Golf Course Update March 11 2012

Driving Range Sunday March 11th / 2012

Hole # 12 Raven Sunday March 11 / 2012

Hole # 11 Raven Sunday March 11 / 2012

Hole # 17 Raven Sunday March 11 / 2012

Hole # 7 Hawk Sunday March 11 / 2012

Snow Melt Update:

The melting of snow over the past 3 days has been significant. As you can see in the photos, the open areas of the golf course are starting to open up but the shaded and low lying holes remain entirely covered with snow.

Driving Range Update:

With significant snow loss this weekend, some of the turf on the range is now exposed and there is only an average of approximately 1.5 " of snow covering the remainder of the driving range surface. The driving range could be open earlier than in the past few years if the long range forecast holds true. Stay tuned to this blog for further updates.

Turfgrass Conditions:

This time of year is a very anxious but exciting few weeks for us Golf Course Superintendents. We start to get the chance to evaluate the turf after it has gone through the long winter. Although the winter has been mild, the warm temperatures created ideal conditions for ice accumulation which can cause winter injury to the turf. Fortunately, the small amounts of turf we have been able to see so far looks good. We haven't seen any snow mold, very little vole damage, and no signs of ice damage yet! The turf is very dormant (brown), this is due to a long fall with very little snow cover. When we cut pieces of turf out of the ground and look closely there are plenty green shoots at the base and we have even started to see new roots growing already. This is a positive sign.

Maybe the greatest spring challenge here at Priddis Greens is how long the snow takes to melt and the ground to dry out because of extensive shade. One of the keys to having a good start to the season is for the turf to dry out as soon as possible, so it does not sit wet for extended periods. When the turf sits wet for extended periods it is susceptible to numerous plant health issues such as turf disease, poor vigour and crown rot. This is why we hope for a consistent warm melt followed by dry weather and no more snow. Because the shadows are so long at this time of year when the weather is cool and wet the turf can stay wet for weeks on end.

Stay tuned for future updates as we progress to the start of the golf season.