USGA Green Section Mid-Atlantic report: Roots are not elastic

USGA Green Section Mid-Atlantic report: January thaw

Not even weather can stop clubs' outside maintenance projects

  It began with a Dec. 19 blizzard, which dumped over 10 inches of snow and cancelled the J. Wood Platt Caddie Brunch. Frigid temperatures kept that snow intact for awhile. A few weeks later, the degrees escalated dramatically to create a “January thaw.” Now, temperatures have reverted back to being bitter cold. But most clubs, such as Rolling Green GC, have survived the sporadic weather.

  “The cold weather is good for some things — projects like tree work, realigning cart paths,” Superintendent Charlie Carr said. “We can get into those areas that are traditionally wet. That kind of helps us there. If we can’t get outdoors, then we’re indoors for equipment maintenance. We kind of play the weather.”

  Each year, Rolling Green GC establishes an “alternate gameplan based on weather conditions,” according to Carr.

  Course play has naturally been affected by the weather. The bitter cold keeps most club members away from the golf course.

  “From a play standpoint, it affected us greatly,” John Slade, Laurel Creek CC’s superintendent, said. “We kind of have to roll with the blows.”

  Torresdale-Frankford follows its weather “rule of thumb,” according to Superintendent Brian Mazey.

  “If it doesn’t get above 32 degrees, we usually keep the course closed. If it gets up in the higher 30s, then we have people out on the course,” he said.

  Snow itself can benefit turf health, according to Slade.

  “It’s a good insulator. It allows gas exchange,” he said.

  To err on the protective side, Torresdale-Frankford dispersed a spray to prevent snow mold. And after the “January thaw” took full effect, Mazey and his staff continue to do tree work and to edge each bunker, he said.

  “The only time you get worried is if the top inch or two thaw out, and everything’s still frozen underneath,” Mazey added. “Root zones of the greens can be damaged if you have people walking on greens. We have some temporary greens that we cut out in the fairways. Once we dry out, we let it go.”

  Once the ground thaws out, Rolling Green’s maintenance staff will turn its focus on tee construction and getting back on the golf course.

  Let’s just hope Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow tomorrow, so Carr, his crew and the rest of the Association’s Member Clubs can start those projects sooner rather than later.