PHOTO A: This patchwork quilt pattern of discolored turf was caused by the new sod that had been installed during the month of August on this Montana fairway. Since the sod farm was located about three and a half hours away from the golf course, the contract called for the sod farm to harvest the sod in the evening and ship it overnight, so it would arrive at the course in the early morning. However, this particular truck showed up in the afternoon, so it obviously traveled the Interstate during the heat of the day. Apparently, all the correct conditions were in place when the sod had been harvested, with just the perfect blend of moisture so that oxygen was trapped in the center of the pallet between each layer of sod. This caused it to overheat and reach temperatures over 130 degrees. The sod was laid in the normal staggered pattern, causing the appearance in this photo. Almost 75 percent of the bluegrass ended up recovering in about five weeks. The rest of the sod is expected to heal in the spring.

Photo submitted by Sam Reznicek, assistant superintendent at the Reserve at Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, Mont., and a six-year member of GCSAA. Mike Wilcynski, a seven-year Superintendent Member of GCSAA, is superintendent.