We have reached the end of the 2023 turf season. The golf course closed on November 12th, which is right on schedule for us. We are thankful for what was a pleasant fall season of golf, after what was a record setting, much discussed rain filled summer. Every time a system moved in, it would seem to stall out and precipitation amounts would exceed predictions. If 10 was called for, we got 20. 15 we got 30. 20 we got 200 (not a typo!!). The timing around championship events was also very poor as we had a 72mm event the day of the Men’s Club Championship, 25mm before and during the Ladies’ Club Championship, and 45mm for the Men’s Invitational. The result were many days where carts were restricted to the paths, where fairways and rough could not be cut for days (weeks in some cases).
As the business of the golf season has wound down, it is a good time to reflect on the year that was. 2023 saw the most expansive renovation work the property has seen since the greens were re-done 20+ years ago. Greenside bunkers on 1 and 2 were renovated and redesigned. New bunkers were built on 4, 12, and 18. Fairway bunkers were removed on 7 and 8. A great start to a multi-phased project. Expanding the left side of number 4 fairway, a new natural turf range tee was also completed as we took advantage of having contractors on site.
Anomalous weather patterns were littered throughout the year. Record cold temperatures in early February, the driest spring in many years, sparking the largest forest fires the province has seen in years. We all were praying for rain, that came in spades throughout the summer. Fall leveled off somewhat as more reasonable precipitation events took place, and we all breathed a sigh of relief when Hurricane Lee hit with much less force than was feared. We head into winter with the usual anticipation of what kind of weather we will experience. Back to the unusual has been the extreme wind we have experienced in December with multiple events with wind gusts tempting triple digits that have wreaked havoc on our tarping efforts as the wind has lifted many of them on at least one occasion. Even as I type this I can see white caps on Grand Lake!
The end of the season focuses largely on preparing the greens for the winter. While impossible to attribute all of, or quantify how much last year’s deep tine aeration helped in coming out of winter with minimal damage, our first experience of this endeavor was deemed a success. It only makes too much sense to encourage more gas exchange and more efficiently move surface water through the soil profile and away from the growth point of the turf at the base in an attempt to prevent crown hydration (the process of dormant turf awakening, taking in water in an attempt to begin growing, only for a quick freeze event occurring, rupturing vital cells and killing the plant). We completed a deep tine again this fall hoping for similar benefits.
We have been treating the greens with a wetting agent every fall for years now. Often is the case (particularly in our neck of the woods) are that the soil becomes fully saturated throughout the winter. Overly wet soils are obviously more prone to issues at any time of the year, with winter being no exception. Poor air exchange and the increased subjugation to freeze/thaw events as the winter progresses. The wetting agent applied helps keep the harmonic balance of volumetric water content.
We treat all short cut turf with a winter protection fungicide. Contrary to what may be believed, there are turf damaging fungi that thrive in winter conditions. Extended periods of snow coverage, as well as cool and wet weather alone can become a breeding ground for disease that can make spring a headache to deal with. Potential for ice damage is enough to think about. By preventatively treating our high value playing surfaces we are crossing off one of a several threats that a golf course faces in the winter.
Finally, we tarped 14 of our greens, as has been customary. These breathable tarps provide a barrier between the elements that winter dishes out. During bare and dry winter winds can desiccate the turf. A tarp can provide some separation from snow and ice that can give the turf an edge in managing these stressors. In spring they provide a dark color that can absorb heat and expedite the melting process. They also help warm the soil up faster than the elements naturally provide, increasing growth and/or recovery potential as the plants wake up for another season.
In any case, Geoff and I will be monitoring the process throughout the winter. We will be taking samples and taking care of anything that can help us start the 2024 season strong.
Happy Holidays!
Kevin Moores
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