USGA Green Section Record, August 22, 2014 The content in this preview is based on the last saved version of your email - any changes made to your email that have not been saved will not be shown in this preview. ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - A USGA STAFF OPINION CAN DISEASE BE LINKED TO POOR BERMUDAGRASS TRANSITION? Brian Whitlark, agronomist, Southwest Region In the Desert Southwest, some diseases may be more active during spring transition than once previously thought. Turf diseases like large patch and bermudagrass decline historically have not been identified as significant stresses that may delay bermudagrass recovery following overseeding. Is there a possibility that these organisms are responsible for more damage to bermudagrass than previously credited? The objective of this article is to increase awareness of these diseases in the Desert Southwest and to discuss options for turf managers should they observe disease symptoms at their facility. Read More Large patch was sighted in this 419 bermudagrass fairway overseeded with perennial ryegrass in mid-December 2013. PUTTING GREEN COLLAR PROBLEMS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM COLLARS RECEIVE CONSTANT ABUSE THAT OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED UNTIL THEIR APPEARANCE AND PLAYABILITY DECLINE Darin S. Bevard, director, USGA Championship Agronomy Putting green collar (or apron) management has been challenging for many golf courses in recent years. Most golfers do not realize the constant abuse imposed on the narrow strip of turf that separates the putting green from its surrounds, which can lead to turfgrass decline that is unsightly and detrimental to playability. More importantly, golfers often perceive collar problems as a shortcoming of maintenance practices or neglect. In some instances this may be true, but in most cases it is not. Understanding the factors that affect collar performance offers the opportunity to allocate resources for additional maintenance programs to reduce turfgrass problems on collars. It may also help golfers and course officials realize the challenges facing collars throughout the growing season. This hedge restricts available turning area for mowers, forcing operators to turn on the collar, which has declined due to mechanical stress caused by concentrated traffic. The primary causes of collar decline must be identified and understood before collar problems can be prevented. Keep in mind that the factors discussed in this article are often found in combination with each other. Read More As the Green Section agronomists travel the country visiting courses, many quotes are shared and gathered. In this section, we will share some of our favorites. Please note that for many quotes it is impossible to credit the original author since the origin is often unknown. It is the time of year when many courses are forming new green committees. A Guide For Green Committee Members is a free USGA Green Section publication that should be downloaded and provided to every committee member and course official that is involved with the management of the golf course. Committee members are also urged to visit Information For Golf Course Officials, to view articles and videos specifically for you. This video is also available for streaming in Spanish It is unfortunate that so few courses have made the effort to document their history, no matter how short or lengthy that history may be. Your course's past may include famous people (perhaps before they were famous), milestone events tied to your community and photos documenting past projects. In the words of former USGA historian David Normoyle: "With every force in the world gnawing away at the time people have for golf, [courses] ought to be doing everything they can to become the kind of place people really want to spend time at and be members. The great thing about the past is that it's already done, it's paid for. You might as well take advantage." For a good article on how to get started, Read More. REGIONAL UPDATES REGIONAL UPDATES The USGA Green Section is divided into eight regions staffed by agronomists who work with golf facilities on care of the golf course. USGA agronomists provide regular regional updates outlining current issues and observations from the field. Be sure to view updates from multiple regions as featured ideas, techniques and solutions to problems often apply to other parts of the country. NORTHEAST REGION Although the summer of 2014 has proved to be an excellent season for growing grass in the Northeast, several recurring issues have been observed recently. Keep in mind that as fall approaches, addressing agronomic and infrastructure concerns can pay dividends when stressful conditions return in the future. Read More MID-ATLANTIC REGION Aeration is a common topic in mid-August that raises questions from concerned golfers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This regional update addresses two common aeration concerns and helps illustrate the importance of proper aeration timing and adequate topdressing. Read More SOUTHEAST REGION Excellent drainage is one of the hallmarks of a course that is enjoyable to play throughout the entire year. Fortunately, excellent drainage may be achieved without excessive expense. Learn how one golf facility took advantage of a cart path and some inexpensive rubber curbing to improve drainage and playing conditions. Read More FLORIDA REGION Root-knot nematodes can be extremely damaging, and their populations are often difficult to quantify. Fortunately, the proper sampling techniques described in this regional update may improve nematode- management strategies. Read More NORTH-CENTRAL REGION Naturalized roughs can be low maintenance, help reduce water use and create habitat for wildlife while providing striking contrast to maintained playing surfaces. But managing naturalized roughs to meet unreasonable expectations can be difficult, especially if quirky combinations of grass species were used during establishment. Read More MID-CONTINENT REGION It is mid-August and this means aerators are firing up (or soon will be) at golf facilities across the country with bentgrass greens. Here's a top-10 list of ways to make core aeration as painless as possible. Read More NORTHWEST REGION Part of conducting Course Consulting Service visits at a variety of golf facilities is observing and sharing creative solutions that turf managers craft to deal with various situations. This regional update highlights some creative solutions from our friendly neighbors in Canada. Read More SOUTHWEST REGION Aeration is often viewed as a frustrating event by golfers, but this necessary practice pays dividends to the future health and performance of putting greens. Fortunately, a new trend is gaining popularity that helps achieve agronomic goals while reducing golfer disruption. Read More IMPORTANT LINKS USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Course Consulting Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications ©2014 by United States Golf Association® Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA®). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for Reuse policy. 2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language. 3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content. The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published biweekly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association®. Golf House, Far Hills, NJ 07931 USGA Green Section 908.234.2300 Forward this email This email was sent to jmoore@usga.org by usgagreensectionrecord@usga.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. USGA Green Section | P.O. Box 708 | Far Hills | NJ | 07931 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/...BlgdkQD4KqCAw82fwGqyOF_gOSD25PLEqDqQlxJWCbe3OdXDZpN2sez9gwS&id=preview[8/22/2014 10:14:13 AM]