The harsh winter conditions have impacted some of our greens and those of other courses in our region. We have evaluated the greens and the initial prognosis was that we are experiencing various degrees of damage similar to that of last year.
Samples of the weakened areas have been brought inside to be evaluated. The extent of the damage will be determined in the next few days. If, severe damage is evident then we are fully prepared to utilize our nursery to supply the amount of sod needed to replace most of the damaged areas.
We will continue to provide you with updates on conditions and our work to repair the damaged areas.
Below are a series of questions and answers to better inform you:
1. What steps were taken to prevent winter damage on the greens and are there any additional steps we can take in the future?
a. Deep tined the greens to allow surface water to drain off the green.
b. Top dressed greens weekly starting on October 15th to help protect the crown of the plant.
c. Stopped cutting greens on October 15th to allow the grass to grow. This would allow the grass to store more chlorophyll to live off during
the winter months.
d. Installed green covers to help with wind desiccation and to regulate the soil temperature
e. Removed snow pack when temperatures began to elevate and removed all ice from greens.
There was not a need to apply black sand because allice was physically removed.
f. Applied snow mold protection to the green surfaces.
*** All the above practices are recommendations from the USGA.
2. How many greens were affected and when will they all be playable?
a. Most of the greens have experienced some degree of winter damage.
b. All greens will be playable by April 28th
3. Why are we experiencing this degree of damage recently and not in years prior?
a. In my tenure (10 years) at Glen Oak CC, the past two winters at have been extremely harsh compared to years past.
January 2015 – average hi 31, average low 16
January 2014 – average hi 30, average low 12
January 2013 – average hi 37, average low 22
January 2012 – average hi 40, average low 32
*** The past 2 years average temperature for January alone has changed by ten degrees on average from the prior two years. December and February
follow a similar pattern.
4. Have we experienced similar damage on our fairways?
a. No, because the fairways are at a higher height of cut. This allows for more chlorophyll to remain in the plant for winter protection.
5. Have other clubs in the area experienced similar damage?
a. Yes, 5 to 6 local clubs and many others in surrounding states. Some clubs have experienced catastrophic damage.
Thank you for your time and I hope that this document has helped answer some of your questions.
Gino Marchetti, GCS
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Superintendent
Gino Marchetti Assistant Superintendent
Les Lear Assistant Superintendent
Brandon Wisnosky Assistant-in-Training
Melinda Wesley Foreman
Bill Noll Mechanic Jim Saslo Past Employees
Drew White - Superintendent of south course at Westchester Country Club Patrick Moran - Superintendent Berwick Country Club Josh Dixon - LA Country Club Related Links
GCSAA Pocono Turfgrass Association USGA Glen Oak Country Club Penn State Turfgrass Science Penn State Turf Management Mark Mungeam - GOCC Archeitect Total Turf - 10 &18 Tee Project 2013 White Construction - Bunker Project 2013 Maintenance Calender
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