"Growing" concerns...

We are now entering week four of having the course closed due to snow cover, and questions about what is happening with the turf beneath this white blanket are starting to be asked--and rightfully so.  One important thing to keep in mind is that when we talk about potential winter damage to the turf (in very general terms), snow is good and ice is bad.  

Snow can help protect the greens from desiccation due to the wind, and it has pore space which allows gas exchange.  In contrast, ice often seals gases in, leading to anoxia (a lack of oxygen).  Fortunately, the precipitation from the big storm in mid-January came down as snow first, then ended with just a crusty layer on top.  

If the current covering melts away in one fell swoop with a prolonged warmup, that would be good.  However, if we start to get some melting, followed by a refreeze, we will be facing the possibility of a layer of ice, particularly in low areas.  Should that occur, we will be taking a hard look at the long-range forecast to help decide if there is a need to remove ice or not.

In addition to the concern over ice on the greens, another potential issue is direct kill from low temperatures.  The greens are primarily Poa annua, which is less tolerant to low temps than Creeping Bentgrass.  Again, we are hoping that the snow acts as a layer of insulation to help keep the ground just a bit warmer than the frigid air temperatures we have been experiencing.

So should we be worried?  Only time will tell.  While it may be frustrating to wait, patience is often needed in these situations.  There are many factors at play, and based on the course's history, there is no reason to panic at the moment.  Once the greens' surfaces are accessible, we can pull some plugs, and bring them inside to see how they recover under a better growing environment.  This can be a good indicator as to whether we will be facing any issues once spring arrives.

Thank You, Peter!

While few golfers may be aware, this week marks a milestone to some of us in the turf industry.  32 years ago, Peter McCormick founded TurfNet.  And 32 years to the day after incorporating TurfNet, Peter is leaving his post as "The Maestro" and retiring.

Why is this a big deal?  Over the years, TurfNet has become one of the most well-respected sources for unbiased information from both practitioners of turf management, as well as academics.  The site's forum section, used equipment listings, job board, webinars and podcasts all add worth to TurfNet.  Peter's ongoing philosophy of prioritizing solid, relevant content over revenue has resulted in a devoted following around the world, as well as a successful business.

Peter has always been a forward thinking straight-shooter, who calls things as he sees them.  His common sense, no B.S. attitude was a perfect match for a group of greenkeepers when he founded TurfNet.  Similar to many of us, he wasn't one to seek the limelight, but was very productive behind the scenes.  As an agent of change in the turf industry, his decisions have consistently been based on what he felt was right, not in any attempt to receive accolades. 

A visit from The Maestro has always been welcomed.

Over the years, Peter has offered sound advice.  At one point, he suggested using a blog to communicate to the membership.  Hmm, going from a paper newsletter (where information was often old news by the time it was received) to a weekly post to the Club's members?  Brilliant!  

So yes, without Peter McCormick, we wouldn't have the Laurel Creek Turf Blog.  696 posts later, it remains an effective way to keep the Club's stakeholders apprised of all things happening on the course throughout the year.

For anyone questioning the value that the turf industry places on TurfNet today, you need look no further than a current Superintendent job listing, which specifies membership as a benefit of the position:

As we wish Peter a well-deserved retirement, fingers are crossed that he has completely relinquished his editorial rights--the modest Maestro might not embrace a post devoted to himself.

Check Plots

We often speak about leaving untreated check plots on the golf course, in order to verify if a plant protectant application or cultural practice was truly effective.  There are many reasons why turf may perform well or not, so it's impossible to make accurate conclusions if all areas are treated exactly the same. 

As you may recall, last winter we left a couple of uncovered check plots on #2 and #10 to see how they healed from aerification in relation to the greens that were covered.  

The back of #2 green in March, 2025

With the greens remaining uncovered this winter, we are doing the exact opposite, and have tarped sections of #9 and #17 green.  Once again, this will allow us to compare turf recovery side by side and evaluate the impact of using covers (or not).

The back right of #17 is covered this winter.

Of course, all of the greens are covered at the moment...

A Unique View

Over the past few years we have been finding interesting material in the debris screens of sprinklers, which has a consistency somewhat like mulch.  While it's great that the screens are doing their job and catching this material, the question of what this stuff is, and how it's getting into the irrigation system remains.

Two debris screens from the bottom of sprinklers.

Working on the assumption that this material is being sucked into the system from the lake, it seemed like a good idea to confirm the present condition of the 35 year old intake screen at the pump station between #9 and #18 tees.  We wanted to make sure that this wasn't some larger material (like a stick) getting in through a hole in the screen, then being minced by the pumps--that would be a serious issue.

Additionally, since we had to replace the intake screen on the pump station at #5 back in 2017, another general inspection of the other station's screen was due.

Replacement intake screen, being installed nine years ago at #5.

The drawing below may help to understand the location of the intake screen in relation to the pump station.  As you can see in the cut away view, our pump stations sit on top of a "wet well", which has an intake pipe in the lake, with the intake screen at the end.  This allows the water level of the lake and wet well to equalize freely.

Obviously, inspecting the condition of a screen located 100' out at the bottom of the lake isn't easily accomplished.  Fortunately, there are people with the right tools for the job.  Using an underwater ROV, we were able to see the screen and pipe's condition, not just from the outside, but from the inside as well. 

Below is the view from the end of the intake pipe, looking out to the pond through the intake screen.  While there is some sediment buildup, the overall condition of the screen is better than anticipated.  

And while this picture wasn't one of the best exterior ones to see the screen, it did confirm what (too) many locals know--the golf course's lakes are teeming with fish.

As to the source of the "mulch" material, we will continue to try and track it down.  The good news is that we were able to confirm that it isn't something large entering the pump station which might cause major damage to the pumps.

Catching Up

December was a great month for the team to catch up on...rest.  After a challenging 2025 season, everyone was ready for a breather, and the below average temperatures at the end of the year provided a good opportunity to recharge the batteries. 

With some thawing this past week, we have been able to get out and have a productive start to 2026, catching up on activities on the course.  The cups were changed (two per green), the greens sprayed and rolled, the Par 3 tees were covered, and sodding of some high traffic areas took place.

One of the areas being prepped for new sod.

As always, we have to roll with the punches, and make the best of the hand Mother Nature deals us.  It has been good to catch up in multiple ways.

Precision Pruning

It can be difficult to notice changes to the course that may occur over the span of a decade or more.  In the case of tree growth, it might only be when your tee shot ricochets off a branch that "wasn't there" in the past that you become aware of the transformation.  

Such is the case with the view from #18 tee.  Due to the phototropic growth, these trees are actively seeking sunlight and have slowly been moving into the line of flight.

In order to address this, we recently had some clearing done in this area.  As always, we must be mindful of the fact that #18 has protected wetlands running up the right side from tee to green.  However, in the same way that you are permitted to prune branches from your neighbor's tree that overhang your property, so too are we allowed to make a vertical cut line with limbs that are clear of the wetlands border.

This "haircut" now allows you to see most of the putting surface from the tee, and should keep things open for several years.

Hasta La Próxima

After a full eight months working side by side with the year round staff, it was time to say farewell to our H-2B employees for the season.  

We truly can't overemphasize the impact that these team members have had on our operation over the past three years.  Having them here throughout the fall provides opportunities to address tasks on the course that we otherwise wouldn't be able to get accomplished.  

These dedicated men will be returning home for the winter, and hopefully will get some well-deserved rest, while spending time with their families.  We certainly are looking forward to having them return in 2026!