One of the major problems we face at SSGC is the accumulation of thatch on our fairways. In 2001, we began a program of aggressive mechanical practices in order to convert our fairways from the thatch producing and shallow rooted Poa Annua to more desirable Perennial Ryegrass. The program consisted of Spring and Fall core aeration and overseeding at 200lbs/Acre of Ryegrass as well as monthly verticutting during the growing season. We saw adequate germination and results, but were still not satisfied with the amount of Poa on the fairways.
In the fall of 2008, we began experimentation with the PGR ProGrass in order to try to weaken the Poa to make the Ryegrass more competitive. We sprayed 2 applications of Prograss after core aeration and overseeding at 4 oz./M and 2 oz./M respectively. In the Spring, there was a noticeable difference in the percentage of Poa/Rye as well as a visual difference. Throughout the season, we also noticed a significant decrease in the amount of LDS in the treated part of the fairway.
With the success of the experiment, we treated all of the Fairways the SSGC at the same rates and timing in Fall of 2009. I am excited to see the difference this will make in our golf course next season.
