Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
November / December 2026
INSIDE
THE OLDE FARM
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | November / December 2026
L93 Bentgrass blankets the greens, fairways and tees. During our visit to The Olde Farm, staff stimped the greens at 12.8
6
10 CO VER STORY
6 Inside The Olde Farm
D E PA RT ME N T S 3 Index of Advertisers 4 President’s Message from Wes Bray
U P C OM I NG EVENTS
9 Come to the Bay Fredericksburg Road Show
5 Director’s Corner from Beck Stanley
5 Virginia Tech Turf Team
FEATURE
10 Your Water Partner:
Managing Water from Source to Soil
2 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
Find this issue, Events and More:
THETURFZONE.COM
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
SAND BASED SOD WITH INFILTRATION RATE OF 11 IN/HR TENSILE SRENGTHwww.cgcfields.com 88% GREATER THAN 1” THICK CUT SOD SHEAR STRENGTH 43% GREATER THAN 1” THICK CUT SOD 866-753-1707
Agronomic Lawn Management.................... Inside Back Cover www.FertilizeWithALM.com
Carolina Green Corp................................. 3 www.cgcfields.com
East Coast Sod & Seed............................... 9 www.eastcoastsod.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co...................... 9 www.greenecountyfert.com
McGill Premium Compost........................... 3 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com
Smith Seed Services.................................... 3 www.smithseed.com
Smith Turf & Irrigation................. Back Cover www.smithturf.com
ADVERTISERS, PLEASE NOTE The mailing address for Leading Edge Communications has changed. Please update your records: P.O. Box 246 Brentwood, TN 37024
McGill SportsTurf Premium Compost improves turf aesthetics by adding beneficial microbes to soils, improving nutrient uptake, and increasing porosity in heavy clay soils while improving water capacity in light sandy soils. Create a healthier soil environment and safer playing surface by applying 1/8" – 1/4" of McGill Premium Compost.
For more information go to mcgillsoilbuilder.com or call 844.362.1161 634 Christian Chapel Church Road • New Hill, NC 27562
Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2026 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Thirdclass postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, P.O. Box 246, Brentwood, TN 37024.
BLEND
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 3
President’s Message
Why I Joined the VTC
As
my term as VTC Chairman comes to an end, I reflect on why I became a member.
In the late 90’s we had been in business for about 10 years. We were doing okay, and the future was bright. Dealing with a high value residential client base, we soon realized these clients wanted more services and they wanted experts doing that work. The one thing they wanted was a beautiful lawn. Our formal education consisted of limited community college and Virginia Tech extension presentations. About this time, I learned about the VTC and joined. The first conference I attended in Richmond confirmed that I had made a good choice. I networked with faculty and staff from Virigina Tech. I met successful business owners and golf course superintendents. The vendors and sponsors were a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. I became involved with the Programs & Education committee and soon realized the VTC was committed to promoting education and professionalism as well as working with lawmakers to help them understand the economic importance of the members, and at the same time working with regulators to ensure the good intention of the laws passed didn’t become an unnecessary burden on the members. Networking with some of the industry’s most successful business owners helped in ways no formal education could. One of our industry’s major strengths is the willingness of industry professionals to share strategies and tips that helped them become successful. Member attitudes were ‘‘we’re not competitors but just in the same industry’’. Working with these persons over time made me realize how important giving your time back to the industry that helped you become successful is vital to the success and long-term viability of our industry. I’m proud to have helped with the formation of the VTC Environmental Institute and the Come to the Bay conference. Through the VTC-EI service projects we were able to work with environmental groups that previously perceived our industry was destroying the environment. Many soon learned the high industry standards we employ greatly improved conditions. Come to the Bay has shown many of these groups that our industry is committed to protecting the environment by educating and training members on the important role they play on a daily basis. Indeed, many environmental groups now view us as experts and problem solvers when dealing with issues such as erosion control and invasive plant management. It has been a honor to represent our industry and a privilege to work with so many great industry professionals and educators. My successor, Harris Wheeler, is committed to the VTC mission and I look forward his leadership and direction.
