YOUR REPORT

ISTRC SYSTEM

TM

FAWN LAKE
COUNTRY CLUB

October 8, 2010 Greens 5 & 16 Lab ID: 10090021

Presented To:

Mr. David Smith, GCS

11372 Strang Line Road Lenexa, KS 66215

Phone: 800-362-8873 Phone: 913-829-8873 Fax: 913-829-4013 E-Mail: office@istrc.com Website: www.istrc.com

October 8, 2010 Mr. David Smith, GCS FAWN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB 11500 Baldy Ewell Way Spotsylvania, VA 22553
re: Lab ID: 10090021; ISTRC SYSTEMTM BenchMarking of undisturbed core samples from Green #5 [center] and Green #16 [center]. ISTRC Rep: Mr. Rob Hessler

Dear David; We have completed the ISTRC SYSTEMTM BenchMarking of the undisturbed core samples taken from Green #5 [center] and Green #16 [center]. I. BACKGROUND
(per Information Supplied to ISTRC)

The Fawn Lake Country Club was originally built in 1996. The greens were constructed according to USGA recommended specifications using an 85/15 Sand/Peat blend and seeded with Southshore bentgrass. Greens 5 & 16 were previously tested in September 2006 and the past test results for both greens have been included within the report as a basis for comparison. The primary objective for testing is to document any changes in the greens physical properties and/or particle distribution to not only help assess the aging of the root zone, but also evaluate the impact of the past & current cultural practices. This year has been unusually tough on many golf courses. Despite the extreme summer, we understand the greens remained in very good condition. The greens are typically aerified in April & September using the inch Magnum tines on 2 inch centers. The greens are also supplemented with regular non-disruptive venting & topdressing. In the spring of 2009, the greens were not hollow core aerified in the spring, but were aerified in the fall. This year the greens were aerified in early April using the inch Magnum tines on 2 inch centers, but due to the tough summer the club elected to utilize a 3/8th inch hollow tines in the fall. Table 1 is an updated evaluation of the greens turf quality and micro-environments [growing conditions]. Through our work we have found that the numerical ratings within Table 1 are an essential part of the testing because they provide a correlation between the tested physical properties and your visual interpretation of each green.

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Table 1. Turf Quality (Current) Turf Quality (Sept. 2006) 9 8 Air Movement 9 7

Scale: 1 [bad] 5 [moderate] 10 [excellent]

Direct Sunlight 9 8

Comments
Trees to the right side of the green have been cleared since 2001 Average location

Green #5 Green #16

9 8

II. DISCUSSION OF LAB RESULTS The laboratory data can be found in its entirety at the end of this report. There are two sets of data. The first set of data consists of the physical evaluation, the evaluation of the root systems, and the measurement of the organic matter by layer. The second set of data contains the textural & particle size analysis. The textural analysis measures the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay comprising the soil. The particle size distribution analyzes the size distribution of the sand. We have also attached an aerification displacement chart at the end of the report. We designed the displacement chart to calculate the percentage of surface area that is removed from the green with various size tines and spacings. We have found that the chart is an excellent reference to evaluate the effectiveness of your program. If you have any questions interpreting the chart please feel free to give us a call. On the following pages we will discuss each of the tested greens. Included with the discussion are site photos of the greens, selected time lapse photos of the root zone, our Target Table with the greens physical properties, and an inch-by-inch breakdown of the Textural & Sand Particle Size Distribution. Tables 2 & 3 compare the current test results to our recommended target range for well-drained, sand-based greens. The Comparison Index in the tables is a quantitative assessment of the changes in the physical properties since our previous testing in 2009. It is important to note the +, - & = ratings in the index are not an indicator that a specific physical property is optimum or deficient; rather the index is intended to help identify trends. The time lapse photos included on the following pages were taken during the drying process of the samples and selected photos have been included to provide visual confirmation of the tested physical properties. As a general rule the darker the samples the higher the organic content & water holding properties. We have found the photos are an excellent indicator of organic matter/thatch accumulation and variations in water holding throughout the profile.

