As we hopefully finally shake off the last remnants of winter and look toward a new season, I am excited to get back out on the course and see the familiar sights of spring unfolding at West Bend Country Club. While we cannot wait for the warmer weather and sunshine to grace us, it is important to acknowledge that spring brings its own challenges. Here is an update on course conditions, course work, and what you can expect in the coming weeks.
Course Conditions & Interseeding Progress
Winter has taken a toll on the course. With an extremely open and cold winter, we have noticed some winter injury and desiccation across various turf areas. Even though soil temps are still quite cold, I am seeing a few things that I will need to watch closely as we move through April:
- Weak turf conditions on some exposed bunker banks
- Bleached, white turfgrass on fairways and tees – signs of desiccation
- Sunken, stressed Poa annua, including on the greens (not always a bad thing, especially since, long-term, I am managing the turf to gradually remove it).
Of these, the greens are showing the most stress. The Poa annua is sunken and pale, with some minimal damage to the bentgrass. We have been closely monitoring this and have taken turf plugs from #2 and #9 greens. These plugs have been in the shop at 55°F soil temperatures since March 10. While growth is slow, it is steady, and we simply need warmer soils to help stimulate growth.
Unfortunately, until we see warmer soil temperatures, green-up will take time, and there may even be some minor turf loss. The full extent of the damage will not be clear until soil temperatures consistently reach the 50s and 60s. As of March 24th, the soil temperature is hovering around 29.5°F at 2 inches and 30°F at 6 inches.
However, there is a silver lining. The bentgrass from our interseeding efforts over the last few years is beginning to show lines of bentgrass amidst the weakened Poa, which is a positive step forward for the greens’ long-term health.
Spring Slit Seeding (Tentative)
Given the current course conditions, we are considering a one-direction slit seeding in April. This is especially viable if we notice significant turf damage. However, even if the damage is minimal, this spring could offer a great opportunity to establish more bentgrass while Poa is in a weakened state. We do not want to waste a good opportunity to improve our turf.
One thing to keep in mind is that recovery from slit seeding in spring will be slower than in the summer. Due to colder soil temperatures, the slits will heal more gradually. But this effort will ultimately contribute to strengthening the turf and enhancing playability in the long run.
Spring Cleanup
Cleanup efforts have already begun, but we have faced additional cleanup due to what seems like consistent high winds throughout the middle of March. Particularly intense 65+ mph winds on March 15 caused downed power lines, fallen trees, snapped branches, and widespread debris.
The cleanup process has been slow due to cycles of snow, soft/wet conditions, and more snow—typical for a Wisconsin spring. But rest assured, we are committed to getting the course in top shape as quickly as possible.
Course Opening
Despite the weather challenges, historical data provides some reassurance. The average course opening date for West Bend Country Club falls around April 4th, with an equal number of years seeing the course open before and after this date since 1979. However, the decision to open the course requires careful monitoring of turf conditions, especially in the spring when early-season traffic can have long-term ramifications. The current weather forecast presents additional hurdles, with cold nighttime temperatures and some below-normal daytime highs reminiscent of early March rather than April. While some minor improvements are projected during the first full week of April, the forecasted temperatures remain inadequate for turf growth.
There are several key factors we are closely monitoring as we eagerly anticipate the opening of the golf course:
- Awakening Turf – Signs of life emerging from the turf indicate the end of winter dormancy. However, optimal conditions, including actively growing turfgrass and warming soil, are necessary to ensure resilience against foot and cart traffic and facilitate recovery from ball marks and divots.
- Moderating Temperatures – Nighttime temperatures must moderate to facilitate necessary mowing operations, which are crucial for surface maintenance and stimulating new growth. This is particularly important, as new growth is vulnerable to cold temperatures.
The decision to open the course goes beyond mere warmth. It aims to provide excellent playing conditions and a memorable experience throughout the year. Rushing to open before the course is ready risks compromising this goal. Nevertheless, with the arrival of April, optimism abounds, knowing that improved weather is on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
In the excitement for the 2025 golf season to begin, I also want to mention again “Rounds 4 Research” (R4R), an initiative by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). This innovative program aims to generate resources for research and sustainability efforts within the golfing community. The R4R initiative features an online auction with rounds of golf and other donated items to support funding for ongoing agronomic research, education, and advocacy programs. Proceeds from the auction support GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations, enabling them to direct funds to specific projects benefiting their local areas. The money raised in Wisconsin will go back to the local chapter, the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association (WGCSA), where I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer.
The R4R auction will run from April 21st through April 27th, 2025, offering bids on rounds from over 1,000 golf courses nationwide. Your participation not only supports the GCSAA Foundation and local GCSAA Chapters’ initiatives but also fosters sustainability and growth within the golfing community. Join us in shaping the future of golf by participating in Rounds 4 Research and bidding on rounds to support vital research, advocacy, education, and community outreach efforts. Click on the QR Code to preview auction items and contribute to this worthy cause—and maybe win an auction on a round of golf at a course you have been wanting to play!
Brian Bonlender
Golf Course Superintendent