"Could a Golf Course Skip Cultural Practices?"

I was recently asked the question, “Could a golf course skip cultural practices for a period of time, such as one year?” 

This is a fairly common question in the industry in the midst of the challenging times we're facing with Covid-19. The quick and honest answer I provided was, “Yes.” However, that answer definitely needed to be expanded upon, so I added, “In the short term, if needed, a cultural practice(s) could be skipped if the turfgrass is healthy and the system has been properly managed in the past. And, if it will continue to be managed correctly in the future.”

The challenge with just the quick answer, “Yes” is, why not universal, it could lead to a situation where management or golfers could say, "We skipped it this year/this time and everything is fine.” This is why I stressed to the individual that each situation, and each facility needs to carefully analyze the long term effects of not performing a cultural practice(s).  In addition, there are other factors that need to be considered, including financial (short and long term), how much play is, or will the course receive and what are the standards (current and long term) that a course expects/demands. 

In laymen terms, to maintain healthy turfgrass, a plant needs the correct amount, and proper quality of water, air, nutrients and sunlight. Cultural practices influence the first three (water, air and nutrient uptake). In addition, aerification, vertical mowing and topdressing  reduce compaction, reduce thatch, increase porosity, smooth the surface, reduce grain and ultimately assist in producing a healthy plant, which in turn creates a high quality playing surface. This is why cultural practices are necessary, and ultimately the one who benefits from them is the golfer. 

“When” cultural practices are performed, also needs to considered. Ideally, the practices should be performed when the plant is most actively growing so recovery is quick and player impact is relatively low. In the south, this means golf courses perform the majority of the more aggressive cultural practices in the summer. In the north, where the growing season is not year round, it is a little more challenging to find the “right time” and often courses must decide when is the “best time”.  

In my tenure in the industry I have seen tremendous equipment improvements, amazing technology enhancements, in depth research, improved turfgrass species and enhanced communication within the industry. All of this has enabled better turfgrass management, including less disruptive cultural practices, or less intrusive methods. 

I finished my answer to the individual that asked the question with, "Golf course management is part art and part science, and there is not one set method or schedule provided on how to maintain turfgrass. This includes includes how, when and how often cultural practices are performed. However, I am confident that in times like this the problem solving nature of a golf course superintendent becomes very evident."