Soil Temperature: A Key to Smarter Turf Management at Brickshire

 At Brickshire Golf Club, we monitor soil temperature as a critical tool for making informed turf management decisions. Whether it’s timing fertilizer applications, pre-emergent herbicides, disease prevention, or insect control, understanding how soil temperatures influence turfgrass growth and stress helps us optimize course conditions year-round.

Soil Temperature & Turfgrass Growth

\Both bentgrass greens and Bermudagrass fairways, tees, and roughs have temperature ranges that dictate their growth potential:

• Bentgrass thrives between 50–65°F soil temps, struggling when it gets too hot.

• Bermudagrass begins greening up around 60°F and reaches peak growth between 75–85°F.

By tracking these thresholds, we can better time aerification, fertilization, and other agronomic practices to keep playing surfaces strong throughout the season.

Currently, our five-day average soil temperature is 59.2°F, meaning Bermudagrass is on the verge of greening up. This is an important transition period where we carefully manage inputs to support strong growth while minimizing weed competition and disease risk.

Timing Disease Prevention

Several common turf diseases are directly tied to soil temperature. We monitor these thresholds to apply fungicides preventively rather than reactively:

• Fairy Ring: Appears around 55–60°F

• Spring Dead Spot: Infection occurs in fall when soil temps drop to 50–65°F

• Dollar Spot: Thrives in the 60–75°F range

• Brown Patch: Develops in humid conditions at 65–80°F

• Pythium Blight: A major summer concern when soil temps hit 70–80°F

Preventative fungicide applications at the right time reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve long-term turf health.

Pre-Emergent Herbicide Timing

Weed germination is also driven by soil temperature, making precise application timing essential for controlling unwanted turf invaders:

• Crabgrass: Begins germinating when soil temps hit 55°F

• Goosegrass: Emerges around 60–65°F

• Nutsedge: Appears at 65–70°F

• Poa Annua: Germinates in fall when soil temps drop below 70°F

Applying pre-emergent at the right time ensures the best weed control, reducing competition and maintaining smooth, uniform playing conditions.

Insect Activity & Soil Temperature

Soil temperatures also play a crucial role in predicting insect activity and damage. We use this data to time scouting and treatments for pests such as:

• Annual Bluegrass Weevil: Adults migrate onto greens at 50–55°F

• Black Cutworms & Sod Webworms: Become active when soil temps exceed 60°F

• Grubs (Japanese Beetle, Masked Chafer, etc.): Move toward the surface and feed aggressively between 55–65°F

• Fall Armyworms: Peak activity occurs at 65–85°F

• Nematodes: Thrive in 50°F+ soils, with highest damage occurring in 70–85°F conditions

By tracking these temperature windows, we can proactively treat pests before they cause significant turf damage.

Soil Moisture & Temperature Influence Turf Conditions

Soil moisture plays a critical role in soil temperature fluctuations. Wet soils warm and cool more slowly, while dry soils experience greater temperature swings. This impacts:

✔ Pre-emergent herbicide performance—Dry soils can reduce effectiveness.

✔ Fungicide efficacy—Many soil-borne diseases thrive in warm, wet conditions.

✔ Root growth—Excess moisture can lead to shallow rooting and plant stress.

By managing soil moisture effectively, we can fine-tune our turf care practices to ensure the best possible conditions for playability and turf health.

Why Soil Temperature & Moisture Monitoring Matter at Brickshire

Using real-time data on soil temperature and moisture allows us to:

✔ Apply nutrients and fertilizers when turf can use them efficiently.

✔ Optimize fungicide applications to prevent disease outbreaks.

✔ Time pre-emergents for maximum weed control.

✔ Detect insect activity before major turf damage occurs.

✔ Predict Bermudagrass green-up and summer stress periods.

We use manual soil probes to track soil temps daily, ensuring we make data-driven decisions that improve turf health and playing conditions.

Final Thoughts

Soil temperature is one of the most powerful tools in golf course management, influencing everything from disease outbreaks to weed control and insect activity. At Brickshire, we use this data to stay ahead of challenges and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the season.

If you’re ever curious about how we use science and data to maintain the course, feel free to ask! We’re always happy to share insights into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Brickshire in top shape

 

What Does It Take to Become a CGCS?

