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PHOTO quiz |
Answers:
PHOTO A: The torn up turf is not a result of an irate golfer; it is a result of large birds called sandhill cranes. These birds are almost 3 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Although they mostly eat plant matter, they also love to snack on the occasional mole cricket and invertebrate. Apparently, they will go anywhere they detect insects and tear up the turf with their beaks to find the insects.
Since these are protected bird species, the only deterrent that can be used is to try to chase them off the property. Typically, they just fly a few yards away or to an adjacent fairway. The superintendent and his crew only re-sod if the damage has occurred on a green; if it is on a collar, tee or fairway, they usually tamp it down and/or topdress. Photo submitted by Mark Jarrell, CGCS at Palm Beach National G&CC in Lake Worth, Fla., and a 30-year member of GCSAA.
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PHOTO B: The Egyptian goose lying on this golf green is not the real story here. If you examine the photo, you will see the telltale finger-like effects of a direct lightning strike on the turf. When lightning strikes a golf green, the electricity spreads out in this vein- or finger-like pattern. This goose was on this golf green during a thunderstorm when lightning struck the goose, killing it and leaving the discoloration on the turf. This quiz should serve as a reminder to all golfers and maintenance personnel of the real dangers associated with lightning while being out on a golf course – even to a goose. Photo submitted by Sue de Zwart of Talking Turf Consulting Co. in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She was superintendent at Leopard Creek CC in South Africa for eight years and is an 11-year affiliate member of GCSAA.
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