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Green #5

Sept. 2006

The current time lapse photos (upper right photos) clearly depict an accumulation of plant-deposited organic matter that has been compressed into a relatively dense layer within the upper 2 inches. The cumulative percentage of organic matter has increased since 2006, particularly at the 1-2 inch depth.
+ improvement, = no change, - regressed Comp. Index* +,=,-

Table 2.

Green #5 1 tier (0-4 in.)

st

Well-Drained Greens

September 2010
7.31 [lower than 2006, but remains well above average for its age] 20.44% [ok] 30.17% [high] 1.30 [lower in conjunction with the higher water retention a lower bulk density is indicative of a higher percentage of OM and/or thatch] 23.27% [high] 4.37% [very high] 2.32% [high] 0.56% [ok] 0.31% [ok] 5/8 in. 3 in. Sparse

Sept. 2006 10.96 21.26% 29.31%

July 2004 6.23 15.94% 30.02%

Aug. 2001 9.46 20.46% 25.69%

May 1998 6.46 15.13% 27.36%

Infiltration Rate [In/hr] Subsurface Air Capacity [Non-Capillary Porosity] Water Porosity [Capillary]

At least 6

= =

~20% 15% to 25%

Bulk Density [g/cc]

~1.35 to 1.45

1.38

1.32

1.36

1.33

Water Holding Organic Content: 0 1 Organic Content: 1 2 Organic Content: 2 3 Organic Content: 3 4 Root Mass Feeder Roots

10% to 20% 1.5% to 2.5% 1.0% to 2.0% 0.5% to 2.0% 0.5% to 1.5% at least in. at least 3.5 in. med. density

= = + =

21.20% 3.91% 1.07% 0.45% 0.39% in. 3 in. Sparse

22.74% 2.98% 0.68% 0.40% 0.27% in. <3 in.

18.86% 2.91% 0.85% 0.46% 0.47% in. <3 in.

20.63% 1.49% 0.50% 0.47% 0.81% in. 3 in. Heavy

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Green #16

Sept. 2006
Table 3.

Even though the greens have reported a higher percentage of OM, it is important to note the cultural program has been very effective in keeping the greens open & breathing.
+ improvement, = no change, - regressed Comp. Index* +,=,-

Green #16 st 1 tier (0-4 in.)

Well-Drained Greens

September 2010
8.85 [similar regression to Green #5s 1st tier sample the key variable in the tested greens ability to drain is the layering as well as the absence of presence of an aerification hole when compressed into a layer the organic material in the upper 2 inches of the root zone is capable of completely sealing off the root zone] 20.51% [good, particularly for 14 to 15 year old greens] 28.37% [little high] 1.39 [unchanged] 20.39% [at our upper target range majority confined to the upper 2 inches of the root zone] 3.73% [high] 2.86% [high] 0.63% [ok] 0.31% [ok] 5/8 in. 3 in. Sparse

Sept. 2006

Aug. 2001

May 1998

Infiltration Rate [In/hr]

At least 6

14.23

8.31

14.31

Subsurface Air Capacity [Non-Capillary Porosity] Water Porosity [Capillary] Bulk Density [g/cc] Water Holding Organic Content: 0 1 Organic Content: 1 2 Organic Content: 2 3 Organic Content: 3 4 Root Mass Feeder Roots

~20% 15% to 25% ~1.35 to 1.45 10% to 20% 1.5% to 2.5% 1.0% to 2.0% 0.5% to 2.0% 0.5% to 1.5% at least in. at least 3.5 in. med. density

= + = = + +

22.47% 27.32% 1.39 19.65% 4.02% 1.06% 0.48% 0.33% in. <3 in.

