Following are the steps that began this summer to get the VCC golf course into the good condition.
1. Green Fertility & Organic Matter Management
- Eliminate nitrogen applications on greens for the next 4–6 weeks to help control excessive growth and reduce additional organic matter accumulation.
- Focus on managing turf through moisture, plant growth regulation, and cultural practices during this period.
- Increase frequency of solid or Ninja tining to promote gas exchange and improve ongoing organic matter removal with minimal disruption to play. This will help continue firming surfaces while reducing layering over time.
2. Tee Fertility & Nematode Activity
- Increase fertility on tees through a combination of granular and/or foliar applications to encourage recovery and density.
- Incorporate Command, or similar material into the program, as nematode activity appears to be present and contributing to thinning and stress.
3. Lake Bank Stabilization
- Evaluate opportunities to establish littoral plantings around lake perimeters to improve shoreline stabilization, particularly in areas exposed during lower water levels.
- I know this is an HOA item, but we should be promoting this as the best path forward for the lakes.
- This will help reduce erosion, improve aesthetics, and create a more natural transition.
4. Pre-Emergent Weed Control Program
I recommend implementing the following pre-emergent rotation for improved seasonal control:
- 1 application of Ronstar in February targeting 3 lbs AI. Based on winter conditions, i.e temperatures.
- 2 applications of Pennant Magnum beginning 12 weeks after Ronstar. 21 oz/A each application 6 weeks apart.
- This will aid in sedge control, which is certainly one of your key weeds.
- 2 applications of Prodiamine and Sulfentrazone (Echelon) beginning in mid-September @ 18 oz/A (Echelon) each application, 6 weeks apart.
- This will leave a gap in late summer and late winter but makes applications at key times to provide the best control based on seasonality of weed germination.
- This rotation should provide broader-spectrum control while reducing overreliance on a single mode of action.
These adjustments should help continue moving conditions in the right direction while balancing recovery, playability, and long-term turf performance.
