Chicago/Northern Illinois Update: Derek Settle -
As predicted the week's weather was dangerously warm and golf playing sufaces now look a a tad bit wilted and possibly dormant in places. It was the combination of summer's hottest temperatures accompanied with humid air. What normally stays south in places like Texas and Kansas arrived in the Great Lakes. What the heck! At its peak, a heat advisory warning was in place for Wednesday and Thursday. The last time Midway Airport hit the century mark on two consecutive days was 1995. I know 1995 well, not that I experienced it on Chicago's golf courses, but because it is a point of reference for superintendents - possibly the toughest year to maintain turfgrass. It keeps our work in perspective and it also says something about 2011. For example, mid-week a superintendent sent a scouting report. It said, "Dollar spot, Pythium blight (in the rough), active fairy ring with puff balls (I am sure there is brown patch somewhere). Poa is starting to thin - raised mowing heights and no more double cutting. Dry areas are REALLY dry. We water for an hour and the soil is still bone dry. I'm just hoping to make it through the next few days, one hour at a time." I could sympathize as each midsummer I have my share of helping long faces. At season end I will think of this week - for the heat, the issues, and for the game. I also just happened to volunteer for a wonderful event where faces smiled no matter what.
Click here to view the July 22, 2011 Scouting Report.
Have a good weekend and keep your fingers crossed - some forecasters are saying a return to 80s next week.
Derek Settle, PhD
Director of Turfgrass Program
630-685-2307
dsettle@cdga.org
Weather Blog
Timothy A. Sibicky, MS
Manager of Turfgrass Research
630-685-2310
tsibicky@cdga.org
Research Blog
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