3, 2011) on importance of covering greens, why we do this process, and how we do it.

Thank you in advance for your help next week. If you have any questions or concerns about our covering process please feel free to contact the Pro shop, CW Canfield or Nelson Caron.

#5 cover has been secured.

The USGA's Video, "Trees on the Golf Course"

The USGA's Video, "Trees on the Golf Course" is an informative short video explaining the dynamic challenges of the coexistence of turf and trees on the golf course. View the video below.

The USGA's High Speed Video: Planting a Bermudagrass Green

Are you interested in the process of planting a new putting green. If so, check out the link below to view a 2 minute video. It's a fun watch.

USGA's Planting a Bermudagrass Green

Covering Process To Begin Soon

This week we will cover our greens for the first time this winter. Covering greens is a common practice done on ultradwarf putting greens during the winter months. This process helps our greens hold heat in the soil profile, prevents plant desiccation and protects turfgrass plants against extreme cold temperatures and wind. Covers will only be deployed on the front nine greens and practice green where shade and air pockets are a constant challenge to turfgrass health.

We will deploy covers at 3:00 PM in the afternoon prior to overnight temperatures forecasted to be below 40 F. If you plan on playing an afternoon round of golf, we suggest checking the overnight forecast before teeing off so you are not disrupted by the covering process. We will remove the covers after the frost has lifted the following morning (see frost blog).

We will communicate with the pro shop when we do cover the front nine greens. In the afternoon, the back nine greens will be available for play during the course of front nine turf blanket deployment.

Please contact the pro shop with any questions you may have.

Figure 1. Covering greens can increase soil temperatures substantially. The picture on the left is from a green that does not get covered (45.8 F) while the picture on the right is from a green that gets covered (49.5 F).  

Figure 2. It takes approximately 1 hour to cover all of the front nine greens.

Figure 3. Once greens are covered they are fastened to the ground using fabricated tent stakes. 

 

Figure 4. The covering process traps heat in the soil and helps maintain a healthier turfgrass plant.

Staff Education Day

Throughout the year the golf course maintenance staff periodically takes part in on-course educational tours. These educational tours are designed to reinforce regular maintenance practices and go through standard operating procedures. The tours can cover everything from golfer expectations, mowing practices, bunker maintenance to general course information.  

Getting up close is part of the process of seeing the intricacies of what we do on a daily basis.

Answering questions is an important aspect of getting everyone on the same page.

It is a good idea to have refresher courses throughout the year to minimize mistakes and increase work quality.

At the end of the tour the crew was given a chance to experience first hand the high quality their hard work has produced.

It's That Time of Year Again...Frost Delays

It's that time of year again when mother nature begins to interrupt golf course maintenance programs as well as suspend the start of your golf round. During late fall and winter months golf is often interrupted by frost delays.

Grass blades can be damaged during periods of early and light frost if walked or driven upon (Figure 1). As temperatures begin to drop further, the individual cells of the blades can become frozen and traffic can lead to plants being damaged severely and or die.
 

Figure 1. Grass can be damaged during periods of frost by foot and cart traffic.

For these reasons, the course will not open until until the frost has lifted. It is recommended that you call the pro shop before 9:00 a.m. and the temperature is below 40 degrees. We will make every effort to give the pro shop an approximate time when play might begin.

Below is a very informative video from the USGA regarding frost and the damage that can occur from both foot and cart traffic on frost covered turf.

During the week of September 22^nd through the 25^th, two of our assistants, Jared Nemitz and Brooks Riddle, volunteered for the PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.  Some of their tasks included mowing greens, cutting cups, and raking bunkers.  While working along side other industry professionals was a great experience, Jared and Brooks felt the most valuable part of the week was witnessing different management practices used to achieve championship caliber ultradwarf putting greens.