19.65% 25.82% 1.36 19.04% 3.17% 0.82% 0.43% 0.36% in. 3 in. Sparse

15.68% 23.75% 1.39 17.10% 1.99% 0.70% 0.59% 0.74% in. 3 in. Sparse

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Particle Distribution
Textural Analysis
Sand USDA (mm) U.S. Sieve (mesh)
SAMPLE NAME
.05 to 2.00

Sand Particle Size Distribution

Gravel
2.00

Silt
.002 to .05

Clay
<.002

Very Coarse
1.00

Coarse
0.50

Medium
0.25

Medium
0.18

Med/Fine
0.15

Fine
0.10

Very Fine
0.05

270 to 18 97.32 92.87 90.51 91.90 96.98 93.09 91.49 92.12

89 to 100

(Pan) 0.02 2.77 5.77 5.01 0.02 0.04 4.31 3.70

(Pan) 2.66 3.48 2.99 2.89 2.65 5.54 2.15 1.85

10 0.00 0.88 0.73 0.20 0.35 1.33 2.05 2.33

18 1.55 3.70 5.35 3.75 1.33 4.73 5.88 9.18

35 18.28 23.88 23.50 22.83 16.03 21.43 25.85 25.28

60 56.43 46.98 42.53 46.98 56.43 47.85 42.58 41.30

80 11.75 8.60 8.25 8.68 12.63 9.30 7.55 7.90

100 3.78 2.95 3.03 2.85 4.38 2.95 2.80 2.55

20 Max. 20 - #80

140 3.50 3.63 3.90 3.58 3.73 3.60 3.38 3.03

270 2.03 3.13 3.95 3.23 2.45 3.23 3.45 2.88

% Retained on Sieve

Green #5s 1st tier Green #16s 1st tier

.25 - 1.0 in. 1.0 - 2.0 in. 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in. .25 - 1.0 in. 1.0 - 2.0 in. 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in.

pecifications nes

89 to 100

5 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. w/ Fine & V.F. 5 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. w/ Fine & V.F.

3 Max. 10 Max. 10 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. 10 Max.

At least 60 15 to 25 40+ 10 to 15 65 to 85 Optimum

5 Max. 10 Max. w/Silt & Clay 5 Max. 10 Max. w/Silt & Clay

Above is the inch-by-inch analysis (upper 4) of the Textural & Particle Size Distribution for Green 5s 1st tier & Green 16s 1st tier. A complete inch-by-inch analysis for both greens is also attached to the end of the report. The lower box contains the USGA specifications & ISTRC Guidelines - the upper set is the USGA specifications and the lower set is the expanded guidelines from ISTRC. The inch-by-inch breakdown of the Textural & Sand Particle Size Distribution is comparable to our previous testing of the greens. As documented in the 2006 report, the peak on the 35 & 60 sieve is a common characteristic in a USGA sand; however both the past & current testing reports percentages of Fine Sand, Very Fine Sand, Silt & Clay that are at or above the USGA recommended cumulative maximum of 10 percent. Topdressing will continue to play a key role in the long-term health & playability of the greens. Topdressing using a quality USGA sand will help re-structure the particle distribution while also providing a crucial interface between the organic matter/thatch and the playing surface. A high percentage of organic matter at/near the surface can cause extreme contrasts in playing conditions from soft & spongy when wet to rock hard and borderline hydrophobic if allowed to dry out. III. SUMMARY A general discussion on Maintenance Practices is contained in Section V of The ISTRC Guidebook. We encourage you to reference the Guidebook for a wide range of topics relating to the root zone, environmental factors, and maintenance. The greens have consistently supported a quality turf with good playing condition. Your ability to maintain the health & playability of the greens in spite of deficiencies in the root zone physical properties is a real testament to your daily management & watering programs. Greens 5 & 16 have reported classic symptoms of an older sand-based green, as expressed in the accumulated organic matter & thatch, but it is important to note the current infiltration rates & air porosities are higher than most greens of similar age.

