Next week, we are going to be raising the height of cut from .120" to .135" on greens mowers. This occurs this time every year for the same reasons and helps manage the stress they face.
This time of year, we always see some minor thinning on greens. With all the cloudy days, excess rain (17" in 2 weeks) and extra shade, the greens have no where to go but down. The greens stay wet for longer periods because they don't get the sun exposure to dry them out. Temperatures drop, growth rate slows dramatically and play continues at a pretty good pace. Any wear damage can't repair itself and ball marks remain more pronounced. There are some greens we even stop mowing, like a majority of the 16th green which gets little to no sun this time of year. Simply put, there isn't much we can do except be extra easy on them and the result is slower green speeds after the first or second week of October. Groomers on mowers are with held after the 3rd week of September and topdressing is even throttled back because greens simply can't take the abrasion that it could cause.
I've had a question or two recently regarding this and my response is, this is an every year occurrence. Once spring comes, we grow the healthiest turf possible to carry us through the summer and fall knowing the same thing will happen next year. I can set my watch to it! Thank you for your patience and acceptance of the environment and microclimate many of our greens grow in. We do a fantastic job maintaining excellent turf quality in less than ideal situations. From the words of Dr. Joe Duich, Professor Emeritus, Penn State University (and the man who developed the A and G series bentgrasses) during 1999 and 2000 consulting trip to Highlands CC:
"Given the environment these are in, am surprised these greens have any grass on them, to be honest."
This is in reference to inadequate sunlight and air movement on most Highlands CC greens. I like that challenge!
