To Seed or Not To Seed...

Each fall we are presented with a 1-2 week window (weather dependent) when conditions are optimal for overseeding, a common practice in climates where golf courses cultivate warm season grasses. 

But the question remains…to seed or not to seed? 

For 2021:

At Indian Creek Golf Club, the tee boxes plus lawn and practice areas will be overseeded, then we expect the Bermuda fairways to be weed free, plus lush and green a bit earlier for Spring 2022!

Benefits of overseeding:

⛳️  Aesthetically more attractive

⛳️   Some consider it ‘better’ playing conditions compared to dormant turfgrass, therefore this practice is potentially more profitable.

⛳️  More durable for winter golf car traffic

 

Drawbacks of overseeding:

⛳️  Expense, in 2021 prices for seed soared

⛳️  Preparation requires turf to be mowed down and heavily watered to assist with germination, this causes play disruption in Oct-Nov.

⛳️  Untimely bad weather could wash away $40-100K worth of seed.

⛳️  No preemergent can be applied to prep for weed control in the spring.

⛳️   Slower return of Bermuda grass from dormancy as it competes with the winter rye.

 

Spring Pre-Emergent: Q&A with GCSAA Superintendent Kenny Baker

Q: Why do you paint the course green?
A: It’s actually blue dye that tints our application of pre- emergent, not green paint or coloring!

A view through the trees from the Creek course’s #1 tee box to the Lakes course #1 fairway shows the blue dye that tints the spring pre-emergent application, this allows staff to apply evenly and know when an area has been treated. The blue dye and dormant turf color make for a greenish tint!

Q: So why not treat the courses at the same time?
A: Ideally we would, but our event schedule sometimes dictates the timing of maintenance practices. Due to a women’s collegiate event this weekend we postponed the application to offer these elite players ‘typical’ course views. Timing is always a factor...high wind or forecasted rain affect spraying practices as well, so we work around what Mother Nature brings too!

A view of the Creek course Hole #1 shows the look of untreated dormant turf areas

Q: What are the primary targets of the pre-emergent application?
A: Poa Annua and Crabgrass are the most invasive, pervasive and frankly ugly weeds.  These weeds interrupt clean playing conditions and don't allow for proper lies on and around greens and in fairways.

Q: What is the expense of the spring pre-emergent application for both courses?
A: Not cheap! Approximately $15,000 just for the chemical. But most golfers do not tolerate weeds in playing areas, so it is necessary. Mow heights of playing areas are affected if weeds are left to propagate as weeds grow at different rates than turf grass. In addition, we want to keep healthy turf healthy so it doesn’t need the competition for nutrients from invasive weeds!

Q: Why are you only treating the dormant areas?
A: Timing is to allow chemicals to get weeds before they germinate. This application is non selective in addition to preventative and therefore only used for dormant areas. We only want to prevent weeds from popping, obviously we need the grass to come back!

 Tis the season! To overseed that is…

Each fall we are presented with a 1-2 week optimal window (in October) when we can begin to grow winter rye.  The greener look of this cool season grass is aesthetically pleasing for sure, but also allows turf to grow on tee boxes and the range top during the early spring.  This allows for more playable conditions and practice areas in March and April. The ‘cost’ is not only in the seed itself, but the process requires prepping the turf for spreading seed.  There are two strategies we employ, one is to mow down (scalp) the area to give seed a head start towards soil contact and successful germination, the other is to simply drop the seed and add water!  

The seed needs sun (chlorophyll) and water to get going so getting it down before DST is crucial, plus we have been afforded a dry forecast which allows seed to stay where we want it to grow.  Untimely rains can cause seed to be washed away, so a dry spell and cooling temps have given us our optimal window.  If you are considering cultivating a green lawn this winter, now is the time to overseed!

At Indian Creek Golf Club, the Creek course tee boxes plus lawn and practice areas will be overseeded, while the Bermuda fairways will not be.  This allows for weed prevention practices to take place, as overseeding prevents this ‘clean up’ step in our turfcare plan, so for this off season we will allow fairways to go dormant to focus on weed control.  The course will play ‘faster’ due to the lack of growth during the off season, so plan to step back to the next set of tees or simply enjoy shots that roll out farther and a course that plays shorter!

Overseeded fairways don't play as fast and don't allow for weed control practices. But they sure look good!

 

Aerification: Getting good greens requires a few bumps!

Most courses in DFW schedule a summer aerification to help relieve compaction, this season we completed greens aerification on the Creek course July 8th and the Lakes course on July 22nd. ‘Opening’ up the greens allows roots to grow deeper and stronger to help sustain turf despite short mow heights, heavy maintenance equipment, foot traffic and other elemental wear and tear.   Our crew did a beautiful job, the greens are looking and rolling fantastic!  As the latest photos show we are enjoying lush smooth putting surfaces. 

Indian Creek GC is featured in the April issue of Golf Business Magazine

SPRING BLOG UPDATE

Bunker Renovation Complete

The bunker removal on the par 3 Hole #5 on the Creek Course is a wrap!

This necessary step will keep rising creek water from

washing out bunker sand during and after heavy rain events.

The long term cost savings for repairs and

greater playability were the main goals for the project.

Here is the start to finish look at the project…

Resodding dormant bermuda - Day 4

Bunker removal begins - Day 1

The new view from #5 tee - Creek Course greening up!

World Handicap System

Hello Golfers,

The World Handicap System is new for 2020!  Here are some of the most relevant changes.

And don’t forget, handicap dues must be renewed annually, the season ended February 28th!

All members will go ‘inactive’ on 2/28 and can call (972) 466-9850 or stop by the Golf Shop or go online to renew!

Non-member Price: $40 (plus tax)

Member Price: $30 (plus tax)