8/5/2013 7:08 AM
We regressed our predominantly Poa, pushup greens in the fall of 2011. Reasons for the regressing was in 2010 we experienced significant ice damage, 1 green was about 2/3 gone. Then summer of 2010 hit, wet and hot and we had 2 greens where Poa checked out. We did a 2 phase process to address a few issues with our greens; phase 1 was installation of XGD in 16 pushup greens, phase 2 was regressing to A1/A4. I can honestly say that last year if we had our old poorly drained/poa greens we'd have had some ugly stuff.
Bent isn't bulletproof but I'd go to war with Mother Nature with bent over poa any day. For us in Chicago bent is much better to meet expectation of the golfers in the major golfing months than poa can and that is our main concern. Spring and Fall I wouldn't mind Poa at all, less pressure and weather is more cooperative but that stretch from mid June through early September we just don't know what we will get. Like I said, last year things would have been ugly, this year not so much as we've only had 6 days or so 90+.
We're now in our second year with the newly grassed greens and myself and the membership couldn't be happier. The one week where it was warm we had our ladies and mens member/guest and we didn't have to alter any practices to protect the turf. If we'd had poa, things would of had to change and it would have affected the playability of the golf course for those special events. Greens consistently at 11 give or take a few and my stress level and ability to spend more time with family and friends have become better. We know our hot spots and if we stay on top of them the greens will fend for themselves.