Page 38 - Transitioning Turfgrass

TRANSITIONING TURFGRASS

Photo 4 Winter kill.

autumn transition of bermudagrass. Painting the significant challenges due to the manpower re-
fairways and greens was trialled as an alternative quired to carry out the operation.
to overseeding but heavy weed invasion and the Overall, the conversion to bermudagrass has
lack of any control method for this weed invasion been positive. Playing conditions have become
meant that playing conditions were unacceptable. more consistent during the twelve months of the
Winterkill has not been a problem on tees and year and player satisfaction has increased. The
fairways. However, significant damage occurred reduction in water use and the better drainage of
on the greens (Photo 4) during the first winter af- the bermudagrass surfaces has led to drier and
ter establishment when the greens had not been firmer surfaces with improved ball roll. The heat
overseeded. Dessication is thought to have been and drought stress tolerance of the bermudagrass
the main contributing factor and wind break has created a greater margin of error in our main-
plantings around the affected greens have been tenance practices. Our management practices
established to try and limit this damage. The use are evolving and there is still room for significant
of geotextile materials has also been trialled to improvement.
protect the greens during periods of low tempera- The reduction of pesticide use and water use on
tures (below -5°C). However, no significant dif- the golf course is a major step forward in creating
ference was observed between covered and non sustainable playing conditions for the golfer while
covered areas. Using green covers would create having minimum impact on the environment.

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