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation is the highest level of professional certification in our industry, held by less than 2% of all superintendents. It is a rigorous process that ensures a superintendent has demonstrated expertise in agronomy, business management, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

To be eligible, a superintendent must:

✅ Have at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent.

✅ Hold a Class A membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

✅ Complete four key components of the certification process:

1. Leadership and Communication Attesting – Demonstrating management and leadership skills.

2. Examinations – Passing comprehensive tests on agronomy, business management, and environmental management.

3. Education and Experience Portfolio – Documenting professional development and course management strategies.

4. Onsite Course Attesting – Having two CGCS-certified superintendents evaluate course conditions and maintenance practices.

The Course Attesting Process

On Friday, I will be hosting Jeff Whitmire, CGCS (Williamsburg Club) and Trevor Hedgepeth, CGCS (Kinloch Golf Club) at Brickshire Golf Club for my onsite course attesting. This is the final step in the certification process, where experienced, certified superintendents evaluate my work firsthand, ensuring that the course meets the high standards required for certification.

During the attesting process, they will assess:

✔️ Overall course conditions – Greens, fairways, bunkers, and roughs.

✔️ Turf health and playability – Agronomic programs, fertility, and maintenance practices.

✔️ Environmental stewardship – Water management, resource conservation, and sustainability efforts.

✔️ Facility management – Equipment maintenance, staff organization, and budget considerations.

A Lifelong Goal

Achieving CGCS status has been a goal of mine since my time at Horry Georgetown Technical College, and to be on the verge of accomplishing it is incredibly rewarding. This designation not only reflects dedication to excellence in golf course management, but also a commitment to continual learning and improvement.

I’m looking forward to this final step and sharing the results soon!

Pin Locations – More Than Just a Target

 When you step onto the green, all eyes are on the 4.25-inch hole—the ultimate target of every golf hole. While pin locations might seem like a simple part of course setup, they significantly impact playability, pace of play, and overall golfer experience. A well-placed hole goes unnoticed, but a poor pin placement can quickly become the talk of the clubhouse.

How We Select Hole Locations

At Brickshire, we follow the industry’s best practices to ensure fair and balanced hole locations:

• Distance from the Edge – Holes are placed at least a little over a flagstick length from the edge of the green. If a bunker or steep slope is nearby, we allow extra room to prevent unfair conditions.

• Surface Slope – The area two to three feet around the hole should be relatively level to ensure putts roll fairly.

• Avoiding Old Hole Plugs – We rotate hole locations to help old plugs heal, maintaining a smooth putting surface and preventing turf stress.

• Straight and Vertical Cuts – Holes are cut as vertically as possible to ensure putts react properly.

• Balanced Placement – Pin locations are rotated throughout the green to provide variety and fairness.

Challenges and Why It Matters

As green speeds increase, viable pin positions decrease, making thoughtful selection even more important. We also ensure old hole plugs are properly leveled and hydrated to blend in quickly. A well-placed hole enhances strategy and enjoyment, while an unfair or inconsistent one leads to frustration.

Next time you’re lining up a putt, know that there’s more thought behind that pin placement than you might expect!

Improving Course Conditions with Better Traffic Management

 

At Brickshire, our goal is to provide the best possible playing conditions for members and guests. Our maintenance team takes great pride in keeping the course in top shape, but maintaining healthy turf is a shared effort. One of the biggest challenges we face is managing cart traffic, especially in high-use areas.

 To help preserve turf quality and improve playability, we’re introducing a new traffic management system this season using enter and exit posts. These posts will guide carts to enter and exit fairways at designated points, helping to distribute wear more evenly and protect sensitive areas.

 

How It Works

• Golfers should enter fairways after the first post and exit before the second post.

•The posts will resemble our black and white 150-yard markers but with reversed colors—black on top, white on the bottom—for easy visibility.

• This simple adjustment will go a long way in keeping fairways in great shape throughout the season.

           

 

Why It Matters

 Cart traffic has a significant impact on turf health. By following these new guidelines, we can reduce wear patterns, prevent unnecessary damage, and ensure the course remains in top condition for everyone to enjoy.

 We appreciate your support in this effort and look forward to a great season ahead. Thank you for helping us take care of Brickshire!

