ASK THE COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

January 2008

Dear ICC Members,

All I can say about 2007 is that it was interesting and I learned a lot.

I learned that by simply raising the height of cut on the greens, a disease called anthracnose, which is difficult and expensive to control, was no longer a problem. And although the greens were at times a little slower than in previous years, by the end of the summer I think green speed improved after I figured out the proper rate and timing of growth regulators. So, with a slightly higher height of cut, using more growth regulators and topdressing frequently, expect the greens in 2008 to be healthy, smooth surfaces that still have great speed.

I also learned how to cost effectively control a disease called grey leaf spot. This disease affects our predominantly ryegrass fairways in the late summer. I experimented with different rates and timings of fungicides and came up a strategy to control this potentially devastating disease. With the knowledge I gained from these trials and with frequent overseeding, expect our fairways to be the best they have ever been.

I used several different types of fertilizers last year and found some products that provide great color while keeping costs down, which is tough to do because the fertilizer market is very volatile these days. I also learned that preventative grub control is now needed EVERYWHERE on the West nine!

And finally I learned that if you expect a warmer/drier than average November and December you’ll get, well…..this. However, I’m still hoping that the new irrigation will be installed on the East 9 and the #1 fairway project will be graded, seeded and well on it’s way to playability by the time you show up in the Spring.

Thanks for putting up with me and all my experimentation last year. I’m feeling very good about 2008 based on what I learned in 2007. I think course conditions could be the best ever (especially having a new mower to keep the rough under control in the Spring).

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please stop me on the course, call me (249-8543) or send me an e-mail from this site.

See you on the course,

Joe Burke