News

Let’s Roll out of Winter. 

MTF Research Supported Timely Update:

Thomas A Nikolai PhD, 
The Doctor of Green Speed and King of Customer Satisfaction 
& Eric Galbraith Research Technician Extraordinaire 

February 12, 2024 Research Technician Eric Galbraith initiated a daily double rolling putting green study at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center.  My request was simple, everyday there is no snow on the plots please double roll them and periodically take green speed measurements. 

IMAGE 1. Eric Galbraith is taking green speed measurement March 12, 2024.  At this point it is easy to distinguish the daily double rolled plots from the non-rolled plots. 

Early in the experiment we thought we might have been putting too much stress on by double rolling to early in the year but as time went on, we were proven wrong (see image 2 below) as the double rolled plots looked healthier compared to non-rolled plots. 

IMAGE 2.  Double rolled plots have the number 1 below them will non-rolled plots have the number 1 beneath them.  As the plots came out of dormancy the double rolled plots quickly displayed a darker green color.  

During 2024 we found the double rolled plots had less disease, held more water as measured with a TDR, had lower surface temperatures.  November 22, 2024 Eric inoculated a 1 foot square area on each plot with snow mold (see image 3).  

IMAGE 3 Plots were inoculated with snow mold on November 22, 2024.  After plots were inoculated the double rolled plots were NOT rolled for 14 days to allow the inoculum to settle below the turfgrass canopy.

By December 27, 2024, there were visual differences in the snow mold inoculum.  What does this mean? Well let’s say we are not certain as of yet (see image 4) but the visuals are interesting. 

IMAGE 4  The snow mold inoculum on double rolled vs non-rolled plots certainly appear different.  What does that mean in terms of disease impact, time will tell 

On March 14, 2025 Mike Rabe took the first green speed measurement of this year.  His measurement resulted in a green speed increase of 4 and ½ on the double rolled plots vs the non-rolled plots.  We call that “customer satisfaction in the shoulder seasons”.  All done, so far, with nothing but positives in the regular season as well.  

The Current Situation of Ice on Putting Greens

Kevin W. Frank

Unlike the non-winter of 2024, the winter of 2025 has reminded Michiganders of what winter can be. Cold temperatures and Polar Vortex, frequent snowfall, ice events, and rain and melting conditions mixed in along the way have resulted in ice formation on putting greens in some areas of Michigan. The weather data that follows is specifically from the Michigan Automated Weather Network Station located at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Specifically, there are two different stretches of weather that might have resulted in ice formation. A brief warm-up on January 17 and 18 with high temperatures near 40 °F resulted in snow melting and possible ice formation followed by high temperatures in the single digits a couple days later. The second warm-up, January 27^th to 31 with high temperatures once again at 40 °F or higher followed by up to ½ inch rain on January 31 and then temperatures below freezing starting on February 1, another potential ice forming event. 

I’ve received reports from superintendents stretching from Grand Rapids through Lansing to greater Detroit reporting ice on putting greens. However, unlike the apocalyptic ice/winterkill event of 2014, the ice formation is more scattered with some courses and areas of the state appearing affected while others are untouched. 

As we approach the middle to end of February there is both good and bad to be recognized with this date. The key question for anyone dealing with ice is when did you start your ice clock? Many superintendents vividly remember the winter of 2013-2014 that resulted in thick ice sheets remaining in place for up to 80 days in some locations (http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_lies_beneath_ice). That winter produced ice on putting greens the first week of January and it never melted until March, which resulted in death from anoxia (suffocation). Remember, estimates of days of ice cover causing death for annual bluegrass range from 45-90 days and 120 days for creeping bentgrass. So when did your clock start? If your ice clock started around February 1^st, I would have minimal concern in most areas as it is likely Mother Nature will “help the melt” before you reach 30-45 days of ice cover. If your ice clock started following the January 17-18 melt and subsequent refreeze, then the turf is in or approaching the danger zone of life/death and it’s probably time to consider removal strategies or at a minimum collecting samples to assess injury.  

Removing Ice

Whether or not to attempt ice removal is a difficult decision for golf course superintendents.  The decision to remove ice can be based on several factors including: turf sampling, duration of ice cover, current and future temperatures, ability to remove water following melting from the green, and labor. 

