In May of this year we had the opportunity to meet with Dean Rollie at Sandstone Golf. Like many courses in Minnesota this spring Sandstone had a large amount of winter kill on their greens. In our initial meeting with Dean and his General Manager there was some serious disbelief that our organic based products would not only revive the damaged areas, but over the course of the summer, significantly improve the overall conditions of the greens including reducing the Poa Annua population. After some arm twisting and the promise of a free hat, Dean started using the GenNext Complete A&B products on his greens in late May, applying every two weeks at an 8 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. rate.
Dean in an earlier blog (http://sandstonegolf.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-product-trial-but-no-free-hat.html ) had commented: ” As far as promoting the bentgrass over poa, time will tell. It's only been applied twice, so we'll see as the summer goes on what effect it will have. Our number 1 green will be the ultimate test… This green is almost pure poa. If Gen Next Complete can make a dent in this one, I'll be the first in line to buy it.”
Well the season is over. Below are the before and after pictures of the number 1 green, Dean estimates that the poa annua population has been reduced by 60%. From almost all poa annua to a green that is 65% bentgrass in one season, using GenNext Complete A&B.