Wes Bray VTC President 4 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council 140 Green St Salem, VA 24153 540-871-9001 beckallenstanley@gmail.com PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications P.O. Box 246 Brentwood, TN 37024 info@leadingedge communications.com VTC OFFICERS PRESIDENT Wes Bray Lawns & Gardens Plus 757-422-2117 VICE PRESIDENT Harris Wheeler, CTP Richmond Public Schools (retired) 804-475-4561 SECRETARY / TREASURER Ray Funkhouser PBI Gordon (retired) PAST PRESIDENT Phil Bailey, CGCS Isle of Wight County Parks & Recreation 757-572-1981 VTC DIRECTORS Sam Burris Jack Findling Jesse Johnson Richard Linsday Bruce Sheppard T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Cynthia Smith, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Beck Stanley VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Brandyn Baty 757-585-3058
Virginia Tech Turf Team
Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5807 askew@vt.edu Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3900 adelpozo@vt.edu Jeffrey F. Derr, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3912 jderr@vt.edu Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D. Virginia Tech 420 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-2951 goatley@vt.edu David McCall, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9598 dsmccall@vt.edu Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 170 Drillfield Dr. 411 Price Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9775 dsandor@vt.edu WITH SUPPORT FROM: Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology 216 Price Hall 170 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6129 tkuhar@vt.edu
Director’s Corner
B
edford Country Club, where I hide from my wife, is a golf time capsule filled with everything at stake for this industry. Its problems are only outnumbered by its characters, like Squeaky Wooldridge and Jay Barnes, or even Jim Cutler, though that guy owes me twelve bucks.
Barnes, 95, was an artist for the nearby Piedmont Label factory, where he designed can labels and food packaging. He still had time back in the 1900’s to cobble together the club’s longstanding logo, a real gem of branding and its only asset without a roof leaking. He plays every day and would beat most of you, most days. Wooldridge, the multi-tour combat veteran who always reminds me how Vietnam didn’t have a single golf course anywhere near as good as BCC, returned home to Bedford after the war, became a postman, and delivered most of the town’s mail for over 40 years. He’s ninety something, plays every day, and would fight most of you, any day. Cutler, a legend in Virginia’s high school baseball community, plays the game well but gambles a lot braver. He’s beaten cancer back for the last half decade or so, playing through the illness and treatments. He’s approaching ninety, plays every day, has a best seller in the Amazon sports book section, and will get into your wallet “any time you’re ready to lose.” Why am I telling you about three geriatric golfers out at BCC, and why exactly is golf the focus of this issue? Because at the root of the green industry is our calling to continue providing essential recreational venues for people like Squeaky, Jay, and Jim. They play in a group of 20+ seniors every day, and I’ve been joining them periodically for the last ten years or so when visiting my hometown. None of them die before 90, and all of them attribute their longevity and good humor to golf. So when we lose courses, we lose people and essential entry points to the game. Once they close, they’re gone for good, one less customer for our member suppliers and one less place for everyone else to enjoy. Roanoke just shed Ole Monterey, where I can only assume a data center plans to crack ground. Virginia Beach could be losing its national course to a housing development. Countless others are at risk every year as upkeep costs rise. With the right amount of planning, there are ways to save them. Local governments especially are in position to continue preserving what are essentially parks with pins. Benevolent members can step up, and the ones who do are always remembered fondly for it. Industry associations can start addressing the problem now and provide resources to small courses seeking to craft strategic plans and bolster their finances. The VTC door is certainly always open to all in the world of golf. You can help, too. Get out and play some courses you’ve never heard of. Take advantage of the VSGA’s VIP card. Hell, buy a bunch as Christmas gifts.
Just don’t forget to remind Cutler he owes me twelve bucks, because that’s exactly what a six pack of beer costs at Bedford Country Club. Merry Christmas from all of us at the Virginia Turfgrass Council,
Beck Stanley VTC Executive Director Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 5
Cover Story ON THE COVER General Manager Larry Klein and Superintendent Corey Landon of The Olde Farm, taken from the third tee.
The OLDE FARM Shines On BY BECK STANLEY
W
hen I enter Southwest Virginia, only one thing comes to mind: a deep wonder of when and if I will ever play Jim McGlothlin’s The Olde Farm.
