Golf Course Update - February, 19, 2025

The Agronomy Team has been working hard to prepare the courses for the freezing weather. All greens are covered, and several are double-covered. Greens that are not double-covered have added protection from mulch in areas that have proven susceptible to cold weather damage. 

 

 

The weather forecast continues to change. This is nothing new for Texas. It also shows how difficult it can be for management to plan the opening of the golf courses. While we want to provide access, we prioritize protecting the golf course. Currently, the forecast for Saturday morning is low at 24 degrees. This temperature can cause injury to our Miniverde greens if exposed. We communicated the plan to uncover it on Friday and open it on Saturday. If this forecast low of 24 holds, we will be forced to leave covers on Friday night and remove Saturday. 

Cold Weather Injury Potential 

Research shows that cold weather likely injures ultra dwarf bermudagrass when temperatures drop to 25 degrees or below for 4 hours or more. This baseline guides us as we consider other factors. We must account for moisture levels, wind direction and speed, and hours of sunshine when covering greens to protect them from the elements. These factors explain why the greens have been covered for an extended period. Before we cover greens, we check moisture levels and hand water to ensure our levels are optimal. We use the latest technology in moisture management called POGO. It is a web-based software that we access through a mobile app. These samples are taken from every green on the property multiple days per week. These samples allow our GCM Team to know precisely how our greens are performing and provide insight into what we need to do to improve them. Here are screenshots of the POGO samples that were taken. 

  

Next week’s forecast looks promising! High temperatures in the 70s will provide great golf days. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the golf courses when the weather breaks. 

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