Last week the management of our Golf course and Grounds Dept. attended the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Annual Conference and Trade Show. This year's program was packed with seminars regarding the hottest topic of late, Integrated Pest Management. As all golf courses are required by provincial law to be fully certified (to continue to apply pesticides) by 2012, these were very well attended lectures. Speakers from all facets of the turf management field shared information including completing the certification process as well as implementation of alternative practices and products. This is always a great opportunity to network with friends, colleagues and instructors.
Last fall we utilized a “new to us” method of revitilization for our practice tee. Our contractor TDS, fraize mowed the surface of the tee to remove organic matter as well at to aid in leveling. The tee was then aerified and seeded to a new variety of creeping rye grass. We chose this type of turf grass as research shows rapid recovery and a low growth habit. We were able to get some great growth in the fall, but the tee is still not ready for traffic and full use. The plan is to utilize the mats until growth has filled in some of the voids etc. We will then begin to slowly set up hitting areas on the grass tee. For a while we will alternate between grass and the mats with a 50/50 ratio of use. Once the grass tee is established and is in adequate recovery mode, the practice areas will be back to normal. As always our membership’s patience is appreciated as we try to improve these areas for use.
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