My Reasoning for Aerification

Aerifcation isn’t fun for anyone involved. I grew up playing the game so I genuinely understand aerifications short term effects on putting quality. No one dislikes disrupting a putting surface more than I do but I assure you all that it is a necessary evil and the benefits are felt long after recovery. I would bore you with the intricacies and the science behind the benefits of aerification so I won’t get too into the weeds. However, I do think you all deserve to have a better understanding of why I aerify. I will keep it simple, general and hopefully helpful. 

The most widely and publicly accepted reasons for aerification are to remove thatch and relieve compaction. In general, this is true, and we do use aerification, to varying degrees, as a tool to accomplish these two things. However, compaction isn’t a super critical issue on greens constructed with sand as ours are. *Side note: I have no experience with push-up greens profiles so my thoughts here only pertain to sand profile greens*. Core aerification has its greatest impacts on compaction in heavier, finer textured soils commonly found in fairways and rough areas. And, as for thatch management, aerifications benefit isn’t so much the physical removal of the thatch layer as it is the creation of a healthier soil environment where thatch accumulation can be slowed and thatch breakdown can be accelerated. Don’t get me wrong, core aerification does in fact remove thatch but when you do the math the total volume of thatch removed in any one coring process is surprisingly low.

For me, and I try and only ever speak for myself, it essentially comes down to preventing anaerobic (non-oxygenated) condition’s by providing fresh, clean, un-obstructed sand channels that allow adequate gas exchange throughout the root zone. For me it’s really that simple, I aerify to promote gas exchange. There are certainly a number of secondary and tertiary reasons for aerification, but allowing the root zone to “breathe” is the reason I aerify. In fact, a majority of the secondary and tertiary benefits are simply direct and indirect effects of a healthy, oxygenated root zone.

So… although I know, in the short term, aerifcation isn’t an ideal situation I assure you it’s well worth it. I really appreciate your understanding and patience with the process.

Here is a photo of a plug from a green that does a wonderful job of showing the sand channels created during aerification. This particular plug still has visible sand channels from a number of years ago. This is exactly why I do what I do.

An Important Note: In this industry there are numerous thought’s, ideas, process’, principal’s, etc.… when it comes to managing a golf facility. Please remember that what I say here only pertains to me and my approach. I don’t ever want to speak on behalf of anyone but myself. I will never comment on another’s facility and nothing you read here should ever be perceived as a commentary on what someone else is or is not doing. My articles are not arguments for what is the right or wrong way to do something. They are simply an explanation of why I do what I do (and what I do is far from perfect). 

Why We Avoid Trafficking Frosty Turf

 It’s pretty apparent spring is here and this year’s golf season has gotten off to a cool and wet start. Frost delays are a certainty in spring and although we are rapidly approaching the end of the frost season it is not uncommon for frost potential to linger into May. I get the impression that not a lot is understood about frost and its effect on turf so I hope the information below sheds some light on the subject.

Turfgrass relies on its elasticity to withstand wear and tear from the mechanical stresses of cart and golfer traffic. When the leaf blade is frozen, the turfgrass becomes rigid and its ability to withstand mechanical stress is compromised. Cold temperatures can lead to the formation of ice crystals within the intercellular spaces of the leaf blade. These intercellular spaces are essentially the voids that exist between the plants cells.

When mechanical pressure is placed on the leaf blade, the sharp edges of these ice crystals pierce the plants cell walls resulting in cell collapse. Imagine what happens when you pierce a water balloon with a needle. This is essentially what happens when ice crystals protrude a cell wall. Once the plant loses the rigidity provided by the cells turgor, or hydraulic pressure, the plant will collapse. This is the primary reason we delay play on the golf course until we are frost free. It is not because we want more time to enjoy our morning coffee, although that would be nice.

It is important to note that temperatures do not have to drop to 32°F to experience frost. Also, keep in mind that a golf course has a number of different micro-climates, and warmer temperatures, around, let’s say, a clubhouse doesn’t guarantee the rest of the course is in the clear. We have found 5 - 8 degree differences in areas on our course and I am sure this is the case with a number of facilities.