Nelson Caron Nominated for The Board of Directors for the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association

Recently, Nelson was nominated by his peers to be a Director on the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association Board. Follow the link below to read Nelson's article in the latest issue of "Through The Green", a GGCSAA publication.
http://www.spectrumcreativegraphics.com/TTG_sepoct2011/index.html?page=24

Drainage Challenges At # 11

Take a walk down your 11th fairway with us, after a 1.75" rain event. Your 11th golf hole is suffering from a major failure in the siphon drainage system as well as in its gravity drainage system. Your golf staff is hard at work diagnosing the problem and to date have come up with three different action plans that will be discussed in this Fridays Green Committee Meeting at 3:30. By the way, all members are invited to Green Committee meetings... Just contact CW or Dr. Thompson (Chairman) ahead of time so that we may fill you in on the meeting location and time which tends to change with everyone's busy schedule this time of year.

The 11th golf hole drainage challenge is complex. We have been struggling with this acute drainage failure for approximately three weeks. After investing and meticulously scrutinizing several corrective actions, we feel confident that your 11th golf hole will be up and running soon.

Assistant Superintendent Volunteers at the U.S. Senior Amateur

The assistants and superintendent in the Agronomy Department volunteer at one event each year to help with tournament preparation. These events allow us to see other golf courses and how they prepare for events. These are great networking and educational experiences that build us professionally and help us get better at The Ford Plantation.

This year Matt Sumpter, volunteered for the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond, Virginia on September 6, 2011. Matt, was an intern at Kinloch Golf Club in 2008, which made going back to Richmond and volunteering for this event even more special. At the event Matt, helped the crew clean up the course after remnants of a tropical storm dumped more than 6 inches of rain on the entire course. Matt’s jobs consisted of fixing heavily washed out bunkers, greens mowing, intermediate mowing, and other jobs that assisted the staff for tournament preparations.



The crew had to fix all of the bunkers after 6 inches of rain fell on the golf course.

 


The crew getting ready to go out after morning play has completed.

Two Golf Maintenance Staff to Leave for U.S. Army

Two of our golf maintenance staff, Casey Hill and Lee Quinn, have enlisted into the U.S. Military and will be leaving our department in September.

Casey enlisted under a 3 year contract for active duty. He will be going through basic training at Fort Benning, GA on October 11th. Basic training will last 22 weeks which will include training as a systems maintainer on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The Bradley Fighting vehicle is an infantry support vehicle that has been in service since the 1960’s.

Casey Hill has been with us for just over a year.

Lee will be leaving for Ft. Sill, Oklahoma for basic training in early October. He has enlisted to be a Cannon Crewmember and will hold the rank of E-3. He hopes over time to deal with transportation and logistics, preferably by air, and end his military career as an officer in the United States Navy.



Lee Quinn has been with us for 6 months.

 We as a staff are incredibly proud of these individuals and hope for nothing but the best in their endeavors.

Reminder: Greens Aerification Next Week!

We will be aerating our putting greens Monday, August 15-18, 2011. This will be our last time to punch holes this year.



The front nine will be closed on Monday and Tuesday with the back nine still open for play. The back nine will be closed Wednesday and Thursday with the front nine back open for play. These "flex" days in aeration allow us to get our work done faster and more efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation and as always please contact Nelson or CW with any questions you may have.

Meet Our New Interns For The 2011 Summer

Jon Conatser and Nick McLennan were selected to our 2011 summer internship program. Along with being selceted for the summer internship they also were awarded the 3rd annual Pete Dye Scholarship.

Jon Conatser is a senior at Purdue University majoring in Turfgrass Science. He already has earned a Bachelor's Degree from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University in Urban Planning. Jon also has worked at Muncie Elks Country Club for four years. Jon is a scratch golfer and is currently in the lead in the weekly golf maintenance points game.

Jon Conatser

 Nick McLennan is a junior at Purdue University majoring in Turfgrass Science. This is Nick's first year working on a golf course and he his learning much about the basic science and agronomic practices that go into maintaining a high end golf course. While in high school Nick was co-captain of the football team where he also earned Special Teams Player of the Year.

