As the warmer weather arrives, we’re just starting to get a more complete picture of the winter’s repercussions. For many Michigan golf courses, especially in the eastern half of the state, the winter has been one of the worst on record.
Kevin Frank, associate professor and extension turf specialist, says that the biggest problem they had this winter was ice forming on the putting greens because the plants and the soil are suffocated underneath.
Brian Schweihofer, golf course superintendent Franklin Hills Country Club, explains that the majority of courses in the area have suffered from some form of damage. They are seeding grass and using covers on the courses to have them ready by the first week in June.