1. Sampling – there’s a great YouTube video from former USGA Green Section agronomist, Bob Vavrek http://tinyurl.com/k9mbfjc on how to sample greens under ice to assess survival.  An important point that Bob makes is that there is variability in sampling and just because your sample comes out alive doesn’t mean all areas on the green will survive – same can be said if your sample is dead.   

2. Duration of ice cover – as discussed in the previous section, estimates of days of ice cover causing death vary from 45-90 for Poa annua and 120 days for creeping bentgrass. Check your ice clock and proceed accordingly. 

3. Temperatures and sunshine – Check the forecast for temperatures and hopefully sunshine that will facilitate ice removal and melt. Part of the concern with removing ice is exposing the turf to cold air temperatures after being insulated with snow and ice for long periods of time. In the past some superintendents have removed ice and then recovered the greens with snow to provide insulation against cold temperatures.  

4. Physical ice removal – physical ice removal includes practices to fracture the ice with impact (hammers, chisels, aerifiers, slicers) and then remove the fractured ice sheet with shovels, tractors, or skid steers.  Avoid direct impact with tools such as hammers, I’ve seen superintendents use a vibratory tamp with good results as it minimizes direct impact when shattering the ice. There’s always some risk associated with impact related ice removal but the alternative of leaving ice in place and rolling the dice on survival is also risky. 

5. Melting ice – there are many different products that have been used to melt ice including black sand, dark colored natural organic fertilizers, sunflower seeds, and fertilizers. The key to any melting strategy is to be able to remove the water from the green following melting so it doesn’t refreeze and form another ice sheet. Hollman et al. (2017) published an article on the ‘Effects of De-Icing Products on Putting Green Turf’. The results indicated that urea-based chemicals have the potential to severely damage turfgrass when applied to snow/ice free turf in early March. We applied these same treatments at MSU in 2014 to an ice covered putting green but were unable to assess turfgrass injury as all the turfgrass was dead by the time the ice receded. A YouTube vide of this trial is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKK0QYUCIks. My simple message to selecting materials for melting is keep in mind that whatever you apply will ultimately end up on the turf. If you don’t feel comfortable applying it to turf that should tell you something about applying it to ice. 

6. Labor – if you’re going to remove ice you need help.  Ice removal is not a 1-person job. If your golf course has 18 greens covered in ice even with several employees helping this is not going to be finished in 1 day.  

There are Few Guarantees in Life or Ice Cover

There are no guarantees with respect to winterkill and whether or not ice is removed will save the turf. The days under ice cover for survival are estimates from research and conditions from course to course and even within the same course vary thereby effecting how long turf can survive under ice. 

At this year’s MSU/MTF Field Day (August 14, 2024) MSU Interim Chairperson of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Department, Dr. Wei Zhang, was pleased to inform attendees that the Joe Vargas Professorship in Turfgrass Pathology has been approved by MSU and the search for a candidate would commence. 

Dr. Zhang thanked the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation for their leadership gift of $1 million that provided the impetus for this position and the foresight the Foundation had in making the decision to continue its support of the MSU Turf Program. In his remarks Zhang notified those in attendance that current MSU Turf Team professor, Dr. Kevin Frank will be the chairperson of the search committee. Other members of the committee include Dr. Emily Merewitz-Holm, Dr. Jan Byrne, Dr. Tim Miles, and Dr. George Sundin. MSU officially approved the candidate search on August 5th, 2024. The review and selection process will take several months with an anticipated start date by the fall of 2025.

Previous PSM Chairperson, Dr. Brian Horgan, was actively involved and committed to having this position for the MSU Turf Program. He expressed that the Turf Industry and the MTF will be able to provide input and have an active role during the search process.

The MTF is pleased to have been in the position to promote this important partnership with MSU. The MTF’s support of the MSU Turf Program at MSU is part of its mission statement. It is because of the support of its members, The Founders Society, the LaFontaine Endowment - and those who have participated in so many of our activities that we have been able to make the $1 million gift to the Vargas Professorship. The Foundation thanks all those who have been supportive of our efforts to ensure this important position is filled.

