Welcome

We developed this blog to provide golf course maintenance information to our members. From projects, small and large, to updates on course conditions, we want to provide as much information as possible. Although we hope this blog answers all of the pertinent questions regarding our operation, we always welcome more personalized dialogue. If you have questions beyond the information found on this blog, feel free to contact our golf course superintendent, Trevor Hedgepeth.

thedgepeth@kinlochgolfclub.com

804-840-8320


Monday, October 13, 2014

Rye Grass Plug and Sod Project

Throughout the season, the rye-grass intermediate cuts give our grassing schemes an extra pop. From the color and density of the rye, to the break in transition from fairway to primary rough, there is no question that our first cut is one of our defining characteristics. Although rye is a beautiful turf, it is very sensitive to the heat and stress of summer. Accordingly, each fall, we identify injured areas and over-seed our intermediate cuts with a new edition of perennial rye-grass seed. Unfortunately, sometimes that seed finds its way onto our bentgrass collars and germinates. Over time, clumps of rye-grass persist and the collars around the greens can look ragged. 

This fall, we have made it a priority to eradicate any rye-grass found within our collars. There are herbicides that will take the rye out of the bent, but these chemicals can be toxic to the bent-grass. Thus, we have embarked on a plug and sod strategy. 

Using our cup-cutters and sod stripper, our maintenance team will begin moving the misplaced rye-grass to our par 3 green at the practice area. This green was chosen because the underlying soil is consistent with our putting greens and the turf on top is maintained at collar height. Once we have moved all of the rye, we will re-sod the par 3 green to pure bent grass. This strategy allows us to move the rye at our own pace without the pressure of doing all of the collars at one time. Although the plugging work near the greens can be a nuisance, we promise to be as quick and efficient as possible. Once the work is completed this fall, our collars will be pure bent and not have the clumps of rye that stand out throughout the season. Thanks in advance for your patience as we eradicate the unwanted rye. In the end, we know that our rye-grass intermediates are important to the conditions and play-ability of Kinloch.... so long as the rye isn't growing in the wrong place.