Greens Renovation Information

I will provide information on the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Greens Renovation. I will update this list as we progress through the year. Keep checking the blog for new information or questions regarding the conversion. Also, if you have a question you want answered email or post in the comments section and I will try my best to provide an answer.

AND OFF WE GO.....

Right now a lot of the information with be basic knowledge of the new variety of grass we will be planting in June. Mini Verde is a type of UltraDwarf Bermuda grass, the reason we chose Mini Verde over other types of UltraDwarf Bermuda grass (Champion or TifEagle) is for its Agronomic benefits.

1. MiniVerde® Bermuda grass variety 'P-18' has been the number one rated Ultra Dwarf in trials in the United States and Australia. Years of independent research has proven that.
2. Ultra Dwarfs MiniVerde® Bermuda grass variety 'P-18' requires less cultural practices which include verticutting and topdressing.
3. Putting green speeds can be easily maintained between 10 and 12 on a Stimpmeter.
4. MiniVerde® Bermuda grass variety 'P-18' can handle foot traffic better than all other Ultra Dwarf varieties and its recovery from injury is outstanding

FAQ

Why are we converting the greens, anyways?

Currently, St Ives has Crenshaw bentgrass on the putting surface (greens). Bent grass is a cool season turf that thrives in temperatures that range from 50F-75F. Since Atlanta is in the Transition Zone, Superintendents, have been able to "fool" bent grass that it is in an optimal environment. This would include syringing, fans, subsurface cooling systems and around the clock baby sitting. UltraDwarf bermuda grasses are a warm season turfgrass which thrives in tempatures that range from 75F-90+F. St Ives does the majority of play in the Spring, Summer and Fall and Mini Verde will allow the club to provide the membership with the highest quality putting surface available during our peak usage months.

How many times a year will you "Punch" the greens?

The Maintenance Staff will Aerify the greens 1 time per year, this will be an aggressive punch that will consist of Aerifing 2 directions and Verticutting 2 directions. The recovery time will be 10-17 days, depending on the weather. There will also be weekly groomings and topdressings that will be non disruptive to play (ball roll).

I heard you never have to water the greens again! (I know it is not a question)

I wish!!!

MiniVerde is still a turfgrass plant and the turfgrass plants are 85% water no matter what species. However, MiniVerde is adapted to warmer climates and its wilting (death) point occurs at much higher temperatures. In order to maintain really good greens, whether cool season or warm season, a lot depends on water management. We will keep the greens on the firm side, so therefore we will still have to do hand watering daily (before play) and run the overhead irrigation 3-4 times per week. We will eliminate hand watering (wilt watching) in the afternoons during play, which should enhance your round.

What are you going to do with all those beautiful and quiet fans?

We will be removing the fans and selling them to courses in the South East that still manage Bent grass greens. They are not cheap and are in demand this will help us offset our cost for the renovation.

Ryegrass Fertilizer

The maintenance staff is spraying fertilizer on the driving range tees and targets. When the temperatures drop the grass plants do not take up a lot of nutrients via the soil. To get a growth response from the turf we spray with a foliar application. This will ensure quick absorbtion of nutrients. 

Lake Aerification

    

    If you are like me you have expected to see this guy swim out of the pond on #11 or #15. After numerous herbicide applications with minimal control of water meal and algae, we did extensive research on Lake Aerification units and the golf/grounds committee decided to install lake aerifiers.

   

     A good aeration system is designed to operate 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year. Older established ponds can have excessive amounts of decaying organic material that release toxic gases. These gases are detrimental to the health of your pond and fish by depleting the oxygen level in the water. These gases also produce an environment of oxygen starved water that insects and algae can thrive in. Aeration systems will eliminate thermal stratification and turnovers in the lake providing oxygen throughout the water column. By providing oxygen in the lower water column you will also provide oxygen to beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help decompose organic matter on the lake bottom. Keeping the water circulated will help deter algae growth by lowering the nutrient levels. Additionally, water meal and duck weed do not thrive in moving water.

Renovated walk path to #14 green

The maintenance staff did a small renovation project to the walk path between #14 green and #15 tee box. It turned out better than expected. I hope everyone enjoys the new look.

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Bunker Maintenance

There will be green flags in the bunkers marking areas that need extra work. These are marked so we can come back and spend additional time in these areas. Please bear with the staff as this will be a work in progress.

St Ives Garden

Over the last two weeks the Agronomy Team has built 6 raised garden beds for the kitchen. I know I am waiting to see what delicious treats Chef has in store.......