Springbank Links Winterization

Canadian winters are a true test of survival

The greens at Springbank Links are a poa annua/bentgrass (Penncross) mix. Winter conditions in northwest Calgary can see lows around -25C (-13F) with no snow or plenty of snow and on the other end highs of +10C (50F) or more when a Chinook blows through. That being said, we have plenty different potential issues to deal with.

Winter preparation starts for us with a season-long healthy nutrition plan for the turf to make it as strong as possible on its own. Around the third week of September, we applied Compass just to clear up any disease that may be lingering around. A final fungicide application of Trilogy was put down at the end of October once the course was closed for the season. After that comes a heavy layer of topdressing to protect the plant from the potentially harsh winter conditions, and finally a tarping system dependent on the area and greens.

Most greens are covered with a semi-permeable Evergreen tarp to further protect the plant. Four greens (predominantly poa) are now covered with the Evergreen as well as a solid tarp with bubble wrap attached to provide insulation against the cold temperatures. Other greens with patches of poa receive bubble wrap over the patches and under the Evergreen to protect the turf.

John Faber Golf Course Superintendent

www.springbanklinks.com

Picture: Deer on hole #7