Nick McLennan

The funding for our internship program would not be possible without the generous contributions from our members. On behalf of the golf course maintenance department we thank you for your help.

Fairway and Greens Aeration Dates Rescheduled

Due to a tournament cancellation we have moved our next greens aerification up from July 19, 2011 to July 11, 2011. Subsequently, fairway aerification is also moved up to July 18th from July 25th. So if you plan to make a visit to the Club this summer to play golf, make sure to call the Golf Shop for the latest update on course conditions and closures.

During the aerification process at least one nine will be open for play. Call the pro shop for details.

Drainage Project on 10 and 16 Completed



The drainage project on #10 and #16 is complete and performing well. The new drainage systems will aid in reducing plant and soil saturation by reducing excess water and prolonged leaf wetness in the areas it was installed.

First Step: Removing Sod



Second Step: Trenching Drainage Lines

Third Step: Drainage Trenches Ready for Sand

Forth Step: After Installing Drain Lines Sand is Added

Fifth Step: Prepping Drain Lines for Sod

Drainage Project Completed

Ford Plantation Utilizes Precision Turfgrass Management

The Golf Maintenance Staff at The Ford Plantation takes honor in protecting our environment and preserving our natural habitat. We have one of the most beautiful golf course settings in the country and taking care of its environment is one of our top priorities. Our environmental steward program showcases a precision fertilizer program (applying nutrients only where needed) which is a stark contrast to the “old methodology” of applying a 10-10-10 fertilizer to all areas of the golf course.

Out of 16,000+ golf courses in the United States, The Ford Plantation is one of approximately 50 clubs that employs precision fertilization practices. To achieve accurate and precise fertilization we employ Nu-Tec Corportation. Last week Nu-Tec applied a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to turfgrass health. Nu-Tec uses GPS mapping combined with soil sampling to determine plant needs (see pictures below).
 






Nutrient runoff from golf courses is sometimes perceived by the public to be a significant contributor to environmental contamination.

Global Positioning Systems are used to determine precisely what areas require nutrients.




















Numerous soil samples, 125-250, are taken per each golf hole to make up 25 GPS data points per golf hole.

These samples are then compiled in a GPS mapping system generating color coded aerial maps displaying turfgrass nutrient needs.

We are able to apply nutrients only where needed and at variable
rates cutting costs and minimizing environmental impact.

The golf course maintenance department takes pride in being stewards of the environment and continuing to be environmental leaders in the turfgrass industry for years to come.

Pumphouse Repair!

Last week we had to repair a pipe in the pumphouse. A small pin hole began to form in an 8 inch metal mainline that runs water from Lake Dye to our pumphouse. We had a repair like this last year on the other side of the pump (picture below). Guy Tremble from Tremble Pump & Well came and repaired the problem for us.

Weld repair from last year still holding strong.

Area where pipe was beginning to fail.

The first step is grinding the area where the small hole is developing.

The final step is welding a metal patch over the existing pipe to reinforce the entire area.

The Final Product: Area has been sealed and fixed.

Bermudagrass Finally Out of Dormancy!

Most of our bermudagrass has come out its dormant state and is actively growing. Areas on the golf course greened up much earlier than last year due to the warmer temperatures we have been experiencing. Below are some time lapse photographs taken from #9 ladies tee.

Hole #9: February 22, 2011

  

Hole #9: March 22, 2011



 

Hole #9: April 2, 2011





Hole #9: April 7, 2010. We are currently much greener than when this photo was taken last year.





Important Agronomic Activity and Tournament Dates

As a reminder, if you plan to make a visit to the Club this summer to play golf, make sure to call the Golf Shop for the latest update on course conditions and closures. We try our best to stay on a strict agronomic schedule but inclement weather can cause delays or rescheduling.