To our MTF partners, Dr. Nikolai offers an update on his research regarding Poa seedhead suppression. "In collaboration with Dr Adam Van Dyke in Utah and the input and support of industry representatives Nikolai PhD and his awesome technician Eric Galbraith are researching possible methods to decrease Poa seedheads on golf courses in Michigan and beyond each spring. The image is of pesticide, PGR, and fertilizer combo treatments. The image displays one of three Poa Seedhead suppression studies performed by Dr. Nikola and funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Certainly there are visual differences among treatments, but all that will matter is will any of these treatments decrease seedheads and if not, will it lead to combinations that may eventually lead to suppression? Thank you MTF for your support of MSU Turfgrass Research."

Clubs donating to the the MTF TT4Turf online auction play a part of this and other research being conducted at MSU by the Turf Team. Please consider participating in the 2024 Auction. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSezpB9RViXLEM.../viewform

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Awards 

Norman W. Kramer Outstanding Student Award - Zac Kelly
(L to R Zac Kelly, Carey Mitchelson)

Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award - Zachary Olowniuk
(L to R Zachary Olowniuk, Carey Mitchelson)

Robert Hancock Award - Anthony Williams
(L to R Anthony Williams, Carey Mitchelson)

Sports and Commercial Turf Award - Tristin Ziola
(L to R Tristin Ziola, Carey Mitchelson)

Shanty Creek Resort - Superintendent as Executive Award - Alan Clark
(L to R Alan Clark, Alex Piotrowski (Shanty Creek Resort) 

MTF Merit Scholar Award - Michael Doyle
(L to R Michael Doyle, Carey Mitchelson)

Michigan State University Awards

Hal and Mark Vogler Scholarship - Cooper David, Eli Hilliard
(L to R Dr. Rogers,  Eli Hilliard,  Cooper David)

Tuck and Becky Tate Scholarship - Alan Clark, Andrew Dorland, Glenn Schweihofer
(L to R Dr. Rogers , Glenn Schweihofer, Alan Clark - not pictured Andrew Dorland)

Charles and Frances Osterman Scholarship - Cole Luck, Alec Richardson, Joe Wilczynski, Anthony Williams, Tristin Ziola
(L to R Dr. Rogers, Tristin Ziola, Joe Wilczynski, Cole Luck, Alec Richardson, Anthony Williams)

Billy Olsen Family Scholarship - Garrett Menko, Brandon Nelson
(L to R Dr. Rogers, Brandon Nelson, Garrett Menko)

James & Harriett Beard Outstanding Turfgrass Graduate Student - Jackie Guevara, Payton Perkinson
(L to R Jackie Guevara, Dr, Rogers - Not Pictured Payton Perkinson)

State Association Awards

Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association

Turfgrass Scholarship - Isobelle Brasher, Trenton Bortnichak, Frank Figurski, Zachary Olowniuk, Glenn Schweihofer
(L to R Gene Davis, Glenn Schweihofer, Bella Brasher, Trent Bortnichak, Frank Figurski, Zackary Olowniuk)

Michigan Sports Field Managers Association

Tristin Ziola, Zac Kelly
(L to R Zac Kelly, MSFMA Chair Mitch Hooten, Tristin Ziola)

National Awards

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - Andrew Dorland, Michael Doyle, Zac Kelly, Zach Olowniuk
(L to R Michael Doyle, Zac Kelly, Zach Olowniuk, GCSAA Steve Hammond - not pictured - Andrew Dorland)

Samuel I. Russell Foundation Awards - Sean Bradley, Steven Kavka
(L to R Steve Kavka, Dr. Rogers, Not pictured: Sean Bradley)

Trans-Miss Golf Association Turfgrass Scholarships - Michael Doyle, Zach Olowniuk, Noah Wiles
(L to R Dr. Rogers, Zach Olowniuk, Michael Doyle, Noah Wiles)

Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship - Michael Doyle
(L to R Michael Doyle, Dr. Rogers) 

Group Photos

Congratulations to the student award winners for this year! Awards will be presented at the 94th Michigan Turfgrass Conference being held January 9-11 2023 at the Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Award winners will be notified of exact date of presentation.

Sports and Commercial Turf Award - Tristin Ziola, Elsie, MI

In 1987, MSU and the MTF recognized the importance of the lawn care industry in Michigan and the benefits of increasing its number of well-educated turf managers. To this end, Mr. Walter Wilkie, owner of the Toro Distributor in Pontiac and the Bare Foot Lawn franchises in Michigan, funded the startup of the Lawn Care Management Program in MSU's Institute of Agricultural Technology. A similar need by the sports turf industry was recognized in 1992 when its name was changed to the Lawn Care/Athletic Turf Program and then again in 1997 when it became the Sports and Commercial Turf Management Program. Recognized nationally as the only one of its kind, the program continues to graduate outstanding students, many of whom have gone on to become well known and successful leaders in their respective industries.

