CHIPS % OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in P O C O N O T U R F G R A S S A S S O C IA T IO N 1936 VOL. 6, NO. 3 MAY 2000 FACTORS AFFECTING GREEN SPEED By: Dr. Patty Sweeney, George Hamilton & Dr. Karl Danneberger (The Ohio State University & The Penn State University) enough to accept a well-struck golf shot. A small In golf, successfully managed greens amount of mat or thatch is desirable since it are often associated with speed. Speed alone, provides some resiliency and cushion to golf however, does not symbolize a good or healthy balls struck onto the green; however, too much golf green. The ultimate fast green would be as thatch can be detrimental to putting green speed hard as a rock, smooth as glass, and void of and smoothness. grass. No golfer would want to play on this type A Stimpmeter measures ball roll distance of surface. The green would have no “feel” or (BRD) and is used to quantify green speed. “touch” and making a putt would be a function Although the Stimpmeter is a much-maligned of luck. device, used properly it can be a helpful tool in Several components are essential to an keeping green speeds consistent. The United ideal putting surface and influence green States Golf Association (USGA) classification of speed. Resiliency, uniformity, smoothness, and green speed is based on Stimpmeter firmness contribute to overall green speed. measurements (Table 1). Resiliency is the capacity of the turf to absorb shock and affects the ability of a putting green Mowing Height to hold a properly struck golf shot. Ball roll increases when the mowing height Uniformity implies that each green on a is reduced. Lower mowing heights tend to course and all areas of each green putt the promote smoother, more uniform surfaces; same. Nothing is more discouraging than however, reducing the mowing height below the playing a round of golf on putting greens of optimum height for a species or variety can variable speed. Variation in location, result in a loss of shoot density, root growth and construction, microenvironment, and grass production, decreased carbohydrate synthesis, species makes perfect uniformity among and increased susceptibility to environmental greens nearly impossible. Even uniformity and biotic stresses. All of which contribute to within a green is difficult to achieve. This reduced turfgrass wear tolerance. variability is often the case when dealing with (Continued on page 3) complex biological systems that are not easily separated into simple components. The second major component affecting I'h- tfasl green speed is smoothness. A smooth surface generates less friction, and thus, causes less resistance to ball roll. On a rough green, the • R oots o f S um m er S tress friction created quickly reduces speed. • R oundup News Firmness refers to the hardness of the • M ay G o lf R esults green. The firmer the surface, the faster the green speed. Difficulty arises in maintaining greens firm enough to promote speed, yet soft President's Message....... OFFICERS We have been trying to figure out when all this rain and cool weather is & going to stop. (Next month I’ll be begging for rain and cool weather). It certainly has been good for my fishing recently. It’s been a great spring for DIRECTORS me so far, catching and releasing many trout at my favorite fishing hole. As usual we are in another crazy weather pattern. A little over a week ago TURFGRASS 2000 many of you were seeing snowmold on your course. We had a few tees get ASSOCIATION hit pretty hard the next to last week of May. By the time you receive this we will have had our May meeting, and I am sure we will all have had a great time. I would like to thank our host Charlie Labar for being gracious enough to get approval at his club to have us as PRESIDENT their guests. GREAT JOB! Ron Garrison, CGCS Recently Andy Jubinski, GCS at Glenmaura National, hosted two very big Fox Hill Country Club events at his club, the NCAA Regional championships and the “Steamtown Classic”, Buy.com Tour event. Andy and his Assistant Jeff Koch had the golf VICE PRESIDENT course in excellent condition for both events. Green speeds were close to Gene Huelster twelve feet on the stimpmeter. Fairways, tees, approaches and collars were Pocono Farms Country Club below a half an inch. The rough was nearly five inches in height. From what was said, it will be a regular stop for the Buy.com Tour and a future PGA SECRETARY/TREASURER Tour stop. Great news for the entire area... It was great to have the Tony Grieco, CGCS opportunity to see the organization and camaraderie expressed while Silver Creek Country Club volunteering for the events. Many of you were there to help or sent help, and Andy and his staff surely appreciated it. Now the next event for his crew is DIRECTORS their annual