During a drought emergency, putting green complexes and teeing grounds typically receive the highest priority for irrigation, while the rough receives the lowest priority. A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HELP YOUR GOLF FACILITY PREPARE FOR MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS DEVELOPING A DROUGHT-EMERGENCY PLAN It’s 100°F outside and you just received notice that water delivery to the golf course will be reduced by 30 percent in the coming weeks. What are you going to do now? Like it or not, drought emergencies and mandatory water cutbacks are a MID-ATLANTIC Rain has inundated the Mid- Atlantic Region recently, and mid-summer heat is even more dangerous to turfgrass health when soils are saturated. This update provides practical measures that will help safeguard cool-season turfs. For others that have opted instead to convert to bermudagrass fairways, establishment is recurring situation at many golf facilities, even in relatively high rainfall areas of the underway. United States. In some parts of the country, lack of rain for six to eight weeks can Read More put significant pressure on water supplies and trigger a drought emergency. Planning for a drought emergency is not a pleasant situation for golf facility owners, superintendents, or golfers. Effectively preparing for the situation is best done well in advance when you are not in the middle of an emergency, which allows for more effective planning and communication between course officials and golfers. Read More BERMUDAGRASS STUNT MITES ARE AN INCREASING TURFGRASS PROBLEM AT GOLF FACILITIES WITH BERMUDAGRASS FAIRWAYS AND ROUGHS A WITCH'S BREW OF TROUBLES WITH THE BERMUDAGRASS MITE As an entomologist and extension specialist, I usually have recommendations (if not solutions) to most insect problems. But for the past few years, the bermudagrass mite, also known as the bermudagrass stunt mite, has severely bruised my ego. Never heard of the As stunting and death of stems and stolons bermudagrass mite? Well, you are not continue, the turf fails to recover from the alone. Whenever I show a picture of the damage and bare spots begin to appear. typical “witch’s broom” damage in South The stunted tufts are quite noticeable. Carolina or Texas, I can see eyes widening (Photo courtesy: Maria Tomaso- and heads nodding. Many golf facilities in Peterson,Mississippi State University.) the southern U.S. may be infested but few recognize the damage. Many think that those bunchy stems are just mutations. superintendents, managers and owners Read More ALL THINGS CONSIDERED – A USGA STAFF OPINION GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN Watch virtually any televised golf event and you are certain to hear commentary about grain being the reason for missed putts. “The ball got caught up in the grain” or “the player simply misread the grain” are the most frequent comments. But none are better than the all-time classics of “the grain Grain on putting greens can be man- made, grows to the setting sun” or “the grain such as when “burned in” over time by grows to the ocean, lake, river, mountain” repeatedly mowing in the same direction. or any other physical feature. With all due This type of grain can be next to respect to the many who did or still do impossible to eliminate through display a great ability to strike a little white conventional maintenance practices. ball, such comments are not supported by fact. Let’s take a look at what turfgrass grain is and isn’t, and how it applies to the five major grasses found on putting surfaces: Poa annua, creeping bentgrass, bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, and fine fescue. Read More SOUTHEAST A rain-soaked Southeast has implications for both superintendents and golfers. Until the region dries out, firm and fast will not be realistic, roughs may grow out of control, disease pressure will be especially high, and washouts will be a concern for both bunkers and areas newly sprigged with ultradwarf bermudagrass. Read More NORTH-CENTRAL Turfgrass management is both an art and a science. During times of environmental stress, turfgrass managers should trust their instincts. Many times it is the decision not to do something that can make a difference. Read More NORTHEAST The transition to an abrupt heat wave is never easy, especially when it occurs in the wake of the record precipitation and moderate temperatures experienced in recent weeks. Squeegees are put aside for moisture meters and hoses. Once promising root systems seem to vanish overnight. Ah yes, summer is finally here. Read More FLORIDA Two interns hit the road with USGA agronomists for a weeklong trip through the Sunshine State. Frequent topics of discussion include high rain totals that have increased clippings and weed pressure at golf facilities, as well as an update on the growing trend to abandon traditional overseeding in favor of pigments. Read More SOUTHWEST If overseeded ryegrass continues to linger at your golf facility, the time to act is now. Effective strategies implemented immediately will stimulate active bermudagrass growth and recovery. Read More NORTHWEST A new twist to an old technique of using burlap bags filled with soil for bunker edge renovation has paid dividends at Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, British Columbia, which happens to be one of the wettest sites for golf in North America. Read More MID-CONTINENT The days of 100 degree temperatures are upon us – and so are a couple of serious pests. This update discusses these problems and the issues with controlling them. 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