That prayer was finally answered this September when I visited with the club’s staff and membership to enjoy the legendary course staked out by architect Bobby Weed in two short days back in the late 1990’s. It only recently fell down a spot to #2 in the state according to Golf Digest but went up to #103 nationally, notable as the logjam of world class courses continues to grow.
And frankly, it should grow. Golf enriches the world and benefits everyone involved, protects natural environments, provides recreational venues for all and attracts millions in tourist spending. More unsettling is how exactly North Carolina’s mountain region outcompetes Virginia’s in this era of destination golf. Even Tennessee is emerging with major new courses, led by Virginia Tech grad Andrew Green’s exciting new Firefly project. McGlothlin’s commitment to the idea of The Olde Farm, a flawless, focused, excellent experience by every measure, fuels it into the future. Gone a year or so, his presence is still felt in every corner of the sprawling property. The course, Clubhouse,
grounds, on-site bee hives, produce gardens, orchards and infrastructure are all flawless, with staff going to great lengths to deliver a world class experience to anyone who bounces over the cattle guards, steel emblems of entrance and escape. What blew me away and cements this club as a national leader, is its insistence on continuing and expanding the philanthropic contributions of its founder. McGlothlin and his network sprang into action after Hurricane Helene ripped through Appalachia, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for home rebuilds. The club has hosted high dollar fundraising campaigns for the Grundy school McGlothlin supported in his hometown,
6 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
Mountain Mission School, where children from all over the world are given hope and healing. In just one event in 2010, the Big 3 for Mountain Mission School, over $15M was raised, shattering PGA Tour records for one-day fundraisers. In 2018, The Olde Farm hosted The American Legends Golf Tournament, raising almost $57 Million for Mountain Mission School. For his 85th birthday, just six weeks before his passing, more than $400,000 was raised for Mountain Mission. But there’s another local school, the Morrison School, where McGlothlin’s widow, Fran, is still hard at work securing a better future for children dealt a bad hand. Having seen its impacts and how it can grow in the coming years, the VTC will be making our Christmas contribution in Fran’s honor to the Morrison School, and a link can be found at the end of this article where you, too, can support both Mountain Mission and Morrison schools.
The Big 3 fundraising gathering at The Olde Farm broke PGA Tour fundraising records, delivering more than $15 million to Mountain Mission School
Sinking Creek winds through the property, later disappearing into a cave underground.
The club’s General Manager and COO, Larry Klein, first came across McGlothlin in the mid 1990’s. “He was sharp as a tack and engaged in his business, family and community until the very end. There is no secret to his success. He simply worked hard and paid attention to the details,” Klein told me. “He was a great friend, and I strive to ensure his favorite place on earth, The Olde Farm, remains true to its traditions.” Every single person I spoke to about this story raved about Klein’s work, citing a lynchpin whose experience brings together hospitality, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what’s now at stake for the game of golf. Klein’s career brought him to some of the world’s most beautiful places, like the Grand Tetons and The Greenbrier, but he told me more than once during our visit how he wouldn’t trade his current role for anything. And who can blame him?
