Course Update: Time for Recovery

I hope that everyone was able to make it out to the club this week to enjoy watching some fantastic golf.  I couldn’t be happier with the condition of the golf course and I feel that it put up a pretty good fight for the best golfers in the state.  My staff has worked extremely hard, not just during the tournament, but, in the last day or so to get the rough mown, divots filled and debris picked up all before you get back on the course today (7/15).  I would like to thank each one of them for their long days and dedication to Elcona as well as their desire in wanting to showcase the club during a very important week. With that being said, the course is now ready for a break before we head into Invitational week. 

The winner, Brian Maurer, being interviewed

Looking ahead to the forecast for the weekend and into next week, it appears that we are headed for an extremely warm and humid stretch of weather. Last year, about this same time, we had a similar weather pattern that contributed to an outbreak of Anthracnose on the greens.  Because there is already some slight damage from Anthracnose on a few of the greens, we are going to be extremely cautious as we head into warmer and more humid weather.  Unlike last year, we are currently planning to mow at the same height, but our rolling frequency will be reduced.  We have also skipped an application of our growth regulator in order to promote some additional growth and speed the recovery process after a long week.

At this point, there is no reason to panic.  We are merely taking a proactive approach toward protecting the greens so that we can be ready to showcase the club for the 50th anniversary of the Walter O. Wells Invitational.

On Monday (7/18) the golf course will be closed so that a planned venting and topdressing of the greens can be done.  This has been done once already this year and has paid huge dividends with respect to the overall health and playability of the greens. 

More on venting in a future blog post.  Stay tuned!

What's Burrowing in the Greens?

Throughout the month of June and into the early part of July, you may have seen small mounds of sand on the greens as shown in the photo below.  These mounds are caused by a Seed Corn Beetle that is usually present around the course during the cooler and wetter times of the year (this year in particular). According to Entomologists at Purdue University, corn seed is not the primary food source for seed corn beetles. Rather, they feed on other things that they find in the soil, including other insects.  We also know that they are highly attracted to and fly to lights at night.  There are two generations per year, typically occurring in May/June and again in August.

Mounding on #12 green caused by the Seed Corn Beetle

Generally, treatments are not necessary because the damage is not severe and we also try to set a rather high threshold for situations like this.  The goal is to only treat when necessary to keep costs down and to reduce our impact on the environment.



Close-up view of Seed Corn Beetle removed from #12 green

In order to find out exactly what is causing the damage, a section of the turf about 2" deep must be removed where the mounding is.  By tearing the turf where the burrowing channel is, the beetle can be exposed and then identified. On the positive side, the channeling caused by Seed Corn Beetle can mimic the effect of aerification, which, in turn, can lead to better root growth and a healthier stand of turf.  Who could argue with that? Plus, the labor is free!

Anthracnose: A Closer Look

Unlike Dollar Spot, Foliar Anthracnose (fungal pathogen Colletotrichum cereale) is not as easlily identified.  In order to poperly diagnose this disease, it takes a little investigation and some time crawling around on the greens with a hand lens and camera.  This not our first bout with this disease.  As many of you will recall, we dealt with Anthracnose about this same time last year and were able to recover after some necessary applications of fungicides.



The initial yellowing of the turf caused by Foliar Anthracnose

 Typical symptoms of Foliar Anthracnose are a yellowing of the leaves starting at the tip and decaying downward as well as the presence of black acervuli on the leaf blade.  Damage can occur on both Annual Bluegrass and Creeping Bentgrass. If left untreated, large areas of turf can be affected with the end result being a very inconsistent and undesirable putting surface. Acervuli and the associated bristlelike setae can be seen in the picture below that I took with my camera through a magnification lens. To see a larger version, please click on the picture.


Acervuli (black spots) and setae (bristles coming out of black spots) can be seen on the infected leaves

Other than preventative applications of fungicides, recent studies have shown that a regular topdressing program as well as proper fertility can help to prevent this disease. Nobody likes to deal with the greens being topdressed regularly or the increase in fertility levels which can lead to slightly slower green speeds, but a common ground can certainly be achieved while meeting realistic expectations. The fact that these two measures can help to prevent this disease speaks volumes of the importance of our management practices.

Break out the Hiking Boots: The new trails are open!



Looking south from the beginning of new trail



After a drive through our property to the far east of the clubouse earlier this spring, I realized we had the potential to grow our ever-expanding trail system even more.  The new trails will take you around our fields that are leased for farming and allow you to access the highest point of the club's property.  The view to the south on a clear day is spectacular and I encourage all of you to take advantage of our beautiful surroundings.  A new trail map has been made by using a handheld gps unit and is available at the clubhouse.



Updated trail map

 Elcona's trails can be used year round for hiking, jogging, biking, skiing or simply taking your dog for a walk. Please remember: No motorized vehicles are allowed.  During my inspection of the trails earlier this week, I was able to witness all sorts of wildlife such as: deer, turkey, groundhogs and several different species of birds.  I'm quite certain that you will see the same thing on your tour.  All totaled, our trail system now measures over 5 miles in length, but can be shortened depending on how many trails you choose to take.  These trails are a tremendous asset to the club and only enhances our status as a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.



New trail around and through woods on north end of property