member/guest, only a few days away. Best of luck getting that Jason J. Barndt rough down to its “member” playing height! Berwick Golf Club We are in the process of taking the names of members who may be interested in guiding this Association into the future. Please let one of your Darrin M. Batisky Board members know that you are interested in running for the PTGA Board. Glen Oak Country Club It’s your Association! Jim MacLaren See you all at the meetings! Turf Partners, Inc. Mark Eisele Ron Garrison, CGCS Country Club at Woodloch Springs John Downer Elkview Country Club Gary Phillips From the Editor's Desk. Racqueteers Sports Complex The article on the front page is adapted from a new publication/pamphlet CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF produced by three leaders in the industry: The Ohio State University, Penn State University and the USGA (See Ron, OSU & PSU can work together). EDITOR It is worth getting this information out to our membership because I believe a D a rrin B a tis k y common misperception among the golfing public is that the only factor effecting green speed is height o f cut (HOC). As we know, HOC is Managing Editor, M e lin d a W is n o s k y extremely important, but it is only part of an integrated system of different factors that dictates green speed. There is not much in the article that most R.R. 1, Box 219 of us do not already know, however, most of it can be adapted to our own Harding, PA 19643 club newsletters to inform golfers. The full color pamphlet includes research 570-388-2889 summary graphs excluded in our publication and is worth looking at. It can Fax: 570-388-2167 be obtained by calling the USGA at Golf House (908) 234-2300. At Glen Oak we’re purchasing 300 copies to send to our membership. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE As always your comments are welcome & see you at the meetings!! Jim MacLaren Darrin Batisky Tony Grieco, CGCS PAfri (Continued from page 1) practices include: Mowing heights should always be within the tolerance range of the variety being maintained. When reducing Mowing in different directions from day to day. mowing height, the height of cut should be gradually For example, if greens are mowed east and west on lowered over time. A rapid reduction in mowing height Monday, on Tuesday they should be mowed north often results in scalping. and south. Over the last 40 years, mowing heights for putting greens have decreased from 0.25 inches to as low as 0.10 Verticutting. Shallow verticutting (1/8” deep) cuts inches. An acceptable mowing height for a putting green creeping bentgrass stolons and results in a more varies and is influenced by a number of factors including: upright plant. In addition, verticutting removes (1) golfer expectation, (2) amount of play, (3) budget, (4) excessive tissue. During active plant growth, a light climate, (5) microclimates, and (6) turfgrass species or verticutting may be done weekly. variety. Generally, the acceptable range for cutting height for creeping bentgrass and mixtures of creeping bentgrass Brushing. Brushing lifts turfgrass plants before they and annual bluegrass is 5/32 (0.156) to 3/16 (0.187) of an are mowed. This promotes a more upright and less inch. leafy putting surface. Avoid brushing during periods of stress. Mowing Frequency Frequent mowing promotes high shoot density and Grooming. Grooming (1/16” deep) works similar to vertical leaf growth that results in a smooth putting light verticutting although groomers have more surface. Research has shown that changes in mowing closely spaced blades. Groomers are available for frequency can result in a temporary loss of green speed. most greensmowers. Interruptions in mowing frequency are usually caused by wet conditions that limit mowing in poorly drained areas. Thus, adequate drainage can indirectly influence green speed by minimizing disruptions in mowing frequencies. Multiple mowings per day, such as double cutting, can ¡ÇËntÜrŸRÂÏnÂÏdJ significantly increase ball speed. Double cutting normally Featuring consists of mowing the green in one direction, then mowing again perpendicular to the first mowing. In our studies, double cutting usually increased green speed M W'’nfe r Rotors «Valves • Central Control Systems compared to a single cutting. When double cutting was 800- 347-4272 used in conjunction with other practices such as grooming, significant increases in ball roll occurred; however, daily double cutting can result in reduced stress tolerance and PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY significant wear damage. PTC 4049 LANDISVILLE R0AD, BOX 865 D 0YLE ST0W N , PA 18901-0865 OFFICE 215-345-7200 FAX 215-345-6132 Grain Control Grain refers to a condition when turfgrass plants lie MATTHEW W. BROWN GEORGE J. SKAWSKI, JR. Commercial Products