On this dreary winter day, the light brown bermuda on the 11th fairway is the brightest part of the course. This is the first year we've kept the poa annua from filling in this fairway and so far, so good. I have heard a few positive comments and no complaints on this new look. As far as playability, the brown turf offers just as good of a lie as the green stuff. By the end of the winter, worm castings and traffic might increase the percentage of mud to grass, but the thatch mat should keep some turf above the soil line.


The photo to the right was taken just yesterday after we recorded over 2 inches of the rain during this past winter storm. There is still the slightest tinge of green from a distance and individual green blades here and there if you look very closely. Last year, we had some areas greening up as early as February as I reported in a 2/23/10 entry. If that is the case this year, then we only have two months of dormancy to go.

Next year we will expand the program to include season long dormant turf on #10 and possibly #17. Each year it will get a little better as we increase the bermuda population and improve the drainage. The real benefit of warm season turf is the summer months when keeping ryegrass and annual bluegrass in top condition is extremely difficult and time consuming. The bermuda will welcome 100 degree heat and provide a consistent and dry playing surface with no thin or diseased portions.