Rough!

What’s going on with the rough?  Love it or hate it, there are a few simple explanations.   With the new irrigation system we now have the ability to better support these areas through the summer months.  So, starting last Fall and into this Spring we over-seeded thousands of pounds grass seed into the rough and green surrounds.  To take advantage of the warmer spring and to support the new seedlings we fertilized the rough at the end of March and again in May.  Low fertility and low mowing heights increases pressure form weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, plantains, knotweed and many others.

While the fertilizer applications would seem like the most obvious culprit for our frustrations, it’s not entirely to blame.   In the first three weeks of May 85% of days have been cloudy or mostly cloudy with above average rainfall and humidity.  Extended periods of reduced sun light causes elevated levels of gibberellic acids with in the turf.  This elevated level of gibberellins leads to a phenomenon called etiolation.   Etiolation is a mechanism resulting in rapid elongation of cells that increases the probability of a plant reaching light.  The end result is a thinner less ridge leaf that does not support a golf ball as well.  This in combination with extended periods of leaf wetness allows the ball to slide further down into the canopy than normal giving the appearance of a deeper rough.  Our rough mowers heights have stayed the same at 2.5” and are running full time right now.  The lack of dry weather has also resulted in a lot of clumping.  Once the weather breaks, rough grass condition will improve.

Our greens, fairways and tees are regularly treated with a plant growth regulator which is a gibberellic acid inhibitor to help produce a consistent tight plant.