Sedges Have Edges

Weeds in the sedge family have triangular stems, which is where the
common (at least to me) expression "sedges have edges" comes from

Sedges are a triangular stemmed, mat forming weeds seen in the picture to the right.

 There are different types of sedges that can usually be identified by their underground plant parts. Sedges present a problem for golf courses, because during wet, warm weather, they can grow vertically faster than the turf, but can also overtime form dense mats that compete with the turf. We have started spraying sedge in high profile areas (around the putting green) and will focus more of our efforts toward its control once we complete our broadleaf weed spray tomorrow.

Chemical control of nutsedge

Sand, Sand Everywhere

Topdressing is a regular part of golf course maintenance. We do many different types of topdressing here at GCC. Heavy topdressing allows us to incorporate sand back into the soil profile after aeration. Light, frequent topdressings (pictured above) keep the putting greens smooth and firm. Topdressing of seams of sodded areas can help level them out and facilitate grow in. Members topdress every day when they fill in the divots made during play with sand. Pictured below is a traditionally wet area on #7 that we have topdressed. We hope that with multiple topdressings of the area this year, we can slowly begin to improve it's playability after heavy rains. Sand topdressing is a big part of our plans for 2016. If you have a question about what we are trying to accomplish by topdressing a particular area, please do not hesitate to ask.

Broadleaf Weeds on The Golf Course

The picture to the right is indicative of the type of weather we have experienced over the last couple weeks. This cool, wet weather provides excellent growing conditions for weeds, but not enough warmth for the Bermudagrass to truly compete with them. As a result, we currently have a fair amount of weeds out on the course. As temperatures improve, the healthy Bermuda will compete with the weeds, and the number of chemical control options we have to control these weeds will increase. In the mean time, we are keeping the weeds in check with increased mowing frequencies, and selective chemical applications. Once warm, dry weather arrives, we can quickly get a handle on the broadleaf weeds on the course.

Member Flower Planting Party

On Monday, May 2nd, we held our second annual Member Flower Planting Party. Members who attended came at 5:30 PM, got a quick run down, and got down to business. Afterwards, we enjoyed some subs and cold beverages to celebrate a hard evening's work. Thank you so much to all who attended. Community events like this are a large part of what makes Greenbrier CC such a great place.

Maintaining Defined Bunker Edges

After last year's Better Billy Bunker renovation to our greenside bunkers, we saw an overall improvement to bunker playability. One of the more important aspects of maintaining these new bunkers is keeping sand in place,  and keeping a well defined edge between the hazard and the surrounding rough. Because the new bunkers drain so well, the sand tends to stay drier, and is more susceptible to the strong winds that we experience in the winter and spring months. Outside of cutting back grass that grows over the bunker edge in season, we also take a backpack blower around in the winter months and blow sand back into the bunker. In areas where enough sand blew over the edge to affect turf health, we have re-sodded in spots the re-establish the edge. Maintaining a well defined bunker edge is a year-round process, that requires multiple methods to be successful.

Greens Aeration Procedures

Greens aeration is a necessary process to maintain a quality turf grass stand. The benefits of aeration include but are not limited to the following...

- Improved water infiltration

- Incorporated sand allows more pore space for oxygen, which is critical for root growth

- Dissipation of organic material produced by plant growth (too much organic matter can result in poor playing conditions, and turf health

-Reduced compaction

These pictures will give an idea of how the process works here at Greenbrier Country Club, 

New box blade attachment improves efficiency by pulling cores to side of green.

Cores are then shoveled and hauled away. Greens are blown off to clear any excess debris.

Sterilized topdressing sand is applied.

Once the sand is dry enough, it is brushed in multiple directions to fill the aeration holes and incorporate the sand into the soil profile.

Greens are then blown to try to fill any leftover holes and remove excess sand.

Greens are smoothed out with a roller. We do this now, because it may be a few days before we can do this again once the fertilizer is out.

Fertilizer is applied. Aeration is a great time to add nutrients to the soil.

Irrigation is run to knock down sand and fertilizer.

The finished product.

The end result is a better putting surface for members to enjoy.

Increased Focus on Practice Facility 

There will be an increased focus on maintaining our practice facilities this year. Starting on Tuesday April, 5th, the driving range and chipping green will be closed until 8 AM each Tuesday. This will allow more time for sand topdressing, mowing blowing, herbicidal applications, and fertilization. The overall result will be an increase in playability and appearance of the practice facility as a whole.

New wheelbarrows will give members the opportunity to fill divots when they are done hitting range balls