Snow Mold Trial Sites

Each winter snow mold fungicide trials are held at multiple golf courses throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sites in recent years have varied from southern Wisconsin to northern Minnesota to offer a range of snow mold disease pressures.  More information on submitting protocols for the snow mold trials can be found here.

Microdochium Patch Trial at the OJ Noer Center – Madison, WI

This trial specifically targets Microdochium Patch (aka Pink snow mold)  The site is a fairway height plot of ‘Alpha’ creeping bentgrass that is inoculated with Microdochium nivale and covered with foam insulation to provide an optimal growing environment for the fungus.  Please note this trial is separate from the main snow mold trial and inclusion in this trial costs an additional $1000 per treatment.

Timber Ridge Golf Club – Minocqua, WI

Timber Ridge GC is located in the center of Wisconsin’s north woods. Heavy snowfall and a long duration of snow cover allow for primarily speckled snow mold (Typhula ishikariensis) to occur at this site. The trial is located on a fairway maintained at 0.5 inches.

Marquette Golf Club – Marquette, MI

Marquette is located in the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior. Annual snowfall averages 180 inches, and duration of snow cover often lasts for 150 days or longer. Snow mold pressure is intense at this site, though pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) is the primary disease observed. The trial is held on a fairway maintained at a 0.5 inch height.