No one likes frost delays. It puts pressure on the pro shop staff, prevents the grounds crew from prepping the course, and it throws off the golfer’s schedule. Unfortunately, though, it is a reality so please be patient and understand it is out of our control. The facility will have you on the course as soon as Mother Nature allows.

Frost damage from cart traffic

Frost damage from foot traffic

 An Important Note: In this industry there are numerous thought’s, ideas, process’, principal’s, etc.… when it comes to managing a golf facility. Please remember that what I say here only pertains to me and my approach. I don’t ever want to speak on behalf of anyone but myself. I will never comment on another’s facility and nothing you read here should ever be perceived as a commentary on what someone else is or is not doing. My articles are not arguments for what is the right or wrong way to do something. They are simply an explanation of why I do what I do (and what I do is far from perfect). 

Spring Greens Aerification

Spring aerification is in the bag and the process finished up without a hitch. Mother Nature and the clubhouse staff took care of things and made our job much more efficient. Thanks to you both!

A photo from a 2012. We've since diluted this layer and moved it another 1 1/2" from the surface

There are a numbers of posts from years back describing the importance of aerification on greens so this year I decide to provide a video documentation of the process. I can promise you all that it is thrilling footage! The link below takes you to a YouTube video of our aerification process and some of the management process that will follow.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv4Mdj0eeNws3WfgHNOHdoA

April Hail Storm

April 27th's hail storm at Indian Creek was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Hail and rain rates exceeded 5 inches an hour. We were fortunate the hail was small and caused very little damage. Bunkers did need some repair work but the crew knocked that out today. Mowing was all but shut down today and this sets us back going into the weekend. We have our work cut out for us tomorrow but the we will certainly work hard to catch up as quickly as we can. All things considered the course escaped relatively unscathed and we are grateful for that. The storm was actually pretty awesome and I am glad I was on site to witness it.

Below is a link to a YouTube channel with video footage of the aftermath. Sorry its shaky. I was recording while driving and holding onto children.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv4Mdj0eeNws3WfgHNOHdoA

First 'Short Grass' Mowing

Charging The Irrigation System

 

The most important process of the new season is charging up the irrigation system. Fortunately it appears everything overwintered well and is holding tight, so far. Now its a matter of avoiding any major malfunctions for the next 9 months. Our fingers are crossed.

 

 



Need More Melting and Drying Out

2016 Golf Season Employment Opportunity

The Grounds department at Indian Creek Golf Course is currently hiring individuals for the 2016 golf season. We offer some flexible scheduling and will try and coordinate with your extracurricular summer activities. If you love the game of golf or enjoy working outdoors this job is a great fit. Starting pay is $9.00/hour and benefits include discounted golf, food, and golf shop merchandise. If you are a hardworking, responsible individual looking for a fun and unique work experience we would love to have you on our team.

Contact head superintendent Jim Nedrow at 4026697275 or jimn@golfatindiancreek.com

Nebraska Golfer: Winter Edition

Below is my article for the winter edition of the Nebraska Golfer Magazine. This magazine is presented by the NGA and they always do a fine job. Here is a link to the winter edition. Take some time to read through it.

 

http://www.nebgolf.org/nebraska_golfer/Winter_2015/edition9/files/1.html

 

What a fall we have had up to this point in the year! In my time in the industry, I can’t recall a better scenario for our golf course as we enter the winter months.

Temperatures were consistently above normal, but not so warm that they prevented the dormancy process. We have experienced some cooler stretches, but avoided the extreme cold snaps and fluctuations that could cause damage to the turf before it was completely dormant. The warmer than normal weather was enjoyable and with any luck this will be the overall trend this winter.

Soil moisture levels are also in good shape. Our recent precipitation events have been timely, consistently spaced apart and long in duration. We had a number of day long rain/snow events. Drawn out precipitation events allow for maximum moisture absorption into the soil profile. This absorption process had added value as most came after everyone had blown out their irrigation systems.