The following dates are major golf maintenance activities that will be disturbing to your golf rounds. Fortunately, like in years past, we will not shut the course down for aerations of the greens and fairways (we will have one 9 shut down per day). That means you can still come play during those weeks. However, playing conditions and green speed expectations should be adjusted under these disruptive circumstances.     

Greens Core Aeration Schedule:

Aeration 1:  The week of May 16, 2011

Aeration 2:  The week of July 19, 2011

Aeration 3:  The week of August 15, 2011

Fairway Core Aeration Schedule:

Aeration 1:  The week of May 30, 2011

Aeration 2:  The week of July 25, 2011

Tournament Dates:

Hook and Slice: April 29

American Cancer Society: June 24

Southeast Junior: June 28

Georgia PGA: July 18

Brooks Gets Engaged!

We are happy to announce that last month Assistant Superintendent Brooks Riddle got engaged to Ms. Emily Merideth of Knoxville, TN.  The two met in Chattanooga, TN while Brooks worked at The Honors Course and have been dating for two years.  They will be married in February of 2012 in Knoxville, TN.  Please be sure to congratulate Brooks when you see him around the golf course!   

Emily and Brooks

A Much Needed Rain Hits Ford!

A much needed rain came in large sums yesterday afternoon and last night. The back nine received 2.5 in while the front nine received 1.5 in. Up to yesterday total rainfall for the month of March was only .5 in. 

The rain is of course good for the grass but it also fills our lakes which tie to our main irrigation source, Lake Dye. It is critical that Lake Dye stay as full as possible going into the summer.

Today the back nine will be closed to carts and the front nine will be cart path only. Please bear with us as we get the golf course cleaned up over the next few days.

USGA Video on Golf Cart Etiquette!

Great USGA video on proper golf cart etiquette on the golf course.

Purdue Pathologists Stops By Ford!

Dr. Rick Latin, professor at Purdue University and author of the newly released book "A Practical Guide to Turfgrass Fungicides" visited the Ford Plantation on Wednesday. He took time from his busy book tour to meet with Jared Nemitz for a course tour and an afternoon of golf. Dr. Latin and Jared discussed various topics ranging from disease pressure at the Ford to chemical application techniques. It is always helpful to have industry professionals and professors visit to discuss various turfgrass issues that are dealt with at the Ford daily basis.

Richard Latin, Ph.D. Purdue University, at the GCSAA Show signing his newly released book, “A Practical Guide to Turfgrass Fungicides".

Turf Team Attends GCSAA Show in Orlando, FL

Last week our turf management team attended the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Industry Show (GIS) in Orlando, Florida. Nelson, Jared, and Brooks participated in a wide variety of continuing education classes where they learned the latest research and management practices being used in the industry. 

The GCSAA Show offers many seminars ranging from turfgrass related educaion to professional development.

Along with taking multiple seminars, Nelson teamed with Dr. Eric Ervin from Virginia Tech and Troy Fink from the Country Club of Virginia to teach a one day seminar on organic matter control on putting greens. Leading this seminar was a great experience for Nelson and the three were honored by being asked to present their seminar twice at next years show.

Jared took a variety of seminars as well, but the highlight of his week was teaching a seminar on networking for assistant superintendents. This was Jared’s first time teaching a seminar at the GIS show and he has been asked to present this seminar again to superintendents in a webcast next month.

Brooks felt the most interesting part of the show was the trade show where he learned of the newest pesticides, equipment, and fertilizers among other things. Coupled with taking several educational seminars, he felt like it was a great GIS show.

Researching the newest equipment and advances in technology on the trade show floor is one of the highlights of the show.

Assistant Matt Sumpter participated with his alma-mater Purdue in the collegiate turf bowl competition. This is a four hour examination which test participants in comprehensive golf course management including, but not limited to; turfgrass ID and management, pest identification, business, and mechanical knowledge. We are happy to announce out of 85 teams, Matt’s team finished second.



