Author: chaninprimo

SUMMER PATCH PATHOGEN

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SUMMER PATCH DISEASE IN TURFGRASS: UNDERSTANDING MAGNAPORTHE POAE AND ITS IMPACT IN NORTHERN BEIJING

 

INTRODUCTION
Summer 2023 brings heightened concerns for turfgrass health in the northern Beijing region, as the prevalence of Summer Patch disease, caused by the pathogen magnaporthe poae, continues to rise. This article delves into the working mechanisms of this pathogen and its implications in plant pathology. Additionally, we explore effective management strategies and highlight some of the latest fungicides recommended by the Thompson Golf Management (TGM).

 

UNDERSTANDING MAGNAPORTHE POAE
Magnaporthe poae, a fungus, plays a central role in causing Summer Patch disease. It survives unfavorable conditions through mycelium in infected plant tissue or debris. Optimal growth occurs at 28°C, and infection takes place during late spring when soil temperatures reach 19-20°C. The fungus spreads between turfgrass roots, with symptoms often remaining dormant until triggered by a significant temperature increase during wet weather. Furthermore, this pathogen can be transmitted through the movement of infected plant material and mechanical equipment, exacerbating its prevalence and impact.

 

IMPACT ON PLANT PATHOLOGY
Summer Patch disease caused by M. poae affects turfgrass, including Kentucky bluegrass (poa pratensis), annual bluegrass (poa annua), and fescues (festuca sp.), common in the northern Beijing region. The disease leads to a root and/or crown rot, resulting in scattered small patches of thin, wilted, or slow-growing turf. The affected areas vary in size, ranging from 3-8 cm initially but potentially expanding to 30 cm in diameter. Patches exhibit colors from gray-green to light tan or straw-colored and may coalesce to form crescents of yellow or tan turf. Microscopic examination is often necessary to distinguish Summer Patch from other diseases like Necrotic Ring Spot, which may display similar symptoms. Additionally, infected plant tissue presents dark brown roots, crowns, and stolons as the dark mycelium invades the tissue, ultimately leading to the rotting of the cortex and plant mortality.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN NORTHERN BEIJING
Effective management of Summer Patch disease is critical to maintaining the health and aesthetics of turfgrass in the Beijing region. Addressing primary stresses, including excess thatch, fertilizer, and turf canopy temperature, as well as improper timing of fertilizer applications, low mowing height, and pH extremes, is essential.

To mitigate disease severity, focus on cultural practices such as maintaining soil and rhizosphere pH levels between 5.5 and 6.0 and using acidifying fertilizers when pH exceeds 6.0. Proper fertilization practices, applying two to five lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft., should be followed. Avoid fertilizer application during the stress period (June to August) and only fertilize in autumn and late spring.

In the dry summer periods, ensure deep & infrequent watering to promote proper root growth. Consider using soaker hoses for supplementary watering on steeper slopes to enhance efficiency and infiltration rates. Lightly syringe the surface during mid-day to reduce harmful temperature effects.

Maintain an appropriate cutting height and mow frequently enough to remove less than 1/3 of the leaf blade during each mowing session. Manage thatch, ensuring it does not exceed 1.5 cm in thickness through practices like verti cutting, aeration, and topdressing during spring and early fall.

 

RECOMMENDED FUNGICIDES BY TGM FOR SUMMER PATCH DISEASE
For Beijing’s turfgrass management, TGM recommends the following latest fungicides to combat Summer Patch disease effectively:
• Fungicide A: Ascernity, benzovindiflupyr + difenoconazole
• Fungicide B: Honor Intrinsic, boscalid + pyraclostrobin
• Fungicide C: Posterity, azoxystrobin + propiconazole + pydiflumetofen

Thoroughly water the areas with a history of this disease several days before applying the fungicide. Monitor soil temperature to a depth of 2 inches and make the first application when the soil temperature reaches 55°F or about 13°C. Additional applications may be necessary, depending on soil temperature and disease severity. Always adhere to the rates and procedures recommended on the fungicide package label.

CONCLUSION
The emergence of Summer Patch disease caused by Magnaporthe poae presents a significant challenge to turfgrass health in the Beijing region during Summer 2023. Understanding the pathogen’s working mechanisms and its impact on plant pathology is crucial for effective management. Employing appropriate cultural practices and employing the latest recommended fungicides by TGM will ensure the resilience of your turfgrass playing surfaces, mitigating the adverse effects of this devasting disease.