Anyone who has combed through The Olde Farm’s substantial media coverage would hold high expectations for this place. It exceeded every single one of mine. First, the staff. Klein follows Bill Miller and Marc Eubanks as GM, leading a committed, overqualified team that includes Superintendent Corey Landon, a Penn State grad and turfgrass prodigy who clearly has no trouble maintaining this national treasure. Handpicked by McGlothlin himself, Klein and his team are now entrusted with caring for what will certainly rise into the top 100 courses in America. They handle the club seamlessly and carry with them a devout passion for their work. Much like Kinloch — the beloved Lester George/Vinny Giles collaboration — this club spent its first 25 years racking up accolades and universal praise while claiming a sturdy Clubhouse crowd; they’ve got both Bushes, the entire Manning Family,
the late Arnold Palmer, 6-time PGA Tour winner Mike Hulbert, Darius Rucker, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mike Smith, Dan Marino, Tim Finchem, the Watkins brothers and Frank Beamer among its membership, which seems to be unofficially capped around 400. Shortly after covid lockdowns were lifted, the Manning Family happened to be the first to enjoy a meal in the reopened Clubhouse. Next, the course. Its long, wide open and flowing fairways connect holes under one giant carpet of L93 bentgrass, but every hole somehow still feels secluded. The many half par holes are delightful, and you’ll find plenty of backstops and opportunities for creative shotmaking. Large greens - rolling a 12.8 in mid-September - welcome long, dramatic runouts for older players while fending off the fragile, distance shy gamemakers with ample trees, 7100+ yard lengths, and treacherous competition pin placements. The club added a par-3 Orchard Course in 2014 to rave reviews, and the practice facilities have been updated since the course’s opening in 2000. Broomsedge speckles the landscape and bunker lines. Native grasses whisk between fairways and the “Long Barn,” an especially unique halfway house filled with regional memorabilia, fully restored to historic specifications. In the background of the opening three holes, bales of hay dot the field above where you can see almost the entire 1200-acre property. The drought plaguing most of Virginia this year never hit Bristol, and Superintendent Corey Landon is grateful. To be frank, it all feels a lot more like a top 30 or 40 to me, comparable to some of Bandon’s courses or nearby Old Town, with a membership on par with the greats. It was only recently knocked off its perch as best in Virginia by Kinloch, but even some members there openly wonder how long that will last. Perhaps one explanation for Kinloch’s staying power is its ability to attract elite amateur competition. After all, this is a game meant to be played, not just enjoyed. The Olde Farm is a natural fit for USGA championships with minimal alterations necessary to host the game’s top amateurs. Its membership should embrace it.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 7
The Danny Boy Jim McGlothlin’s favorite cocktail – the Danny Boy – was named after the hauntingly beautiful Irish ballad he loved so much. The Danny Boy isn’t just a drink–it’s a moment. Picture the clink of ice on a quiet southern evening on The Olde Farm Porch, Jack Daniels swirling in that perfect amber-meets-sparkle mix, and a blood orange slice perched on top like a wink. It was his signature–simple, unfussy and somehow always exactly right. Anyone who ever sat with him, glass in hand, knew that a Danny Boy wasn’t just for sipping; it was an invitation to slow down, listen to a good story and feel right at home. McGlothlin could often be heard belting out a solo of “Danny Boy” at parties or the end of a Pavilion evening when Anthony Mangrum was winding up. THE DANNY BOY • 1.5 ounces Jack Daniels Single Barrel over ice in a rocks glass • Add Sprite • Float Jack Daniels Honey on top • Garnish with a blood orange slice, never a wedge JWM liked a lot of regular ice cubes; however, you may substitute one or more large cubes. Ryan will continue to make smooth-as-silk Danny Boys at the bar in remembrance of Jim. Just be sure to hum the tune as you sip.
Cover Story continued Finally, the Clubhouse. It’s a brick replica of a Charlottesville estate known as Castle Hill. Out front, a reproduction Civil War cannon is used for shotgun starts, a hat tip to the property’s history as a thoroughfare for armies and calvary. The Golf Shop is especially thoughtful in its size and product offerings. There are a lot of things in Golf Shops these days that bring me pause. What kind of psychopath is buying hats with upside down words on them? Or easter bunny pastel gloves, in the men’s section? None of that garbage can be found at The Olde Farm. Upstairs to the locker rooms, the typical comforts are found and presented simply. The walls are covered in warm greetings from presidents, CEOs, and professional golfers who fell in love with the place. Weed’s original drawing of the topography and routing is framed at the top of the stairs, and commissioned paintings from McGlothlin’s epic art collection adorn the dining room. True to form, he donated most of his $60M+ collection to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for all to enjoy. Downstairs is a wine cellar with plenty of bottles you