Cold and frosty on the course today.  The frost delay on Wednesday in similar conditions lasted until 11:00am.  The sunny weather and warmer temperatures predicted for today should help it burn off quicker.  Golfers should still plan on a 10:30am start time for today.
We do have our first delay of the year due to frost.  We will keep the Pro Shop updated on a projected start time.  Golfers can plan on at start around 9:30.
For the last week I have been saying frost delays are coming, but somehow we made it through the week with just the right weather to avoid them.  It looks like our run of luck is over and the first frost delay will be happening tomorrow.  Come out and enjoy the sunny weather and green grass while you can!


This weather forecast shows quite a change in the temperatures are coming.  Not even in the 50's next week for highs.  This will certainly start to change the leaves quickly and expedite leaf drop.  If you have plans to play next week, this forecast also means very lengthy frost delays.  There is also a 10% chance of snow for Wednesday and Thursday!  Fairway aeration will continue next week and look for fall flowers in front of the clubhouse as well.
We began our fairway aeration process on Monday.  Two fairways were completed Monday and we are attempting 2 more fairways today.  This is a process that will span the period of a few weeks.  We will be completing this practice around golf and weather, so players should expect to see us as they play.

There are several parts of this process which will result in the work lasting a few weeks.  We are topdressing the fairways heavy with sand.  We are then using one aerator with a solid tine to create a large deep hole then following that with another aerator that is pulling a small core.  We then drag all of that together and clean up whatever is left.

This will cause a large amount of disruption to the playing surface and a period of time will be needed for the fairways to heal.  With the frosts that are now predicted, healing time will be delayed due to the slower growth of the grass.
It appears that the first frost delay will be happening later this week.  The first frost is much later this year.  We had 5 frost delays in the middle of September last season.  As usual, when frost is on the grass, we can not allow traffic on the course.

We have made several posts for the reasons we avoid traffic during frosts.  Please refer to these for more detailed information:

Frost for Friday?

Frost


Well another glorious fall week has passed with ideal temperatures and almost complete recovery for many greens surfaces that were opened up in early to mid-September. Aeration is still going on but there is always a much bigger gamble in regards to recovery when doing it this time of the year. Insect problems are still hanging around somewhat but in areas that are considered low value. The overnight temperatures have dropped somewhat but a frost may be needed to knock back any more disease problems. Dollar spot in the aggressive fall form has been hanging around and this has proved to be difficult to shake. Leaf fall has definitely begun to occur and many courses have switched from aeration mode to leaf removal and mulching mode - despite temperatures cooling off - there is always something to do! 

Conference and meeting dates are coming up; the Midwest Turf Clinic is scheduled for November 14th at Medinah Country Club. Dr. Zac Reicher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln is coming in to discuss practical Poa management and round table discussions with a year in review also on the schedule. Attending these events keeps you up to date and ahead of the game - if you're not going forward it's hard to say you're not going backwards! 


As always if you have a question or query please do not hesitate to ask and you can call or email. 

Ed Nangle PhD 
Director of Turfgrass Programs 
Chicago District Golf Association 
Follow us on Twitter @TurfResearch
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