To:  Members of Oakwood and Ironwood Golf Course

From:  Course Superintendent

 

It was presented to me at the February Greens Committee meeting to write about how often and the types of products we spray on the golf courses.  A concern was presented from a member that the CHEMICALS we spray, were a nuisance and a concern for their health in regards to inhalation and physical contact.

 

I want to first dispel the misnomer that we spray Chemicals on a regular basis.  What we spray is a combination of granular and liquid fertilizers in combination with wetting agents, turf dyes and organic soil conditioners.  Those products make up about 90% of our applications.  They are totally safe, non-toxic and organic based.  The few exceptions, or 10% of our applications, come in the form of Restricted Use chemicals that is required by law you have a certified applicator.

 

These are some of those types of applications:

1. Barricade- Applied 6and 4 weeks prior to the scalping of the greens at overseed, for the control or suppression of Poa Annue.
2. Insignia, Fore and Compass- Applied in winter months, rotated every 14 days for control of Rapid Blight.  This fungicide is applied on greens only.
3. Symatar- an insecticide used in control of ants and other various insects, mainly applied in summer months and at overseed.  Not a high use product, try to use other safe alternative methods.
4. Revolver- Herbicide used 1 time a year on fairways and some rough.  Applied late May early June to help eradicate Rye grass and speed up transition of Bermuda grass.
5. Round Up, Mec-Amine-D-  basic Herbicide used in the control of broadleaf weeds.

So in conclusion, we do a lot of spraying during the winter months, mainly for esthetics on the over seeded Rye grass.  We spray continuously, but due to the cold weather, an exorbitant amount of play, heavy cart traffic and the continuous amount of mowing.  We are presented the challenge of having to spray just about everyday in play.  So with your consideration and patience we will try to make it as amicable as we can.  Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns.

 

Thank You

Jon Whitmyer