Greens Covering

    

    Without a doubt, the biggest health risk for ultradwarf Bermuda greens in Oklahoma is winter injury.  Ultradwarf Bermuda greens love our long, hot and humid summers, but our winters get plenty cold enough to warrant covering them with tarps to protect them.  The decision to cover greens, or not, is largely based on if the temperature drops below 25 degrees for more than 4 hours.  Greens will remain covered until the weather goes above 40 degrees for more than 4 hours.  If not, the greens will remain covered until such conditions occur.  Once the grounds department decides to uncover the greens, they will begin once the temperatures reach 40 degrees, or the frost has lifted.  Tee times made during this time of year should be considered tentative and subject to change on short notice depending on the weather.  The best thing for golfers to do is call the pro shop to check on the availability of the course before they arrive. 

    Although we are new to the covering process, thanks to the experience and leadership of our Assistant Superintendent, Shane Brown, our team has acclimated to the task quickly.  The first time we covered, it took 6 people 5 hours.  Now we have it down to 2.5 hours with 8 people. Covering greens was something I was anxious about since it is labor intensive and we don't have a very big crew (there's only 4 of us).  Thankfully, we have such an amazing team, here at Bailey Ranch, that staff throughout the facility continues to step up and help.  We routinely get 8-10 volunteers to help out, which makes the process so much faster and easier on everyone.  Our GM, Head Professional, F&B manager, cart staff, and members have all gotten in on the action.  So grateful to be a part of such a special group.  We've turned covering greens, which many consider to be to big of a downside, into a team building exercise.  Everyone is engaged, committed and pushing each other to get the job done.  

    So far this winter, we have had to covered/uncover greens 5 times since New Years Eve, for a total of 26 days covered out of 41.  That's a cover rate of 63%!  Talking to other superintendents around the state that also have Bermuda greens, it sounds like the frequency and duration of the covering events is unusual.  I've been told that, although each winter is different, typically courses will cover 5-8 times on average and the duration may only be a few days each time.  Despite the unusually cold past 6 weeks, the covers seem to be doing their job and the greens look great.  Hoping for an early start to spring so we can stay open and get the growing season underway!