As winter sets in, superintendents prepare to deal with the unique set of challenges the season presents. Drought, wind exposure, extreme temperatures, and ice are a few of the most obvious challenges. One of the most difficult, however, might be making the decision of whether or not to allow winter play.

The golfer and superintendent often find themselves in disagreement on this topic. It can become a highly charged conversation with course owners and board members as well.This is understandable though as the effect of winter play is rarely visible in real time. The effects of winter play are subtle, accumulating, and long lasting. Often times the damage incurred over the winter doesn’t become obvious until the next growing season.

The turf plant is actually quite tough and capable of recovery from significant injury when actively growing. During the growing season, the plant has the ability to regenerate tissue and recovery from damage in relatively short order. This recuperative ability is lacking, however, when the turf is dormant. The damage caused during winter play will persist until the next growing season. Repeated damage accumulates over time and can severely thin a stand of turf.

Soil compaction caused from winter play is even more difficult to visualize or quantify but the effects are real. If soil moisture levels are high, compaction becomes a real issue. Soils rely on a number of processes for drying out during the summer months. Evaporation, evapotranspiration, and water movement through the soil profile are processes that dry soils. All of these processes are significantly hindered in the winter. Cool temperatures slow evaporation, dormant turf has less need for evapotranspiration and frozen soil profiles prevent water movement and drainage. This leaves partially thawed and saturated soils prone to severe compaction. Again, this is a cumulative problem and one that won’t show its symptoms until the next growing season.

Finally, if play is allowed on a partially thawed soil profile, the potential for root shearing becomes greater. When soils are thawed they are, for lack of a better term, flexible. As you walk, the plant and its root zone shifts under your weight. The soil “flexibility” cushions the root and allows it to shift with the soil. When a soil is partially frozen the interface between the frozen and thawed soils becomes a shear point. As the thawed soil moves under the weight of a golfer, the frozen soil, which contains the bottom portion of the root system, remains static. This can cause roots to tear at this interface. Once again, this is another issue that isn’t visible and doesn’t show its symptoms until the growing season.

It is easy to assume that superintendents are simply being over protective when they are trying to curtail winter play, but understand that in most cases, there are legitimate reasons that these decisions are made. Do we sometimes err on the side of caution when deciding whether or not to allow winter play? Probably, but that is because it is very difficult to assess its effects on turf health. We must strike a balance between appeasing the customer, generating revenue, and protecting the course during in its most vulnerable time. We weigh all these factors, then try and make the best decision for everyone involved.

We all appreciate your patience regarding the decision making process and always invite any questions.

I have had a great time contributing to the publication this year. I appreciate the opportunity and hope to continue next year. Have a great holiday season.

Parking Lot Repair

Last week we finished up removing and replacing 1/5th of our parking lot. While its not a glamorous renovation project it certainly needed to be done. Considering are parking lot is 5 acres we chose to do the work in sections. We focused on finishing the main drive into the facility this year and will  likely continue into the main parking area next fall. In total we removed 30,000 square feet of 6" concrete and replaced it with 8". With fingers crossed we hope this slab will last until I have retired?

We were definitely concerned starting this process so late in the year. If the weather turned on us it was possible the project could have been halted, but mother nature provided excellent weather and the process was finished in very short order.  

 

Projects like this don't stir up excitement like bunker renovations but they are very important. Thanks to the crew at B and B Concrete and Construction for the hard work and a job well done.

