26 April 2013
Bermudagrass mutations #10 green We’ve had some members ask about the different types of grasses they see intruding on the greens from the collars, step cut and roughs. When the greens were renovated back in 2001 they were planted with a pure stand of Tif-Eagle Ultradwarf Bermudagrass. In the years since weeds have been trying to infest the tif-eagle and infringe on our smooth playing surfaces. Weeds being defined as any undesirable plant growing amongst our desirable crop, in this case, our putting greens. Most of what we see are mutations of the 419 bermudagrass which makes up the remainder of playing surfaces at TPC Eagle Trace. These mutations along with some other grassy weeds develop into different varieties of the “parent” grasses over time and become a strong enough to take over some of the weaker tif-eagle and cause problems with smoothness due to their inconsistent growth habits. Some of the mutations grow faster than the tif-eagle and some slower. This unevenness causes a non-uniform surface which can effect ball roll and cause ugly visuals on the greens. Some of you may remember the goose grass that popped up on greens #3 and #7 last year affecting some putts due to the goose grass growing faster that the tif-eagle.
Beginning in May, when the growing season is in full swing, we will embark on our plan to remove these areas through the use of chemical herbicides and physical removal of the undesirable areas followed by the replacement of these zones with clean grass from our nursery. You will notice some yellow areas and some more plugs on the greens as we move forward with this project over the summer. This shouldn't cause too many issues as the warm weather, ample water and sunshine, which tif-eagle loves, will promote fast healing and healthy greens all around.As always feel free to contact me with any questions you may have and keep those scores low!Skip ConnollyGolf Course SuperintendentTPC Eagle Trace
