Dormancy

Since we are breaking all kinds of records with our weather this year, let's address a few questions with the current conditions:

Why is dormancy important to turfgrass in winter? It is difficult for plants to go into dormancy when temperatures reach 70 degrees in early December. Frosty mornings have been sporadic lately too. When grass completely shuts down for the season, it reduces potential winter injuries such as frost, ice and winter snow molds. When grass becomes dormant, the water leaves the plant and it hibernates for the winter. Soil temperatures are also low enough to halt any activity in the plant. 

Why is the winter harder to manage than summer?

You may have heard me say this before, but in this climate, the winter is the hardest time of the year to manage turfgrass. Denver, the Front Range and even the mountains too, have very different microclimates and as turf managers we have to be able to adapt. The weather can range from cold and heavy snow, to dry and very warm.  Most winters provide both extremes. During times like this, we have to balance watering and managing golfer cart traffic. When (or if) there is snow on the ground, we need to keep a watchful eye on what is happening under that white blanket.

Grass is a very resilient plant. It has to be. Think of all of the traffic that they endure each day. Even though the plant is no longer active, it is still a living plant. However there is a point of no return with winter management that turf manager and researchers continue to aim at define the exact tipping point. Like most things in nature, there is no silver bullet to conquer everything. It is a series of steps in management and steps to care for users of turfgrass too. (We'll tackle those steps for turf care later in this blog.)

Stress in the summer is much easier to endure because the plant can grow right through the stress when managed properly. For example, during the club championship we push turf plants to perform their best. We aim to dry out the surface for the best roll possible. By the time the tournament is over, the plants are begging for water and they can show that stress very easily. After a deep irrigation cycle, a few holes in the ground and some food, they are back to their happy place within 24 hours. In the winter, the only recovery to stress is called spring time.

What is done to protect a golf course in the winter?

Before winterizing the irrigation system we aim to put as much moisture as possible into the soils for the winter with a dry forecast. Sand topdressing is one of the best ways to protect the crown of the plant for winter stress. Sand also helps dilute thatch, smooth surfaces and allow for better drainage. We also use pigments that help reduce desiccation in dry times, provides sun protection and helps to boost the plants immune system. Spot watering is done in dryer areas to keep plants alive. Managing cart and golf traffic is also very important.

Why winterize the irrigation system when it is dry?

It is going to get cold someday. The irrigation system is the single most important tool that we have to produce a golf course. Simply put, without an irrigation system in this climate there is no golf. Buried plastic pipe in clay soils can be fragile especially if we continue to have lines full at 120 psi as the soil begins to harden up for the winter. Colorado soils move, especially during freeze and thaw cycles. To reduce problems in the spring and summer, we have found over years of experience that "blowing out" by the end of November is our best recipe for success. We can and we will fill the main line and use our winter valves which are all below the frost line (3 feet). These winter valves are placed at greens so we can water these areas.

How do golfers contribute to course care?

Step 1: Walk. If all golfers walked in the winter, we would never have to close any golf. With shorter days and well, mostly cooler weather, most people are on their feet less and far less active. Look at your fitbit or smart watch, you are logging far less steps during the winter months than in the summer. Take half of the clubs out of your bag and walk the course. In my opinion it is the best way to appreciate the golf course and your body.

Step 2: Golf carts are to golf what snowboarding is to the ski industry. We understand that golfers love this weather and carts assist with many getting on the course. Carts are the most damaging to turf in the winter. Pair up, don't take more than two carts per group and minimize where you drive on the turf. We understand that having a private cart is nice to have on the golf course, but for the sake of the course, leave a cart at the range tee to be picked up after your round. The more we see golfers pairing up in carts, the less likely we will need to prohibit carts.

Step 3: Is 18 holes too long to walk? Try playing the 9 hole course instead. Is 9 too far? We have a massive putting green, pound golf balls from the mats or we have a wonderful short game green or sand bunker to practice from as well. Pinehurst has an abundance of golfing outlets for the membership.

Step 3: Fill divots and repair ballmarks. If ballmarks are not repaired the same day they are made, they can freeze in place overnight and become very difficult to play around the next day. 

Thank you for your cooperation in making Pinehurst the best.