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The infiltration rates at 7.31 & 8.85 in./hr. are an excellent confirmation of the drainage potential of the upper root zone; however with drainage easily manipulated through a nondisruptive venting our testing & research has shown a more accurate assessment of the overall health & sustainability of the root zone is the balance between the air pores & water pores. Our well documented goal for mature sand-based greens would be to stabilize the root zone around a 1:1 air to water ratio. Due to the accumulated organic matter & thatch in the upper 2 inches, both greens have water porosities that exceed the air porosities. When organic matter percentages exceed our recommended target ranges and when compressed into a layer it is not uncommon to report air pores & water pores between at or above a 3:1 water to air ratio. Achieving the short & long term goals for your greens will continue to be dependent on keeping up with the percentage & distribution of plant-deposited organic matter & thatch. Given the current conditions, age of the greens, and construction type our general recommendation for your greens would be a program that targets at least 15 to 20 percent annual surface area displacement. Non-disruptive venting and topdressing during the playing season will also continue to play a key role in keeping the greens open & breathing. We would recommend that you continue to monitor your greens with regular testing. The information derived from regular testing will allow you to monitor the aging process of the greens, evaluate the effectiveness of the current cultural practices, modify the program based on hard data, make adjustments to the program to meet the individual needs of specific greens, and detect problems before they affect the health of the greens. If you have any questions or need any additional information we encourage you to give us a call. We are always available to answer questions and discuss ideas with you. Our service is not confined to analyzing undisturbed cores. We do not charge for telephone calls and we encourage our client superintendents to use us as a resource. Sincerely, I.S.T.R.C. by: Matt Pulis, M.S. Agronomist

Page: 6

I.S.T.R.C. Form: Physical Evaluation Copyright 1994 by I.S.T.R.C.

"ISTRC SYSTEM" is a Registered TradeMark of I.S.T.R.C. Patents 5,668,306 - 5,672,813 - 5,672,814

I.S.T.R.C.
"International Sports Turf Research Center, Inc."
11372 Strang Line Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215

Page: 1

Phone: 913-829-8873 Phone: 800-362-8873 Fax: 913-829-4013

The I.S.T.R.C. System

Company: Name: Address: City, ST, Zip

FAWN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB Mr. Dave Smith, GCS 11500 Baldy Ewell Way Spotsylvania, VA 22553
ISTRC SYSTEM Core Analysis

Account No. 5409255 Date 29-Sep-10 Facility Fawn Lake C.C. ISTRC Rep. Mr. Rob Hessler Porosity
Solids % Total Porosity % Capillary [Water Pores] % Non-Capillary [Air Pores] %

Physical Evaluation
Infiltration Rate 40 cm Water Holding % Bulk Density g/cc

LAB ID NO.

SAMPLE NAME
Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] .25 to 1 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 1 to 2 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 2 to 3 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 3 to 4 in.

in/hr

10090021-G05 Green #5, Center

7.31
4.37% 2.32% 0.56% 0.31%

23.27

1.30

49.39

50.61

30.17

20.44

Root Mass: 5/8" Feeders: 3" sparse

10090021-G16 Green #16, Center

Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] .25 to 1 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 1 to 2 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 2 to 3 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 3 to 4 in.

8.85
3.73% 2.86% 0.63% 0.31%

20.39

1.39

51.12

48.88

28.37

20.51

Root Mass: 5/8" Feeders: 3" sparse

Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] .25 to 1 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 1 to 2 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 2 to 3 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 3 to 4 in.

Root Mass: Feeders:

Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] .25 to 1 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 1 to 2 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 2 to 3 in. Organic [ISTRC Walkley/Black] 3 to 4 in.

Root Mass: Feeders:

USGA Sample Range [Root Zone Mix]

at least 6

10 to 20

1.4 to 1.7

45 to 65

35 to 55

15 to 25

15 to 30

Reviewed by:

I.S.T.R.C. Form: Textural Analysis Copyright 1994 by I.S.T.R.C.