 

Sunlight and Turf: Why Tree Management Matters

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the playability, aesthetics, and safety of Brickshire Golf Club, we are proposing a strategic tree management program. This initiative focuses on removing select trees that adversely affect turf health, contribute to extended frost delays, and pose safety risks.

 

Enhancing Turf Health and Playability

 Trees that cast excessive shade on key greens impede sunlight penetration and air circulation, creating environments where turfgrass struggles to thrive. This lack of sunlight leads to weaker Bentgrass, increased disease susceptibility, and greater stress during summer months. By thoughtfully removing specific trees, we aim to:

•            Improve Sunlight Exposure: Adequate sunlight is essential for robust turf growth. Increased exposure will strengthen the Bentgrass on greens, making them more resilient to stress and reducing the need for chemical interventions.

•            Enhance Air Circulation: Better airflow helps moderate soil and canopy temperatures, further promoting healthy turf conditions.

 To precisely identify which trees are obstructing sunlight, we have utilized the Sun Seeker app. This tool provides detailed information about the sun’s path throughout the year, allowing us to pinpoint trees that cause excessive shading during critical periods. By analyzing solar angles and paths, we can make informed decisions about selective tree removal to optimize sunlight exposure on our greens.

 The USGA emphasizes that strategic tree removal can lead to improved playing conditions and restoration of the course’s intended design.  

 

Reducing Frost Delays and Increasing Revenue

 Excessive shade contributes to prolonged frost retention on greens, leading to frequent and extended frost delays. These delays not only disrupt play but also result in significant revenue losses due to reduced available tee times. By removing trees that block morning sunlight, we can:

•            Decrease Frost Delays: Quicker frost melt allows for earlier course openings, accommodating more golfers each day.

•            Increase Revenue: More available tee times directly translate to increased daily revenue and improved member satisfaction.

 The USGA notes that shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost, and pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course’s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays.  

Observations over the past two months have shown that our most shaded greens retain snow cover longer during winter weather events, further emphasizing the need for increased sunlight exposure.

 

Ensuring Safety for Golfers and Property

 Dead or structurally compromised trees pose significant safety hazards, including the risk of falling branches or entire trees, which can cause injury or property damage. Proactive removal of these hazardous trees will:

•            Protect Members and Guests: Ensuring a safe environment is our top priority. Removing dangerous trees mitigates the risk of accidents on the course.

•            Prevent Property Damage: Addressing compromised trees reduces the potential for damage to nearby homes and course infrastructure.

 Preserving Course Aesthetics and Heritage

 While tree removal is sometimes necessary, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and character of Brickshire Golf Club. Our approach includes:

•            Selective Removal: Only trees that negatively impact turf health, playability, or safety are targeted for removal.

•            Enhancing Vistas: Thoughtful tree management can open up sightlines, showcasing the course’s natural landscape and design features.

 Balancing tree management with course aesthetics ensures an improved playing experience while maintaining the course’s unique charm.

 We understand that tree removal can be a sensitive topic. Please know that this proposal was developed after careful consideration and with the best interests of our members and the course in mind. We are confident that these efforts will lead to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable environment for all.

 Thank you for your continued support as we strive to enhance the Brickshire experience.

 

Meet Brickshire’s Unofficial Goodwill Ambassadors: Bogey & Blue

 

If you’ve played a round at Brickshire, chances are you’ve seen two energetic, curly-haired figures zipping around the course. Meet Bogey and Blue, our mini golden doodles and Brickshire’s unofficial goose patrol, morale boosters, and goodwill ambassadors.

 Bogey (4 years old) and Blue (3 years old) are brothers—born to the same parents but from different litters. They’ve been with me since my time at Kingsmill and have fully embraced the golf course lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning ride in the cart, a midday goose chase, or an evening belly rub session, these two have made themselves indispensable members of the maintenance team.

 

More Than Just Goose Chasers

 Geese can be a major nuisance on a golf course, leaving behind droppings and damaging the turf. While traditional deterrents have mixed results, Bogey and Blue provide a natural solution—and they think it’s all a game. Their presence alone keeps the geese uneasy, and their playful but determined chases ensure the birds keep moving.

 But their role at Brickshire goes beyond just keeping geese at bay. A good golf course dog is also a morale booster and a bridge between maintenance staff and golfers. They bring a level of positivity to the entire team, breaking the tension during stressful days and keeping spirits high.