The Norman W. Kramer Scholar Award - Zac Kelly, Holt, MI

Norman Kramer was the Golf Course Superintendent of Point O' Woods Country Club in Benton Harbor , Michigan from 1959 to 1971. Prior to this he was Vice President of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents. In Michigan he served as Director, Vice President and President of the Western Michigan GCSA and Michigan GCSA. He was also a Past President of the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation at Purdue University . At the time of his death, he was serving as a Director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Mr. Kramer was active in promoting the scholarship programs at Michigan State University and believed strongly in the youth of America . This award is dedicated to the memory of Norm Kramer.

Superintendent As Executives (SAE) Scholarship Award - Alan Clark, Grand Ledge, MI

Shanty Creek Resort is a four seasons resort in Bellaire Michigan. SCR recognizes the variety of skills that turf management graduates possess- agronomy, human resources, equipment operation and maintenance, financial analysis and budgeting, irrigation, construction, etc. We are looking to the future of not only the resort industry but more specific the development in the education of young turf management students. We believe that the skill set that most turf graduates possess lend to a greater potential in the abilities to adapt, problem solve and persevere in an array of situations.

The Superintendents As Executives (SAE) scholarship will be awarded to a student that not only excels in the turf management program but also show an interest in a secondary concentration in business or a related field. The goal of this scholarship is to reward-students who show the aptitude and ambition to grow in our industry in leadership positions beyond turf management. SCR wants to inspire future turf graduates to progress into positions as Directors of Agronomy, General Managers and Executives.

Robert Hancock Award - Anthony Williams, Holt, MI

Robert Hancock, from Jackson , Michigan , was owner and President of Hancock Industries. He was an avid golfer and served on the Greens Committee at Jackson Country Club. In the late 60's, he became involved in golf turf programs and realized the need for research money in this field. At his death in the late 70's, a portion of his estate was reserved for the financing of the proposed turfgrass Research Center at MSU. In 1979 the construction began and in 1981 the Robert Hancock Turfgrass Research Center was opened. The HTRC is a first class research and education facility used not only by students and faculty but by the industry as well.

Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award - Zachary Olowniuk, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Kenyon T. Payne was Chairperson of the Department of Crop Science until 1969 when he took over the Two Year Ag. Tech Program for Golf Turfgrass Management. While there he worked with Professor Beard to get the program on solid ground. Approximately 800 students have graduated under Dr. Payne's leadership. He was an avid supporter of excellent golf turf and did work on breeding Red Fescue resistance to Leaf Spot disease. Dr. Payne also served as treasurer of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation for a number of years and was very well known in the University and in the industry nationwide. In his honor, what was the Outstanding Student Award, was renamed the Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award.

Merit Scholarship - Michael Doyle, Birmingham, MI

The MTF has long supported the scholarship programs that are a part of its commitment to the MSU Turf Program. Not every student who interviews will be awarded a scholarship, however, many times candidates fulfill the requirements and prove exceptional in the interview process. For those candidates the MTF provides for Merit Scholarships.

May 2023 - "Growing cool-season sod on plastic in Mexico City!"

May 2023 - Our new 7,500 ft2 site for sod on plastic production. Laser graded by Homefield field construction, topped with duraedge"

May 2023 - "The Spartans visit the famed, Estadio Azteca on their way to establish sod on plastic--Mexico City"

June 2023 - "Ryan Bearss PhD project comparing the rooting capabilities and strength of four sod production systems. Conventionally grown sod, sod on plastic, conventionally grown sod left on plastic (1-month), sod on plastic rooted for 1-month, root-sheared and transplanted"

June 2023 - "Dr. Trey Rogers and Graduate students Jake Kilby and Jackie Guevara in attendance and Dr. Rogers talks with Michigan Bentgrass sod farmer Kent Falgner"

June 2023 - "New sod on plastic production site topdressed and ready to go... Jackie Guevaras PhD project evaluating various prg:kbg seeding ratios and seeding rates"

June 2023 - "Perennial ryegrass sod? This sod was grown over plastic and at time of image, is 6-months old"

June 2023 - "Sod on plastic grown on an asphalt surface can be difficult to harvest. Here, I am using a CONCRETE SAW to separate and harvest treatments"

June 2023 - "Jackie Guevara and honorary lab member, Lane Suplito (my fiancee) pull a germination blanket over Jackies phd work."

