2003 Winter Injury
A Letter from Dr. Dave Minner, Iowa State University Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Iowa Golf Course Superintendents,

Last week I visited 12 golf courses that had various stages of winter injury on their putting greens. Some were not damaged at all and others had nearly 90% turf loss. Many have already over-seeded.

I have posted a synopsis in PDF format of what I think has happened this year. Please contact me at dminner@iastate.edu if you have had any winter injury, so I can find out how widespread this was in Iowa. I am particularly interested to know if any one used winter covers and still had injury.

Here are some typical pictures from golf courses around Iowa.

Picture #3083 4-24-03: Native soil 'Penncross' bentgrass push up green showing winter kill. 1/4 inch solid tine aerifier holes being punched in anticipation of seeding and topdressing.

Picture #3088 and #3093 4-24-03: USGA type sand-based green showing winter kill. Red base of plant very noticeable on all brown turf. Still trying to determine if it is important.

Picture #3099 4-24-03: Sand-based green 'A-4' bentgrass. Note bentgrass plugs (variety unknown) placed last spring survived.

Picture #3111 4-24-03: Sand-based green 'L-93' bentgrass.

Picture #3124 4-25-03: Native soil push up green with 80% turf cover as Poa annua in open area.

Picture #3128 4-25-03: Same course as picture #3124 except green in shady protected area from wind.

Picture #3135 4-25-03: USGA type green 'L93' bentgrass.

Picture #3137 4-25-03: Native soil push up greens. Penncross or unknown bentgrass. Note patches of Poa annua that have been injured more than the bentgrass.

Hang in there!
Dr. Dave Minner

Synopsis of 2003 Winter Injury to Putting Greens  PDF Format