From Bonds to Grass
It’s been several months since I took on the role of Greens Convenor, and I must say, it has been an interesting journey. I have become rather familiar with grass and I would like to share some tidbits with you, and I hope you find it a pleasant read before bed.
The key objective in managing grass is to provide the best possible surface for golf. The ideal surface should be fully covered, dense, consistent, and free of weeds. While it may sound straightforward, it is not. After all, these are living organisms.
Choosing the right type of grass is a critical part of solving performance challenges. The grass should be strong, dense, grow at the appropriate rate, and be able to tolerate lower levels of sunlight (shade tolerance), as well as high rainfall and humidity. It also needs to be resistant to invasion by other grasses, weeds, pests, and disease, and have the right leaf structure to perform well. For example, Ultradwarf grass on the greens allows us to achieve faster putting speeds, while a denser grass helps with shade tolerance when mowed lower for better green speed. We will be addressing this in the golf course upgrade project, but for now, we have to do the best we can with what we have, TifEagle on the greens and various other types on the fairways.
TifEagle greens are nice to putt on, but they come with maintenance challenges. These greens need plenty of sunlight. If we cut them too low, they can suffer damage if there is not enough recovery time. In lower light conditions, we raise the cutting height and give the grass extra support with foliar feeding. During sunny conditions, manual watering is often needed to supplement the sprinklers. The Field staff put in a lot of effort to maintain the greens, so let’s all do our part: repair pitchmarks and avoid dragging your feet over the surface.
When RSGC was rebuilt in 2005, we planted Seashore Paspalum on the fairways. Over time, other grass varieties have taken over, and now we have a blend of species, including Zoysia Matrella. This type of grass is strong, dense, and has excellent shade tolerance. It also lets the golf ball sit up nicely for a clean shot. All of our tee boxes are planted with Zoysia Matrella (and sandcapped).
Soil plays a big part in the health of the grass. Did you know that soil should be about 50% air? If the soil holds too much water, it can lead to diseases that weaken the grass. Thus, good drainage is essential for healthy grass, and this will be addressed in the golf course upgrade project.
The soil must also provide the right balance of nutrients. Primary macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with secondary nutrients such as calcium, sulphur, and magnesium, are crucial for growth. Micronutrients like boron, manganese, and copper also play a vital role in grass health. Yes, you might remember some of this from your old chemistry lessons and the periodic table.
When grass issues arise, we need to determine whether the problem is with the grass itself or the soil. There are other variables at play as well. Different parts of the golf courses have different micro climates for example wind, humidity, soil conditions, mutation of grasses, shade etc. Solutions to grass problems in one area may not be effective in addressing grass problems in another area.
Often, there is some trial and error involved. Experience plays a role in finding the appropriate solutions to seemingly similar problems. If not, one could maintain the golf courses from a Standard Operating Procedure manual.
Addressing issues early is also crucial. For instance, after the MCO in 2020, when the golf course was left unattended for several months, it took 2 to 3 years to fully rehabilitate the course. We can’t simply apply a one-size-fits-all solution to tackle all the problems all at once. The key is ensuring that sufficient resources are available at all times to consistently address problems early, preventing them from growing exponentially.
Finally, let’s all contribute to the course’s care. Replacing divots and filling them with sand makes a noticeable difference, and don’t forget to rake the bunkers. Small actions like these go a long way in keeping the course in good playing condition for everyone to enjoy.
If you are fortunate enough to play the 3rd hole of the First Old on a beautiful cool, sunny morning and the wind is blowing in your face, take time to look back from the green to the fairway. You may think to yourself this is a golfer’s paradise. It is! So, let’s do our part to keep it that way
David Mah
