It seems official that we’re off to a somewhat slow start to Spring/Summer in my Midwest territory. Most superintendents waited until this last week in May to make their first fairway spray application—this is not quite as late as last year. The precipitation levels are above average for this time of year (for the most part). So, we may see normal amounts of disease pressure for pests like dollar spot.

Last year dollar spot outbreaks were slow coming as many approached drought-like conditions across most of the lower Midwest. Many superintendents were hand-watering and syringing greens in May. I’ve learned that spring in the Midwest is ever changing.

I started my week in Louisville where Standard Country Club hosted their Fourth Annual Powell Cup. This is a “Ryder Cup” format event named after Dr. A.J. Powell from the University of Kentucky. The Bluegrass GCSA and Kentuckiana GCSA squared-off against one another on two person teams for 18 holes, with the format changing every six holes. The event was well attended and organized—each team had team shirts. In the end, the Kentuckiana won their first title.

At the event, I spoke to superintendents with zoysia grass courses about zoysia patch control. It’s been fairly high pressure for this disease. Trinity fungicide continues to offer great effects both agronomically and economically. The use of Trinity is starting to pick up as we get into season.

From there, I moved up to Southern Ohio, where the Miami Valley hosted their bi-annual spring field day. Almost all manufacturers and distributors participated with a display booth. This event started slow but was well attended by late morning.

That’s it for now.