Fall Has Arrived

The NGA recently published their fall edition of Nebraska Golfer Magazine. Its is always very well done and this issue does a nice job of highlighting this past years NGA events. Its a nice read and if you make it all the way the very end you'll find my contribution. The link to the online version is below.

http://www.nebgolf.org/nebraska_golfer/fall_2015/edition8/index.html

Also please take the time to read my article from the spring edition of Nebraska Golfer Magazine.
It was written about a very important topic facing our industry. The link below will direct to the online version below.


http://www.nebgolf.org/nebraska_golfer/spring_2015/ngaedition7/index.html


As we get ready to put a bow on the season ( weather should be good for a while though so get out and play!!!) we want to take the time to get some customer feedback. We had a good season but can always get better. Our goal is to provide a product that our customer can appreciate and your honest feedback is extremely important to us. We would appreciate you taking the time to respond the following questions.

1. From the perspective of the golf course, what are some of the things that you would like to see done differently?

2. Are your expectations being met?  Why or why not?

3. From the perspective of the snack bar, what are some of the things that you see at other facilities that you would like to see us do differently?

4. From the perspective of customer service, are your expectations being met?  Why or why not?

Please feel free to email your comments to me: jimn@golfatindiancreek.com

Fall Goings On:

Greens aerification and recovery is complete

 

Fairway overseeding is complete (great germination rates too)

Fairway aerification is complete

 

Tee aerification is underway

 Natural area mowing/cleanup is almost complete.

  

 Indian Creek took second at the NTA fundraiser scramble

Fall foliage is beautiful this time of year

  

 

Leaf cleanup is underway

USGA Report

 

 

Once a year we get the opportunity to host a team of USGA agronomists at Indian Creek. This visit is something I really enjoy and the time we spend together is always very productive. Its nice to have another set of experienced eyes on the course to help us sort through any issues or to bring new ideas to the table. These guys travel the country and visit a number of other facilities so they bring with them a real wealth of knowledge. These visits are just another tool we use as we try and continue  giving you the best product we can. Below is the USGA report we received following this years visit. I thought some of you may have some interest in its contents. Enjoy

Indian Creek hosts 107th Nebraska Amateur

 

 



Indian Creek is honored to be chosen as the host course for 2015 Nebraska Amateur. This annual event begins July 27^th and runs through July 30^th. This is an honor that isn’t bestowed to just anyone and we are extremely grateful and excited about the opportunity.

An event of this level brings with it a set of expectations and challenges, not only for the staff at Indian Creek, but also for our customer. In order to provide the conditions required to identify the state’s best player, we will need to make modifications to the way we maintain the course now and through the event’s completion on July 30^th. Most changes will be minor and many will be appreciated by the customer, but some will make the course play more difficult for the time being.

In particular, increased rough heights, although temporary, may be an unwelcome change. “Why make the adjustment 3 weeks in advance?” This is a valid question and there are multiple reasons. The simplest, and maybe most important, reason is related directly to weather. The unseasonably cool, wet weather has allowed us the ability to manipulate mowing heights in real time through this first week of July, which is very uncommon. If weather patterns remained unchanged we could get away with making height changes a week out. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is unpredictable. Although today’s weather would allow for height increases to occur closer to the event, odds are, we will get hotter and drier and lose the ability to grow the rough out in short order. We are trying to get ahead of that by establishing tournaments heights while possible.

 

In regards to this issue, I cannot stress enough that this is temporary. Every effort, including bringing in extra mowers from off-site on the 30th, will go into reestablishing our normal mowing heights as soon as the event concludes. Please understand that no one at our facility trivializes the effect that long rough has on playability for any caliber of golfer. Our goal, everyday, is to provide high-end playing surfaces that challenge the low handicappers, yet allow the high handicappers an opportunity to enjoy a fun and fair round.

Trying to manage a facility for both daily fee golf and high level tournament play is difficult. We have a responsibility to you, our customer, as well as the NGA and its event. We will do everything in our power to try and find a balance in regards to course set up and we also ask for your patience in the process.

For our most loyal and consistent customers, look at this as an opportunity to show the state of Nebraska that Indian Creek deserves a seat alongside the best facilities in the Midwest. Take pride in your course as we prepare it for its biggest test to date.

Thank you all for your loyalty and understanding as we prepare for this event.