won’t find anymore, anywhere, for any price. I got a peek at a food menu, and it felt more like a James Beard award-winning restaurant than anything you will ever see in Bristol. The hardest part of the day was leaving. Hulbert, that six-time PGA Tour champ I mentioned earlier, happened to be in the parking lot praying over the Book of Rules. He travels the country with CBS’ golf crew, advising the network’s team on officiating calls. He also happens to be an East Tennessee State University alum, lives nearby in Erwin part-time and raises funds for the school’s golf program under AD Doc Sander, who is also a member. “Most mountain courses have to close in the fall, but we get to enjoy this place until December,” he tells me. “And so many of these great courses are covered in houses, it’s nice to get away from that. USGA events, yeah, there is an opportunity for it here. I think the membership could be persuaded. College events, too, maybe a three-day.” Golf is a series of risks. We can take plenty of ‘em now in Bristol at its new Hard Rock casino, and we shouldn’t be surprised to learn McGlothlin had a major hand in bringing that to town, too. We all get to hold those chances in our hands when we tee up a ball or miss a putt then, next thing we know, the clank of those cattleguards returns us to reality. For men like Jim McGlothlin, there was no such option, no such risk. He simply made the putts that mattered most. The difference is that after he made them, he helped others do the same, leaving behind a culture of excellence at The Olde Farm. To make a donation to the Morrison School, visit https://morrisonschool.org/giving To make a donation to Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia, visit mountainmission.org
AT RIGHT — Jim McGlothlin, shown here in plaid pants, began his involvement with Mountain Mission School in his hometown of Grundy, Virginia in 1964 when he was a young lawyer and volunteer basketball coach.
8 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL
Upcoming Events
COME TO THE BAY January 26 – 28, 2027 Once again, Come to the Bay will be held at the Hampton Roads AREC, located in Virginia Beach on Diamond Springs Road. This wonderful event is designed for industry professionals, giving you the knowledge you need for success and vital opportunities to network with vendors and distributors.
Specializing in Bentgrass Sod for Greens, Tees & Fairways. Fine and Tall Fescue Regular and Shortcut Bluegrass Kevin Driscoll
Cell: 609-760-4099 | Office: 856-769-9555 KDriscoll@EastCoastSod.com
REGISTER EARLY – Seating is LIMITED and FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
For more details or to register:
2027 Fredericksburg ROAD SHOW
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The 2027 Road Show will offer expanded vendor offerings and will feature guest speakers. Pesticide Recertifications will be offered and lunch is provided. Once again, our hosts at Fredericksburg Nationals Ballpark will welcome us for a day of learning and networking. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and learn with your peers from the industry!
For more information:
Healthy Turf starts with Greene County Fert. Ship Direct. Pro support always included.
GreeneCountyFert.com Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 9
ADVERTORIAL
Feature
Your Water Partner
Managing Water from Source to Soil
E
nutrient leaching. Strong winds and rapidly changing conditions can also make it more difficult to apply products accurately and efficiently.
Weather patterns are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Extended periods of drought and extreme heat can put turf under intense moisture stress. High humidity and prolonged periods of wet weather can increase disease pressure. Thunderstorms and torrential downpours can deliver more water than the soil can absorb, contributing to runoff, erosion and
For turf managers, every one of these conditions creates a different challenge, and often, one extreme is followed quickly by another. A long stretch of hot, dry weather may suddenly give way to several inches of rain. A saturated soil profile can be followed by drying conditions and heat. A period of high humidity can increase disease pressure just as turf is already under environmental stress.
ffective water management has always been central to turfgrass health. Today, managing water is about much more than deciding when and how much to irrigate.
Solarous
The result is a constant balancing act: getting enough water to the rootzone without wasting it, making applications count without putting products where they don’t belong, and maintaining healthy, consistent turf while working within increasingly demanding environmental conditions. The challenge isn’t simply getting water onto the property; it’s managing water effectively throughout its entire journey. That’s where The Aquatrols Company can become your ultimate water partner. Our approach to water management extends from the water source to the spray tank, across the target, and into the soil. Across each stage, our technologies are designed to help turf managers manage water more effectively, optimize applications, and make better use of the resources they already have. When water is involved at every stage of turf management, water management shouldn’t be viewed as one isolated task, it should be considered as part of the entire process.