ISTRC SYSTEM is a Registered Trademark of I.S.T.R.C. Patents 5,668,306 - 5,672,813 - 5,672,814

I.S.T.R.C.
International Sports Turf Research Center, Inc."
11372 Strang Line Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 Company: Name: Address: City, ST, Zip FAWN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB Mr. Dave Smith, GCS 11500 Baldy Ewell Way Spotsylvania, VA 22553 Phone: 913-829-8873 Phone: 800-362-8873 Fax: 913-829-4013
Account No. 5409255 Date 29-Sep-10 Facility Fawn Lake C.C.
ISTRC Rep. Mr. Rob Hessler

Page: 1

Textural Analysis
Sand USDA (mm) U.S. Sieve (mesh)
LAB ID NO. SAMPLE NAME
.05 to 2.00

Sand Particle Size Distribution

Gravel
2.00

Silt
.002 to .05

Clay
<.002

Very Coarse
1.00

Coarse
0.50

Medium
0.25

Medium
0.18

Med/Fine
0.15

Fine
0.10

Very Fine
0.05

270 to 18 97.32 92.87 90.51 91.90 96.98 93.09 91.49 92.12

(Pan) 0.02 2.77 5.77 5.01 0.02 0.04 4.31 3.70

(Pan) 2.66 3.48 2.99 2.89 2.65 5.54 2.15 1.85

10 0.00 0.88 0.73 0.20 0.35 1.33 2.05 2.33

18 1.55 3.70 5.35 3.75 1.33 4.73 5.88 9.18

35 18.28 23.88 23.50 22.83 16.03 21.43 25.85 25.28

60 56.43 46.98 42.53 46.98 56.43 47.85 42.58 41.30

80 11.75 8.60 8.25 8.68 12.63 9.30 7.55 7.90

100 3.78 2.95 3.03 2.85 4.38 2.95 2.80 2.55

140 3.50 3.63 3.90 3.58 3.73 3.60 3.38 3.03

270 2.03 3.13 3.95 3.23 2.45 3.23 3.45 2.88

% Retained on Sieve

10090021-G05 .25 - 1.0 in. Green #5 1.0 - 2.0 in. Center 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in. 10090021-G16 .25 - 1.0 in. Green #16 1.0 - 2.0 in. Center 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in. .25 - 1.0 in. 1.0 - 2.0 in. 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in. .25 - 1.0 in. 1.0 - 2.0 in. 2.0 - 3.0 in. 3.0 - 4.0 in.
USGA Recommended Specifications ISTRC Guidelines

89 to 100 89 to 100

5 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. w/ Fine & V.F. 5 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. w/ Fine & V.F.

3 Max. 10 Max. 10 Max. 3 Max. 10 Max. 10 Max.

At least 60 15 to 25 40+ 65 to 85 Optimum 10 to 15

20 Max. 20 - #80

5 Max. 10 Max. w/Silt & Clay 5 Max. 10 Max. w/Silt & Clay

Reviewed by: ______________________________

ISTRC
International Sports Turf Research Center

Aerification Displacement Chart

Tine Size Hollow Tines 3/8 Hollow Tines Hollow Tines 5/8 Hollow Tines 5/8 Hollow Verti-Drain Hollow Tines Hollow Verti-Drain 1 Hollow Tines 1 Hollow Verti-Drain 7/8 Drill & Fill (7 Ctrs) Graden Verticutter (15 Blades @ 1 Spacings) 1.25 x 1.25 Centers 3.14% 7.07% 12.57% 19.63% 1.5 x 1.5 Centers 2.18% 4.91% 8.73% 13.64% 2.0 x 2.0 Centers 1.23% 2.76% 4.91% 7.67% 2.5 x 2.5 Centers 0.79% 1.77% 3.14% 4.91% 7.07% 5 x 5 Centers

1.23% 1.77% 1.77% 3.14% 3.14% 1.23%

1mm Blade 3.93%

2mm Blade 3mm Blade 7.87% 11.81%

Note: 1/4" Quadtines remove as much material as Regular 1/2" Hollow Tines 3/8 minimum for ease of topdressing fill if replacement of material is required For double aerification make two passes at approx. 37 (slightly less than 45) to minimize overlap

International Sports Turf Research Center, Inc.

For Additional Information Please Call:

1-800-362-8873 913-829-8873 913-829-4013

Or Visit Our Website At: Fax: or

www.istrc.com