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/
summerpatch.pdf

WHY HIRE A GOLF COURSE CONSULTANT

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MEASURING TGM MENTORING, GUIDANCE, AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS: EVALUATING AGRONOMIC CONSULTANCY’S IMPACT ON PROFITS

When seeking consultancy or agronomic advice for your golf course from TGM mentors or other professionals, it is essential to gauge the outcomes in terms of quantifiable facts, particularly how it contributes to increased profits for your golf club.

The golf course industry now witnesses the involvement of numerous independent consultants and larger professional bodies offering agronomic advice to clubs and courses. While the intention to “improve standards,” “enhance green speed,” and “maintain course quality” is commendable, these goals might lack clarity and measurability.

With four decades of involvement in golf course management and two decades as an in-house consultant responsible for the supervision of numerous golf courses, a novel approach to harnessing agronomic or golf course consultants comes to the forefront. Taking inspiration from diverse sectors, a recollection emerges of a seasoned professional enlisted in our organization in the past, as part of a governmental endeavor. Serving as a financial expert, this individual emphatically emphasized the need for his contributions to be financially self-sustaining. The yardstick of his triumph lay in heightened sales, augmented profits, and diminished expenses, all achieved through enhanced operational methodologies—tangible and quantifiable achievements rooted in definite figures.

However, the golf course industry seems to muddy the waters when it comes to viewing consultancy services as an added cost rather than a strategic investment. Many clubs overlook the additional expenses incurred from implementing recommended products, machinery, or practices, and subsequently fail to objectively measure the actual improvement or results attained, as desired by both the golfers and the club management. I firmly believe that if something cannot be measured, it cannot be effectively managed—a valuable lesson from my time managing over 20 courses concurrently in a commercial setting.

For a consultant to prove their worth to a golf course, they must have a clear understanding of the club’s business model, pricing structure, and customer expectations. Using golf course condition and turf quality as tools, the consultant should drive increased rounds, higher membership rates, and repeat business—tangible financial gains within the market.

On the other hand, the consultant’s role should also encompass cost reduction measures, strict control over product purchasing to maintain desired course quality, adherence to best practices for labor and machinery usage, and most importantly, a clear, meaningful, and objective course condition monitoring system. This system should be easy to record, scored with numerical values, contain crucial data, and be easily understood by staff, management, and members. It should provide a mechanism to identify short-term goals, work schedule adjustments, accountability, and completion deadlines.

Conducting an audit to evaluate the quality and success of the advice received by a club can be highly valuable. This includes assessing the cost of the service, whether the advice led to increased expenses in fertilizers, chemicals, machinery, and labor, and whether roundage, membership, and income grew since implementing the service. Additionally, surveying golfers’ satisfaction and implementing an internal auditing system to monitor course condition and playability can provide valuable insights.

It is essential to be cautious of relying solely on consultant reports that may lack clarity or independence. Some reports are too brief to be meaningful, while others are overloaded with data and charts that do not lead to actionable outcomes. It is prudent to ensure that agronomic advice comes from qualified and unbiased sources, especially when dealing with changes in pesticide use, where legal compliance, independent testing, and BASIS or FACTS qualifications are vital considerations.

Managing golf clubs and courses in the 21st century is undoubtedly challenging and competitive. Adopting a pragmatic approach that ties course condition and profitability to golfer and member satisfaction, as well as financial success, can be beneficial. To ensure accountability, every head of department should review and monitor the performance of advisors and consultants engaged by the club or course. Taking a broad and specific view when making decisions about external services is essential for achieving success in this dynamic industry.

https://www.thegolfbusiness.co.uk/2018/03/measuring-agronomic-advice-against-profits/

KINGSTON HEATH THE FURROWS SHORT COURSE OPENS

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The Furrows, a new short course by OCM Golf, the design firm that comprises Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead, has opened for play at Kingston Heath Golf Club near Melbourne, Australia. The nine-hole par-three layout was built on a 20-acre parcel next to the club’s eighteen-hole course. “Since the mid-1990s, the club has had the foresight of purchasing land surrounding the course, as a means of protecting the boundaries,” said Cocking.

“This included land along the eastern side of the course and alongside the twelfth hole which is known as the ‘Madden Land’. Used as a market garden for the best part of the last century, the club have looked at a variety of uses for this land, starting around 20 years ago when a nineteenth hole was first built.”