At the Source: Start with the Water You Have Effective water management begins at the source. For many golf courses, ponds and reservoirs are an important part of the irrigation system. These water sources provide the supply needed to maintain turf through changing environmental conditions, making their management an essential part of the bigger water picture. Poor water quality can create challenges that extend well beyond the pond itself. Organic matter, waste and sludge can accumulate over time, affecting water clarity and quality while creating unpleasant odors and increasing the need for intensive management practices. Precise Pond is designed to address the problem at its source. Its concentrated, function-specific biological formulation accelerates the breakdown of partially decomposed organic matter, waste and sludge that accumulate at the bottom of lakes and ponds. With 20–30 times more activity than ordinary biological products, Precise Pond helps improve water clarity and quality while reducing the need for harvesting, dredging and algaecides.
10 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
ADVERTORIAL
By helping manage accumulated organic matter, turf managers and property managers can take a more efficient approach to maintaining their water resources rather than relying solely on more intensive corrective measures. The appearance of a pond or reservoir can also be an important part of the overall property. Aquatrols offers professionalgrade water shading products to help manage this. Jet Black EZ SoluPak creates a deep, reflective black appearance while reducing sunlight penetration into the water. True Blue EZ SoluPak provides a natural blue appearance for ponds, lakes and decorative water features while also reducing sunlight penetration. Reducing available sunlight can help slow photosynthesis and inhibit algae growth, providing another tool for managing water at the source. While source-water management may seem separate from what happens on the turf, it is actually the first step in understanding and managing the water that ultimately reaches the playing surface. The goal throughout the water-management process is to make the most of the available water. This becomes especially important during drought or extended periods of heat, when water resources may be under greater demand. It also matters when significant rainfall creates an abundance of water in a short period of time.
In the Tank: Water Quality Matters Before the Application Begins Once water leaves the source it becomes part of another critical process: the spray tank. Every spray application is a combination of water and products designed to accomplish a specific objective. Water is not simply a carrier though; its characteristics can influence how products interact and perform. Water quality, pH and tank-mix compatibility can all play a role in an application. If conditions in the tank aren’t optimized, products may not perform the way it’s intended.
“This year we have taken water samples from our Municipal water source and learned the pH is reading at 8.1 We have implemented New Balance into the program in all spray tanks to help buffer the pH below 7 to prevent alkaline hydrolysis of our tank mix sprays.” Greg Caldwell Pete Dye River Course
Aquatrols’ adjuvants, like Low-Volume Spray Enhancer, Convert and New Balance, help turf managers address spray-tank conditions and tank-mix compatibility, supporting applications before they ever leave the nozzle. LV combats hard water cations, mitigates high pH degradation and maximizes lowvolume efficacy, while Convert eliminates chemical curdling, clears “cottage cheese” precipitates and reduces equipment maintenance. This is an important part of maximizing efficiency. When turf managers invest time, labor, water and products into an application, getting the most from that investment matters. The question isn’t just, “What are we applying?” It’s also, “Are we preparing the application to perform as effectively as possible?” By considering water quality and tank conditions as part of the application process, turf managers can take another step towards making every application count.
Through the Air: Getting the Application Where It Belongs Once an application leaves the spray tank, water management shouldn’t stop. The spray has to travel through the air before it reaches its intended target, and environmental conditions can make that journey more complicated. Wind, heat, humidity and changing weather can all affect application conditions. A weather window that looks favorable at the beginning of an application can change
quickly, creating challenges for maintaining precision. For turf managers, off-target movement isn’t simply an application concern, it can also mean wasted product, reduced efficiency and resources being directed somewhere other than where they were intended to go. Border 2.0 is designed to help reduce offtarget movement and improve deposition, helping keep applications where they’re intended to go. Keeping the application controlled through the air helps turf managers better protect their investment in the products being applied.
“Bayville uses Border 2.0 when spraying native areas and herbicide sprays in the Bermudagrass to enhance weed control. Border 2.0 provides some added benefit since we are a breezy golf course site!” Scott Mauldin Bayville Golf Club
It also supports a broader environmental objective: putting the right product in the right place. When conditions are challenging, application efficiency becomes even more important.
