Fox hole...

When you see this on the golf course, most superintendent's immediately ask themselves, 'What is this critter looking to eat?' Usually, it is damage from an animal looking to eat some grubs. Grubs have been extremely prevalent on Delmarva late this summer and early fall.

This is more than likely damage from a fox looking to burrow a new place of residence or a new entrance/exit to an existing one. This is the first time he/she has chosen to dig on the green.

Fortunately, this occurred out of play on the 19th hole. We consistently repair damage to the surrounding bunkers on this hole but for some reason or another, the fox decided to move up to the putting surface last night.

Turf growth regulator...

Turf growth regulators are used in the industry to help lower labor costs and fuel consumption. Some say they may even push lateral growth, making divot recovery a more speedy process. Here at Ocean Pines, the turf seems to be extremely sensitive to the use of these products.

Notice the greener streaks in this fairway? That is a clogged nozzle located directly behind the tank, which is nearly impossible to notice while operating the machine. No turf discoloration occurred where the product was not applied.

The damage is only superficial tip burn to the older leaves and the new leaves are coming in just fine. We will have to live with the unsightliness for another week or so... Which brings into question whether the labor and fuel savings are really worth it or not? 

Battling kyllinga...

Kyllinga is a grassy weed from the sedge family. It thrives in warm, moist climates and poorly drained soils. It has a rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habit. These stolons and rhizomes will intertwine and create thick mats that will choke out the competing and more desirable turf.

The maintenance staff will apply multiple applications of a selective herbicide at a low rate throughout the growing season to keep this invasive weed from gaining a stronghold in our fairways, approaches and tees.

You may notice some discolored spots around the golf course over the next few weeks as we are making these applications to keep this pesky weed out of our playing surfaces.

Welcome Back!

It has been a while since my last post! A lot has happened since then... If you haven't been out to the course lately, you are missing a treat. 

This week, your maintenance staff has begun to recapture some fairway space that has disappeared over that past decade.

Various areas were cut out to the irrigation line where it was originally installed along the edge of the fairway. These areas were then seeded with rye grass. The turf density will continue to thicken this fall and by next spring, the playing surface should be pretty good.