Spot Topdressing Fairways

Today we are continuing to spot topdress low areas in fairways. If the time allows we will do this on a 1-2 week schedule for the remainder of the growing season.

 

 

Although not nearly as effective as re-grading and adding drainage the addition of sand should, overtime, provide a drier medium for the crown of the plant. Hopefully, this will help us during any long wet stretches and winters melt and freeze cycles. 

Your Morning Motivation and Course Update

I thought these photos turned out pretty well so I posted them hoping it gets you motivated to play some golf as we approach Memorial Weekend. These photos were taken from a teebox Shawn Tordrup rebuilt last fall that sits on the east side of the creek. This tee most likely wont be in play this year, but it provides a nice new perspective to the hole.

 



 9 Black Bird before morning prep

 

9 Blackbird after morning prep.

 

 

Greens are recovering from aerification at a pretty good pace, especially considering the cool temperatures we have dealt with. Had the temperatures been closer to average recovery would, without a doubt, be a few days further along. We raised the height of cut while the sand worked itself into the canopy and we are working that back down to our regular season height.  Even though the signs of aerification are still evident there is little to no effect on ball roll anymore. As the greens continue to heal we will shift our focus towards getting green speeds back to where we want them for the year.

 

 Day 1

 

Day 10

 



Aerification is always a hassle for golfers so I want to again express how much we appreciate your patience during the process. It is the most important cultural practice we perform on the greens all year.

 

Mother Nature might throw a few rain showers our way this weekend but by no means is a rain out guaranteed. Get your tee times booked now and enjoy the first official weekend of summer at Indian Creek.



There is a Reason for Cart Restrictions

There is no decision a golf course makes that is less popular than deciding to restrict carts to paths. I understand the frustration and burden this places on the golfer, which is why this decision is never made without a lot of thought. It must be understood that when conditions are wet, the impact from just a few careless golfers or employees can be felt for a long time.


In the photos below, you see the ruts from traffic navigating through a wet area near a drain basin that was staked off. The percent slope to this basin was very low to begin with and now the ruts from the vehicle have created an area with no positive slope which is preventing water from reaching the drain. This is unfortunate because on this particular day we may have had 200 golfers on the course and the actions of one cart created an issue that, if not fixed ASAP, will create long term problems in this fairway. Fixing this issue will require some time and resources, but the biggest challenge will be allowing the damaged area time to recover while the rest of the fairway is in full use and under a regular management schedule.

 

If areas like these aren't fixed and given time to heal, they will hold water and the turf will be unable to survive.



The unfortunate reality is most golfers are aware and care enough to navigate a course correctly and with thought, but we have to manage for the minority that can't or don't care. Again, remember that a decision to place carts on paths is well thought out and is done to preserve the course  conditions for you. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Also, please remember its not the proshop staff's fault, so give them a break.

Here is a UNL Extension Aricle on this very topic:

Turf iNfo for the North Central US | University of Nebraska – Lincoln                       turf.unl.edu

Limit maintenance and golf cart traffic on wet soil May 5, 2015

 The weather forecast continues to look wet across much of southern and eastern Nebraska. This is a reminder to limit unnecessary vehicular and equipment traffic on wet soils. One quick decision to drive across an excessively wet area of turf can have season-long impacts on turfgrass quality. Damage can include soil compaction, which typically isn’t visible until summer heat and drought stress, and wheel ruts that immediately impact turf health and recovery. Area damaged by wheel ruts can typically be fixed with sod, but compaction is much more difficult to quickly fix. Aeration and topdressing can help reduce compaction but aren’t as effective as freeze-thaw cycles during the winter. Communicate the risk of compaction with your employees, proshop, and golfers. Limit cart traffic whenever soils become saturated. It only takes one poor driving decision to cause serious long-term damage to the turf.

Bill Kreuser, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, wkreuser2@unl.edu

             

Figure 1. It’s easy to quickly cause long-term damage to turf when the soils are wet. Avoid unnecessary maintenance traffic and golf cart traffic that can result in season-long damage.

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension education programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.