On the Target: Making Every Application Count Once an intended target is reached, coverage, adhesion and retention become the next priorities. A product needs to reach the plant and remain where it is intended to work. Border 2.0 helps improve deposition and coating, helping to keep products in place and protect the investments in the tank mix. Solarous approaches turf performance from a different perspective. Rather than simply functioning as a traditional green pigment, it combines a natural-looking green colorant with UV radiant technologies and an advanced surfactant system. This technology is designed to support coverage and adhesion while helping turf manage harsh sunlight and environmental stress. Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 11
ADVERTORIAL
Feature continued
“After I spray Solarous, the feedback is immediate – I get a ton of comments from players saying, ‘Wow, what did you do to those greens?’ and ‘Man, those greens look amazing!’ But the visual impact is only half the story. The added benefit of UV reduction is a lifesaver; it gives the turf the protection it needs to beat the heat and pushes the greens right through severe summer stress without breaking a sweat.” Jeremy Phillips Kanawha Golf Courses
That distinction matters because appearance is only one part of what turf managers are trying to achieve. During periods of extreme heat, intense sunlight and other environmental stresses, maintaining turf performance can become increasingly challenging. The goal isn’t simply to make turf look better. The more efficiently an application can be deposited, distributed and retained on the intended target, the greater the opportunity to maximize the value of the resources that went into making that application. In a world where weather conditions can change by the hour, maximizing every application is an important part of responsible resource management.
In the Soil: Where Water Management Becomes Turf Management Ultimately, water has to make its way into the soil and rootzone, and this is where some of the most visible challenges of water management occur. During heavy rainfall, soils may receive more water than they can absorb. Water then can move across the surface rather than infiltrating into the rootzone, contributing to runoff and potentially carrying nutrients and other materials with it. On the other hand, prolonged heat and drought can create conditions where soils become difficult to wet. Water may move unevenly through the soil profile, leaving some areas adequately hydrated while other areas remain dry. The result can be inconsistent moisture, stressed turf and increased management demands. Wetting agents such as Zipline, Dispatch and Vivax Oro are designed to help improve water movement and distribution through the soil profile. Better infiltration and more uniform moisture distribution can help turf managers make better use of the water they apply, whether they’re managing prolonged dry conditions or trying to recover from extreme rainfall.
“We’ve been all-in on Zipline for our putting greens the past two summers. The distinguishing characteristic that we have observed is the ability to uniformly wet the profile, prevent LDS almost completely all the while avoiding a wet surface after an application. Our biggest challenge now is trying to expand its use to not only greens but all closely mown turf.” Trevor Hedgepath Kinloch Golf Club
One Water Cycle. Many Challenges. The weather doesn’t always cooperate. A stretch of extreme heat can increase moisture demand and put turf under stress. Humidity can follow, bringing increased disease pressure. A prolonged dry period can suddenly give way to a thunderstorm or torrential downpour. These extremes create a complicated balancing act for turf managers. A sudden heavy rain doesn’t solve drought when the turf is already stressed and can’t absorb the water effectively. Likewise, after
Precise Pond
12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
ADVERTORIAL LV – Low Volume 400
Managing these challenges requires turf managers to respond to conditions rather than rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
350 Bicarbonates (in ppm)
extended wet conditions, a return to high temperatures can rapidly change the turf’s moisture needs.
Where does that water go once it reaches the soil?
Optimizing tank conditions can help prepare an application for success. Reducing off-target movement can help keep products where they belong. Improving deposition and retention can help maximize coverage. Improving water movement through the soil can help turf make better use of available moisture. Together, these steps support a more efficient approach to managing the resources involved in turf care. This is also where water management intersects with environmental stewardship. Using water efficiently is important. So is using nutrients and crop protection products responsibly. Reducing runoff and leaching, improving application efficiency and keeping products where they’re intended to go can all contribute to a more thoughtful approach to turf management.