The opportunity to make use of this land, purchased in 1986, has long been on the mind of Kingston Heath’s club captain, Matthew McKenna, who wondered how the market garden space could host something more interesting than water storage or a turf nursery. That something different turned out to be a nine-hole par-three layout. “It didn’t take much prodding to get us excited about the idea of a short course, and we talked through a number of different concepts,” said Cocking.

“An early idea looked to incorporate the first, sixth and nineteenth holes so the course would start and return at the clubhouse but this became awkward jumping in and out of a full field, so it was quickly dismissed. Another design had fewer holes but included an option to play a short four, and yet another embraced the freeform option.

“However, these weren’t that practical on a small piece of land, especially if a number of groups want to use the course at once, so we gravitated towards the idea of a formal loop of par-three holes. Despite not trying to stick to a nine-hole layout, the dimensions of the Madden Land made it hard to create anything but nine.

“At 600 metres in length, it would be long enough for roughly four holes out and four holes in, and the widest section to the south would also allow for a hole to play across the property, to make nine holes in total. We did however want to avoid the feeling of just playing four holes down the same corridor out and back. Therefore, with the routing we were conscious to move the holes around as much as possible. We also wanted to maximise the more attractive backdrops and limit those against the eastern boundary where a few houses were visible. And just like the Old course at St Andrews, which is also built on a thin strip of ground, bringing the holes together with shared fairways and even a couple of double greens would help maximise the limited space.”

After deciding on the nine-hole concept, OCM began working with the club on the design of the individual holes. The main course provided inspiration, in particularly the approach to the par-four third and the par-three tenth hole. “Beyond ‘the heath’, there were other great short holes we were keen to use as inspiration, certainly locally around the sandbelt, such as the third and fourth at the nearby Woodlands, the third on the West course at Royal Melbourne, and further afield, the second, twelfth and eighteenth at St Andrews,” said Cocking. “These holes are some of the most enjoyable and thought provoking in the game, so we figured with nine of them why couldn’t a short course like this hold the same interest as something a little longer?”

Construction of The Furrows began in late 2021 with the last green seeded 10 months later, delayed slightly by one of the wettest winters the area had ever experienced. “Aside from the weather, one of the challenges during construction was managing a very inconsistent sand profile,” said Cocking. “In some places, the sand went down a metre but then in other areas there was just a few centimetres before we hit clay. Despite what many think of the sandbelt, there are not just metres and metres of beautiful grey sand below the surface.

“We wanted to add some character to the land and introduce the same sorts of hollows and mounds one finds on the big course, but to do so meant we had to strip off all the available sand and then shape the clay, only to bring the sand back to cap the ground.”

Greens have been seeded with Pure Distinction bentgrass, supplied by Atlas Turf International. The course also features native grasses and 50,000 indigenous heathland plants and shrubs, which have been planted so The Furrows has a similar look to Kingston Heath’s main course.

A key aim of the project for the club and OCM has been to create a new asset for the membership.

“We wanted to create a unique facility for members – outside of the formal practice facility or the main course – a layout that could be played in an hour or two, and allow golfers to hone their skills from under 120 metres,” said Cocking. “It also helps create a pathway for new golfers to learn and get interested in the game, and short courses such as this help prolong the golfing life for older golfers, who may find the main course a little too long or too difficult.”

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/ocms-new-nine-hole-short-course-opens-at-kingston-heath

PGA, DP, LIV MERGER

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RORY MCILROY AND TIGER WOODS WITH LIV TEAMS? PROPOSALS BETWEEN PGA TOUR AND SAUDI’S PIF REVEALED

 

Documents released ahead of hearings on capitol hill regarding the proposed agreement between the pga tour and saudi arabia’s public investment fund (pif), who fund liv golf revealed a proposal of tiger woods and Rory Mcilroy featuring in liv events.

The negotiators of a business deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) discussed ousting LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman and giving Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy their own teams, according to documents obtained by Congress.

Those were among the many proposals to unify golf’s rival factions that representatives of the PGA Tour and the Saudi government discussed during their hasty negotiations this spring with talks culminating in a framework agreement announced last month between the two organisations.

The deal to bring Saudi investment into the PGA Tour shocked the golf world and invited scrutiny from Congress as well as the Justice Department which is looking into potential antitrust violations. The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations chaired by Senator Richard Blumenthal released the documents detailing the negotiations ahead of a hearing on Tuesday where PGA Tour COO Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified.

The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Richard Blumenthal released the documents detailing the negotiations ahead of a hearing on Tuesday where PGA Tour COO Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified.

