TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, & TRIUMPH
2012 IN REVIEW
As I set back and think about 2012 there are many thoughts that come to mind and one word can best describe it, success! The season as a whole is the longest growing season I have ever been involved in during my 20 years in the turf industry and the overall lack of rainfall was the lowest in my 15 years at Idlewild. What does this mean? Basically, there was no true road map to follow. This was uncharted territory. It is always nice to have experience or data in the history books to reflect on, whether successful or unsuccessful, as this helps in selecting the most probable decision for the desired result. The knowledge and data added to my personal hard drive this past season will surely prove to be invaluable as time moves forward. I can say this all now with a smile on my face but at times this season there were many obstacles to overcome and I thought I would share as season in review through my eyes.
The beginning of March brought a few different things to Idlewild. The greens were opened on March 10th, which about 2 weeks earlier than any of my previous 14 seasons, and a new Assistant Superintendent. Having the previous Assistant for 6 seasons, I knew there would be a learning curve with someone new and I was excited for the change and starting the season is always exciting. The first month of the season was going well with course cleanup, bunker work, & overall turf maintenance; but I was starting to see some lack of performance from the new Assistant. This progressed into something that wasn’t salvageable so I made decision to let the new Assistant go.
By mid May the course was in ideal shape and things were rolling along quite good. Even with everything 2 weeks ahead of schedule, we were able to get everything done as needed and the crew was hitting its stride. The weather was beautiful and the playability of the course was exceptional. Memorial Day weekend is just about to arrive and the temperatures were well above normal. Oh boy, hand watering greens in May; it’s going to be a long season.
The calendar turns to June/July and we have pumped more irrigation water in the 1st part of the season than we have in some entire seasons. The 1979 irrigation system & the well pump, which supplies our irrigation pond with the irrigation water; were being put to the test and so was the grounds crew. The irrigation hydraulic leaks (97 total leaks for the season) were happening every other day it seemed and I noticed the well pump wasn’t giving us the normal output. I remember saying to myself, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” After some testing performed by Layne Christensen Pump Co, we were able to determine that the well pump was operating at about 40% capacity but the unknown was how much longer the pump would last. Water is life for turfgrass so I was very much concerned. The decision was made to get the necessary new components ordered for a repair should failure happen. Peace of mind was now at hand should failure arise as the repair could be completed in a timely manner that would allow the course to continue to shine. We were handling any hydraulic leaks that popped up without any turf loss & the well pump situation had the solution on the ready, course is in great condition, what more could you ask for; clogged irrigation heads. The irrigation heads were unable to operate properly due to a type of debris that I haven’t really seen in the past but the only thing to be done was to pull the irrigation head and flush the debris out as fast as possible as the turf needed water with 90 degree days becoming the norm. There are certain times of the year when you can invest the time to truly solve a problem like this and this was not the time so we just kept unclogging heads as needed for the remainder of the season. After testing the water it was determined that it was lime deposit from our water supply that was coating the irrigation pipe and breaking free during irrigation cycles.
August rolls along and the long hot summer has taken its toll on the crew. The numerous long days in the heat wear you down physically but sleep usually recharges that battery. Mental fatigue is the toughest challenge. Keeping the crew working at an efficient rate and making sure the focus is there to ensure the turfgrass can make it through. By this time of the year the turfgrass plant is truly fragile. The root system is about a 3rd or less of what is was to start the season and this means there isn’t much leeway between green and brown. I have to be focused and on task all day, every day to ensure the job tasks are performed properly to ensure we get to the finish line successfully.
The fall portion of the season brings aerification and a focus on the 2013 season by rebuilding turfgrass health. The success of the 2012 golfing season is truly a reflection of the numerous tasks performed the fall prior. This fall is no different if we wish to have similar results in 2013. Aerification went really smoothly and all of the needed fertilization and plant protection applications, reseeding and sodding of weak areas, & proper irrigation are done with the lone purpose of building the turfgrass into a healthy plant that will be able to handle the struggles of the next season.
The 2012 season has provided a lot of added knowledge; some good and some bad but more importantly some solutions and a road map to future successful seasons. Some of the solutions are in place. The well pump will be fully repaired in February, an acid injection system will be installed on our irrigation system to eliminate the lime issue & subsequently the clogged irrigation heads, and a new Assistant will be hired. I am happy to see 2012 in the rear view mirror as it was tough at times but I am grateful to have been able to go through this with a great grounds crew that cares and takes pride in Idlewild and a membership that is very supportive in our efforts.
So where does that leave us with the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of 2012. In a few words, we did it….success!
Regards,
Kurt Sams, CGCS