 

A Friend to All

 Being a golf course superintendent isn’t just about turf—it involves managing staff, handling projects, dealing with administrative challenges, and sometimes even navigating course politics. Bogey and Blue are blissfully unaware of all that. Instead, they offer the perfect, well-timed distraction when things get stressful.

 They’ve also become a favorite among golfers and members. They are a conversation starter, an icebreaker, and a familiar friendly face. Whether it’s golfers who stop by for a quick belly rub or staff members who enjoy their morning greeting, Bogey and Blue create connections in a way that no machine or piece of equipment ever could.

 

Part of the Brickshire Family

 Bogey and Blue aren’t just golf course dogs; they’re an integral part of Brickshire Golf Club. They’re here at sunrise, ready to ride along and check on course conditions. They keep the geese in check, make everyone’s day a little brighter, and remind us to take a moment to enjoy the outdoors. 

 So next time you’re at Brickshire and see them cruising in a cart or sprinting across a fairway, give them a wave—or better yet, a belly rub. They may not have an official job title, but there’s no doubt that Brickshire is a better place with them around.

 

The Ins and Outs of Managing Creeping Bentgrass (and Poa Annua) Putting Greens at Brickshire

 At Brickshire Golf Club, our putting greens are a blend of creeping bentgrass and Poa annua, requiring a management approach that balances the strengths and weaknesses of both species. Bentgrass thrives in full sun with good drainage, while Poa annua is more opportunistic, often taking over in stressed or shaded areas. To maintain firm, consistent playing conditions, we continually refine our agronomic practices based on data collection, soil testing, and real-time turf performance.

Optimizing Growing Environments

Creeping bentgrass performs best with ample sunlight, good airflow, and well-draining soils. However, shade from trees and poor drainage can create conditions that favor Poa annua encroachment. That’s why we are proposing selective tree removal in 2025 to improve morning sunlight exposure on key greens. Increased sunlight will enhance bentgrass health, reduce frost retention in colder months, and promote firmer, more resilient putting surfaces.

Drainage is another ongoing challenge. While our greens were originally built with drainage, over time, black layer development and high nematode populations have contributed to weaker turf and increased summer stress. To address this, we are proposing to implement HCT Water Solv in 2025. This irrigation treatment system is designed to combat salt accumulation, improve soil structure, and enhance water movement—all factors that should help creeping bentgrass outcompete Poa annua.

                                             

                                        

Data-Driven Agronomic Practices

Since October 2024, we have been collecting and tracking clipping volume on our greens to better understand turf growth patterns. Clipping yield data allows us to make informed decisions on nitrogen applications, plant growth regulator (PGR) rates, and mowing frequency to maintain smooth, consistent surfaces. This data-driven approach helps us prevent excessive thatch buildup while ensuring we don’t overregulate the turf, especially during stress periods.

Our Predictive N program, implemented on greens since September, further supports this effort by fine-tuning nitrogen applications based on actual plant demand. In 2025, we plan to expand this approach to tees and fairways, ensuring consistent turf health across the course.

                                     

Managing Bentgrass and Poa Annua Balance

One of our biggest challenges is managing the differences between creeping bentgrass and Poa annua. Bentgrass has a lateral growth habit, requiring regular grooming, brushing, and topdressing to maintain smoothness. Meanwhile, Poa annua grows more upright and has an aggressive seedhead production cycle, which can negatively impact ball roll if not controlled.

To manage Poa, we rely on a combination of plant growth regulators (PGRs), water management, and fertility adjustments. Paclobutrazol and flurprimidol are key PGRs that help suppress Poa without overly restricting bentgrass growth. However, we adjust application rates based on weather conditions to avoid excessive stress. Additionally, because bentgrass is more drought-tolerant than Poa, precise irrigation practices help us maintain firm conditions that discourage Poa invasion.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, our goal is to refine our greens management strategies even further. With continued clipping volume tracking, predictive nitrogen applications, and potential implementation of HCT Water Solv, we are focused on improving turf resilience, playability, and long-term bentgrass health. By combining agronomic best practices with real-world data collection, we are committed to providing the best possible putting surfaces for our members and guests at Brickshire.

See you on the course!