In his opening remarks, Blumenthal said he wanted to uncover the reasons behind the involvement of a “brutal, repressive regime” in a beloved American sports institution whose leaders before their deal with the Saudis, had made moral arguments against LIV players taking Saudi money.

“We’re here about questions that go to the core of what the future of this sport and other sports will be in the United States, what happened that led the PGA Tour to change its position” Blumenthal said.

“Was it only the hope of ending litigation or was it also the unspecified amount of Saudi investment that would come of it? Just how much money did PIF offer the PGA Tour and what other sources of money were sought as an alternative?”

Critics of the Saudi investment in golf have pointed to the kingdom’s poor human rights record, while PIF has bought its way into other sports including football, boxing and F1.

The documents released Tuesday also detail the roles of people on the Saudi side of the negotiations, notably Amanda Staveley, a British investment banker who helped broker the Newcastle United deal and now sits on the team’s board and Roger Devlin, a British businessman.

Devlin was the first to approach PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne about the prospect of a deal between the tour and LIV, the documents show.

A memo from Staveley’s firm titled “the best of both worlds” includes the proposal that Woods and McIlroy take ownership of LIV teams and that each of them play in 10 LIV events per year. There is no indication in the documents that either Woods or McIlroy, both of whom remained loyal to the PGA Tour in its dispute with LIV were ever informed of the idea.

Woods has played only twice this year and is recovering from ankle surgery to address complications from a car crash in Los Angeles in early 2021 that he has said will severely limit his playing schedule going forward.

Among the other proposals included in the memo are a mixed-gender, LIV-style team event with qualifying in Saudi Arabia and concluding in Dubai; awarding world ranking points to LIV events, including retroactively; and PIF sponsorship of two elevated PGA Tour events, including one in Saudi Arabia.

None of those proposals was included in the framework agreement that Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the PIF, and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan signed on June 6.

The agreement called for the parties to drop all lawsuits and to combine the commercial interests of the PGA Tour, LIV and the DP World Tour into a new, for-profit company while maintaining the PGA Tour’s non-profit status.

The proposal to replace Norman as LIV’s CEO was included in a side agreement that was negotiated ahead of the announcement, but the committee could not determine whether the side agreement was executed.

Emails obtained by the committee showed that Dunne and fellow PGA Tour board member Ed Herlihy discussed with Monahan the prospect of Dunne and Herlihy replacing Norman.

Norman remains in the CEO role, although he has been largely side-lined as the public face of LIV since the deal was announced. He was invited to testify at Tuesday’s hearing along with Al-Rumayyan, although both declined. Monahan also was not testifying because he is recovering from an unspecified medical situation that kept him out of work with the chief executive said to return to work on Monday.

Link: https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176 /12919229/rory-mcilroy-and-tiger-woods-with-liv-teams-proposals-between-pga-tour-and-saudis-pif-revealed

THE COUNTRY CLUB PHILIPPINES AGRONOMY DEAL SIGNED

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PROFILE OF THE COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE IN PHILIPPINES & APPOINTMENT OF TGM AS THEIR AGRONOMIC PARTNER


The Country Club is a prestigious golf course located in the Philippines, known for its lush green fairways, stunning landscape, and world-class facilities. Situated in a prime location, the golf course offers breathtaking views and a serene environment, making it a preferred destination for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers.

Designed to international standards, The Country Club features an 18-hole championship course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. The meticulously maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and pristine greens provide an exceptional golfing experience. The course layout offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and challenging play, making it a delight for golfers.

In addition to the golf course, The Country Club boasts state-of-the-art amenities and facilities. These include a luxurious clubhouse with fine dining options, well-appointed locker rooms, pro shops offering a range of golfing equipment, and practice areas for honing skills. The club also organizes various tournaments and events, attracting both local and international players.

BIO OF OWNER RICKY RAZON


Ricky Razon is a prominent business tycoon and the owner of The Country Club golf course in the Philippines. Born on March 3, 1960, in Manila, Philippines, Razon is known for his diverse business ventures and remarkable success in various industries.

Ricky Razon’s business interests span across shipping, ports, real estate, energy, and gaming. He is the Chairman and CEO of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), a global leader in port operations and management. Under his visionary leadership, ICTSI has expanded its operations to multiple countries, revolutionizing the container terminal industry.

Razon’s business acumen and strategic vision have earned him recognition and numerous accolades. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines and has made significant contributions to the country’s economic development.