Matt helped Purdue place 2nd at the 19th Annual Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition.



Research Project Highlighted in USGA Record

One of Jared Nemitz's research projects he worked on while attending Purdue University was recently featured by the United States Golf Association in the Green Section Record and USGA WebInsider.

Jared researched ball mark repair technologies and proper ball mark repair techniques with Dr. Cale Bigelow and USGA Agronomist Adam Moeller. Their findings were published in the Scientific Journal Applied Turfgrass Science and are featured in this short webinar by Adam Moeller.

USGA Green Section Record

Webinar:
Ball Marks on Putting Greens: Firmness and Repair Techniques are Crucial

Journal Article:
Surface Firmness and Repair Tool Affect Golf Ball Mark Recovery

Superintendent and Assistant Invited to Speak at the GCSAA Show in Orlando, FL!

Nelson Caron and Jared Nemitz have been invited to speak at the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL next week.

Nelson will be speaking in the seminar "Greens Aerification and Water Management by the Numbers" with Dr. Erik Ervin from Virginia Tech and Troy Fink from the Country Club of Virgina. Nelson will be discussing how to optimize the health and playing performance of putting greens through sound aerification, topdressing, verticutting and hand-watering techniques.

Jared will be giving a talk aimed at current students and assistant superintendents on the importance of building relationships and networking in the golf course industry. His presentation is titled, "Networking Your Way to the Top: The Importance of Building Relationships".

Although Nelson and Jared have spoken at various conferences at seminars this will be the first time they have spoken at the Golf Industry Show. They are extremely excited about this great opportunity.

GIS SHOW WEB LINK

Golf Maintenance Welcomes Three New Staff Members!

   The golf course maintenance department is excited to welcome three new members to our staff; Equipment Manager, Alan Bussey; Assistant Superintendent, Brooks Riddle; and Assistant in Training, Matt Sumpter.

Alan comes to us from TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, New Jersey where he was the Equipment Manager for four years. Prior to his time with the TPC network he was the Head Technician for the Golf Club of Georgia located in Alpharetta, Georgia. Alan holds a degree in Turf Equipment Management from Florida Gateway College, numerous manufacture training certificates and is a certified class “A” Golf Course Equipment Manager through the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association. Alan brings not only his mechanical ability but also a wealth of knowledge to our staff including agronomic skills learned from being an assistant golf course superintendent for multiple years throughout north Florida.

In his free time Alan is an all around outdoors man, enjoying golf, both fresh and salt water fishing, hiking, and hunting; with annual trips around the country to support all four interest. Alan is accompanied by his wife of three years Sarah, a teacher of the blind and visually impaired, and their two “children” Sidni- an English Springer Spaniel, and Crash- a Collie mix.

Brooks comes to us from The Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he has spent the past three years as the Head Spray Technician. Like Nelson Caron, he earned a B.S. in Turfgrass Science from North Carolina State University and completed internships across the country at some of the most storied golf clubs in the nation. These include Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York, The Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the famed Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

Brooks is an avid golfer and reads many books on the history and game of golf. Brooks is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work as an assistant superintendent and maintain the golf course at a high level while expanding his knowledge under the direction of Nelson Caron.

Matt is originally from Plymouth, Indiana and a recent December graduate from Purdue University with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science. Matt, has completed internships at some of the top clubs in the country such as Medinah Country Club in Chicago, IL, Victoria National Golf Club in Evansville, IN, Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond, VA, and Indiana National Golf Club in Plymouth, IN. Not only did he broaden his horizons completing internships and various work experiences Matt, also spent a semester studying abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales.


Along with golf, Matt, enjoys the outdoors and traveling across the country. Matt is excited to start his career with us and broaden his understanding of agronomics and business management.

We feel extremely fortunate to have Alan, Brooks and Matt join our staff, and are excited to see what the future holds for them and our department. When you see them on the golf course make sure you welcome them to the Ford Plantation.