Severe Drought

With only 0.35" of rain since June 1, this old course is still hanging strong.

As of July 10, the Madison region was officially deemed to be in a severe drought, and since the local media has the weather stats covered, there's no point in reciting them here.  To this point, we are pleased with how the course survived the heat wave, and despite the possibility of some some destructive diseases during the 100 degree days and 80 degree nights, we escaped virtually disease-free.  However, the lasting effects of the weather that we experienced (and are still experiencing) will be felt throughout the remainder of the summer.  We've had nine days during which the soil temperature at 2" below the surface of 11 green (where we have a remote temperature and moisture sensor) exceeded 90 degrees.  Since the cool-season grasses that we grow start to lose root mass once the soil temperature starts exceeding 75 degrees, you can imagine the toll that 90+ degrees has on the plants.  The sensitive Poa annua that comprises much of our greens and fairways is especially affected.  You need to look no further than our 9th green to see the difference between the much healthier (and greener) bentgrass and the sickly-looking Poa.  Until rooting conditions return in the fall, our effective rooting depth will not be past 1-2".  Thus, water has to be available near the soil surface, and the greens will not be as fast and firm as they once were.  We have to have a fine balance of water as too much will boil the remaining roots.

You will notice a few weak looking spots on the course, and they are all strictly due to abiotic stress.  In other words, there is no disease present, but the plants simply aren't programmed for this weather.  We will do everything in our power to keep the course looking and playing as nicely as possible, but the extended forecast doesn't appear to be offering any relief.

Two weeks ago, three trees (2 oaks and a black locust) were removed from behind 9 green.  Due to the eastern shade that these tree cast, the back half of the green didn't receive sun until noon, and during hot days, the turf plants stop photosynthesizing by then.  Additionally, turf prefers the light quality of morning sun. In other words, this green is now socked with minimal rooting and little ability to photosynthesize. These are the primary reasons why the back half of 9 green is much more stressed than any of the other greens.



Before the tree removal.



The after is better, but there are still a few black locust trees that may be considered for removal.

 
We appreciate the positive comments that many have been passing along, and the ridiculous amounts of Gatorades and ice cream bars that were purchased from the collection that Mrs. Rath took from the junior-day parents have been greatly appreciated.