NEW DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT: AGRONOMIC AND DESIGN UPGRADING MANAGEMENT CONTRACT


We are thrilled to announce that The Country Club golf course has signed a new deal for an agronomic and design upgrading management contract. This exciting agreement marks a significant milestone in the continued development and enhancement of the golf course. Under this new contract, a team of renowned agronomists and golf course designers will collaborate with The Country Club to implement cutting-edge strategies and technologies. The primary objective is to elevate the golfing experience and ensure the course remains at the forefront of international standards.

The agronomic aspect of the contract will focus on optimizing the course’s playing surface quality, irrigation systems, and overall maintenance practices. This commitment to excellence will result in improved playing conditions and enhanced aesthetics, further cementing The Country Club’s reputation as a premier golfing destination.

Furthermore, the design upgrading component of the contract will explore opportunities for enhancing the course layout, incorporating innovative features, and refining the strategic elements of the holes. The goal is to provide golfers with an even more challenging, enjoyable, and visually stunning experience. We have also introduced our Director of Engineering & Technology to the Country Club, and we are focusing on workshop design upgrades, as well as incorporating some of our drone technology and mapping capabilities.

The Country Club, under the visionary leadership of owner Ricky Razon, remains committed to continuous improvement and delivering unparalleled service to its members and guests. This new deal underscores the club’s dedication to providing an exceptional golfing experience while maintaining its position as a world-class golf destination in the Philippines.

TGM USA INVITE ONLY TOUR GROUP 2023

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JOIN US IN CELEBRATING AN EXCITING ENCOUNTER AT THE GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW 2023

Where TGM Golf Consultancy proudly played host to Thomas Mu, The Players Club Superintendent, and their esteemed management team in the vibrant city of Orlando. This year’s highly anticipated event served as a global hub for golf industry professionals, providing a remarkable stage for networking, technological innovations, informative seminars, and more.

Our commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the worldwide golfing community was beautifully showcased through this event, which marked our dedication to building bridges. This gathering served as an ideal backdrop for professionals to come together, exchange insights, and collaboratively enhance golf course management practices.

Throughout the duration of the Golf Industry Show 2023, TGM Golf Consultancy orchestrated a series of engaging sessions and introductions, ensuring that The Players Club and their team could seamlessly connect with industry luminaries and trendsetters. These interactions ignited the spark for sharing ideas, knowledge, and best practices that have the power to revolutionize golf course management and maintenance.

Moreover, our showcase also unveiled the latest advancements in golf course technology. By introducing The Players Club to cutting-edge innovations such as state-of-the-art irrigation systems, data-driven analytics, and automated maintenance equipment, we provided them with the tools to elevate their operations and enhance the golfing experience in Beijing.

Going beyond just networking and technology, TGM Golf Consultancy designed immersive course site tours for The Players Club and their team. These tours offered an intimate encounter with Orlando’s finest golf courses, delivering valuable insights into effective course design, maintenance strategies, and sustainable practices.

Education emerged as a pivotal theme of the visit. Ensuring that The Players Club and their team had access to an array of educational seminars and workshops during the Golf Industry Show 2023 was one of our top priorities. Covering topics ranging from turf grass management to environmental stewardship, these sessions equipped the team with practical knowledge and actionable strategies to implement at their home club in China.

Cameron Thompson, the visionary founder of TGM Golf Consultancy, expressed his excitement about the occasion, stating, “Hosting Thomas Mu and the team at the Golf Industry Show 2023 was a tremendous honor. Our goal was to empower them by facilitating networking opportunities, introducing them to technological breakthroughs, and granting access to invaluable educational resources. We aimed to amplify their capabilities and bring back fresh insights to their club. This event underscores our commitment to nurturing collaboration and driving excellence in golf course management.”

TGM Golf Consultancy’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier solutions and support to golf courses worldwide shines through this initiative. Our role in hosting The Players Club at the Golf Industry Show 2023 underscores our commitment to propelling the industry forward and cultivating global partnerships.

For more details about TGM Golf Consultancy and our services, explore www.tgm-legacy.com.

About TGM Consultancy: TGM Golf Consultancy stands as a renowned authority in golf management solutions, offering expertise in areas such as golf course operations, marketing, and enhancing customer experiences. Rooted in values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, our mission is to empower golf course professionals across the globe. Through our comprehensive services and extensive industry connections, we guide clubs towards operational excellence while delivering unforgettable golf experiences.

Press Contact: Cameron Thompson
Founder, Thompson Golf Management
Phone: +66 84 369 0328
Email: cameron@wordpress-937900-3989200.cloudwaysapps.com

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