148
100
70 60
0 Water Only
Water + LV ™ (0.125% v/v)
Water + LV ™ (0.25% v/v)
70
50
49.5
40
44.3
30 20 10 0
Water
80:20 Non-Ionic Surfactant (0.125% v/v)
LV ™ (0.125% v/v)
8 7
7.4
6
6.1
5 pH
Each question is connected to the next. An opportunity to improve efficiency at one stage can support better performance at the stages that follow. Water management is often discussed in terms of irrigation, but the conversation is much broader than that. Every spray application relies on water. Every application has to move from the tank to the target, and every application ultimately interacts with the plant, soil and surrounding environment. Water management and application efficiency are closely connected.
150
80 Contact Angle (Degrees)
How well does it reach and remain on the intended target?
200
0
Where does the water come from?
How effectively does the application travel through the air?
250
50
It also means looking at water management as a connected process:
What happens to it in the spray tank?
373
300
4 3 2.8
2 1 0
Water Only
Water + LV ™ (0.125% v/v)
Water + LV ™ (0.25% v/v)
Zipline
Zipline 8oz / M
Untreated Control
Enlarged view of turf treated with Zipline shows a consistent playing surface compared to the untreated control.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 13
Feature continued
Since you can’t control the weather, understanding how water behaves is one way to help make better decisions as conditions change. During drought, that may mean focusing on getting available water into the rootzone and making it available to the turf for as long as possible. During periods of extreme rainfall, it may mean focusing on infiltration, distribution and reducing the potential for runoff and leaching. When application conditions are challenging, it may mean looking for ways to improve deposition and reduce off-target movement. When environmental stress is high, it may mean looking beyond appearance to technologies that support coverage, adhesion and turf performance. The common thread is water. Managing it effectively requires looking beyond a single irrigation event, product or application and considering the entire journey. At The Aquatrols Company, we believe water management should be considered across the entire process. From the source, to the tank, through the air, onto the target and into the soil, our technologies are designed to help turf managers better manage water and optimize the products they rely on. Each solution addresses a different point in the water journey. Together, they represent a broader approach to water management; one focused on efficiency, performance and stewardship. Being a water partner isn’t about simply helping you apply water, we’re here to help you understand the entire journey of water and help manage it better at every step.
More on the Architecture of The Olde Farm… BY ERIC SPURLOCK OF LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
R
ecently, I had the opportunity to play a bucket-list golf course: The Olde Farm in Bristol, Virginia. For the past 15 years, I have worked alongside the golf course superintendents and managers and have toured the property countless times. What made this visit especially meaningful was finally experiencing what is known as “The Olde Farm experience” across the cattle guards. The experience begins with a simple yet elegant Clubhouse that complements the setting rather than competing with it. Perched atop a hill, the clubhouse offers sweeping views of the property. Your eye naturally finds No. 12 and the Orchard Course to the left, while Nos. 1, 11, 10 and 9, along with the Party Barn, frame the foreground and right side of the view. The playability and presentation of the golf course, under the direction of Corey Landon and his team, are among the best in the Mid-Atlantic. The course is conditioned in a way that allows the ground game to play a significant role in how shots are approached and executed. Firm, fast fairways are complemented by approaches and “roll-off” areas that are even firmer. Depending on your game, that can turn a well-played shot into a fun and exciting par—or just as easily into a bogey. Approach shots vary dramatically throughout the course, with uphill, downhill and even blind shots, along with slopes that move in virtually every direction. Yet nothing feels forced or abrupt. The transitions from the fairways and approaches into the greens and green surrounds are seamless, with the tie-ins extending well beyond the putting surfaces and creating a natural continuity throughout the course. The name The Olde Farm is a reflection of the property’s roots as a working farm, and many of those elements remain woven into the experience. The Long Barn has been beautifully refurbished and now serves as a player comfort station. As you progress through the round, you pass by the garden, which provides seasonal produce for the club’s renowned dining program. In the distance, the third hay baling of the season was well underway—a subtle reminder that, despite the exceptional golf course and amenities, the property remains very much connected to its agricultural roots. That combination is what makes The Olde Farm unique. It is an exceptional golf course, but the experience extends well beyond golf. From the moment you cross the cattle guards, the property, the golf course, the conditioning and the history all work together to create something that feels genuinely special.
Merry Christmas
from the VTC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
14 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2026 www.vaturf.org
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