July 2023 - "All the way from Rotterdam, the SiSgrass 'Revolution' stitching machine arrives at MSU. Would ultimately stitch 2,000 ft for research and evaluation"

July 2023 - "Sisgrass stitched grass"

July 2023 - "Another angle of stitched grass from the side. This picture is interesting because it is one of the first times the sis stictch machine stitched 50-60 mm (typically 15-20 cm)"

July 2023 - "Jake Kilby and Jackie Guevara use sod rakes to cut and move Jake's sod for his graduate research experiment"

1.Eric Galbraith, research technician for Dr. Nikolai and Dr. Frank, applies Poa annua seed head control treatments on Poa annua/creeping bentgrass research greens at the HTRC on February 12, 2023.  The study is funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and results will be posted in the spring. Initial seed head control treatments were applied November 28, 2021.

2.. Leaf-mulching studies at MSU changed the way the United States of America disposes of leaf-litter each fall.  In the fall of 2022 two new MTF Funded Leaf-mulching studies were initiated and a 3rd leaf mulching study entered year two.  In the image above:   20 pounds of leaf-litter were mulched into plots that covered 35 square feet.  Area to the left of the marking is the control plot.  On the right is the mulched area of the plot.

MTF Research Summary

Thomas A Nikolai PhD, Eric J. Galbraith, Mike Rabe

Michigan State University

February 2023

For a review of additional research by Dr. Nikolai click link:

Link to MTF Research Summary: https://michiganturfgrassfoundation.wildapricot.org/resources/Turf%20Updates/2023%20MTF%20Research%20Summary%20-%20Nikolai%20(002).pdf

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Student scholarships will be bestowed to students enrolled in the 2- or 4-year Turfgrass Programs. 5 Scholarships are available to students who are registered as student members of the MTF and with qualifying requirements as stated for each individual award:

The Norman W. Kramer Scholar Award

The Robert Hancock Memorial Scholarship Award

The Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award

The Sports & Commercial Turf Award

The Shanty Creek Resort SAS Scholarship Award

Click on any of the links above to learn more about the scholarship and qualifying requirements.

• Deadline for Submission: Monday, December 5th , 2022
• Interviews for awards: Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
• Awards Presented: Michigan Turfgrass Conference – January 10th -12th 2023

Any questions regarding the application may be directed to:

miturfgrass@gmail.com or 517-392-5003

Apply for student scholarships here

Alex Piotrowski of Shanty Creek Resort (right) presented a scholarship check to Michigan Turfgrass Foundation President, Curt Boak at Thursday's MSU Turf Student Icebreaker Day.  The new scholarship will be added to the current opportunities offered by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation including the Norman W. Kramer, Robert Hancock, Kenyon Payne and Sports and Commercial Turf scholarships.

Shanty Creek Resort is a four seasons resort in Bellaire Michigan. SCR recognizes the variety of skills that turf management graduates possess- agronomy, human resources, equipment operation and maintenance, financial analysis and budgeting, irrigation, construction, etc. We are looking to the future of not only the resort industry but more specific the development in the education of young turf management students. We believe that the skill set that most turf graduates possess lend to a greater potential in the abilities to adapt, problem solve and persevere in an array of situations.

The Superintendents As Executives (SAE) scholarship will be awarded to a student that not only excels in the turf management program but also show an interest in a secondary concentration in business or a related field. The goal of this scholarship is to reward-students who show the aptitude and ambition to grow in our industry in leadership positions beyond turf management. SCR wants to inspire future turf graduates to progress into positions as Directors of Agronomy, General Managers and Executives.

SAE Scholarship Award

1. Number of awards annually: One

2. Amount of award: $2,500.00

3. Basis for award: Grade point average of 3.0 or above

4. Program Eligibility: All Programs

5. Applicant is requested to be a student member of the MTF

6. Student possesses the traits listed in the award description

7. When awarded: At annual awards ceremony

MTF Scholarships and Awards Information