Irrigation Products horizontally in one or more directions. The result is a non- Voice Mail Voice Mail 215-340-5401 215-340-5450 uniform green with non-uniform putting speed. Putting TORO, “with the grain” results in significantly longer ball rolls than putting “against the grain.” In our studies, we have found as much as a 24 to 30 inch difference in ball roll when putting with, versus against, the grain. However, the closer N O V A R T I S a green is mown, the less effect grain has on the roll of the ball. John D. Fowler Novartis Crop Protection, Inc. Turf and Ornamental 325 Mill Pond Lane To minimize grain, cultural methods that promote or Sr. Marketing Specialist Oxford, PA 19363 www.cp.novartis.com encourage upright growth should be practiced. These Tel 610 998 2896 Fax 800 334 9481 Ext. 5899 Fax 610 998 2897 john.fowler@cp.novartis.com Using grooved rollers. Grooved or Wiley rollers stand turfgrass plants up before being clipped by the reel. Grooved rollers should only be used during periods of N a t u r a l O r g a n ic P r o d u c t s minimal stress. During the summer when environmental stress occurs, switch to solid rollers to reduce the additional mechanical Joel Simmons stress induced by grooved rollers. P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 Fertility 8 0 0 -7 3 2 -T U R F Fertilization, primarily nitrogen application, influences green speed. When nitrogen is reduced, leaf blades become thinner and less succulent, resulting in a less dense turf stand. The loss in density reduces resistance from turfgrass plants, and theoretically, should increase green speed. In our research, we found that nitrogen levels did not significantly affect ball speed under normal nitrogen regimes. When nitrogen levels were compared to controls receiving no additional nitrogen, significant reduction in ball roll was observed in the treatment with no nitrogen. The benefits of increased green speed due to a deficient nitrogen fertility program need to be weighed against the reduced density of the turf that will become more susceptible to annual bluegrass and moss invasion. Thatch Thatch occurs between the soil surface and the green vegetation and is composed primarily of turfgrass roots, stems, and crowns. A slight amount of thatch provides a mat that improves the wear tolerance of a putting green, and thus, is desirable. Thatch also adds resiliency to the turf and provides a cushion for golf shots. The result is increased holding capacity. Excessive thatch, however, can negate management practices intended to increase ball roll. In our studies comparing mowing and grooming practices on thatchy turf, we found that increased thatch tended to (1) minimize ball roll, and (2) reduce the effectiveness of management practices targeted at increasing speed. Today’s newer creeping bentgrass varieties tend to have more mat thatch to be managed. Rolling Rolling putting greens to enhance green speed has been practiced for years. In the past, however, the use of heavy rollers lost favor due to soil compaction. With the introduction of advanced technology and lighter rollers, interest in rolling greens—especially sand-based greens— has increased. In short-term, intensive-rolling studies, we found rolling to significantly increase green speed on both USGA and native soil greens. Ball roll distance on rolled plots was 5 to 11 inches farther than non-rolled r PfiÿS. plots on a USGA sand green. As the study progressed, a general increase in Dean Snyder putting green speed was observed. On a native soil green, roll was also greater A President for the rolled treatment. Ball roll was 5 to 13 inches farther on the rolled plots. EGYPT FARM S EGYPT FARMS, INC. However, on the native soil green, only 3 of 7 Stimpmeter readings were P.O. Box 223 White Marsh, Maryland 21162 significant (P = 0.05). On greens constructed to USGA guidelines, 6 of 7 Phone; 800-899-7645 Stimpmeter readings were significant. Local: 410-335-3700 Pager: 800-705-0430 Increasing green speed with successive rollings was not observed on the Fax: 410-335-0164 soil green. Weather may account for some of the variation (conditions ranged from hot and humid to cold and dry). Comparison of Stimpmeter readings of the rolled plots versus control plots immediately preceding the rolling treatment revealed no difference in green speed on both the USGA and native soil Lee A. Kozsey i Senior Territory Sales Lead greens. From these data, it appears the effect of rolling on green speed is short lived (less than 24 hours). Infrequent rolling (once or twice a week) will Z e n e c a P ro fe s s io n a l P ro d u c ts 3710 Amherst Court enhance ball roll on the days of rolling with little affect on soil compaction. Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 We also conducted a study to measure the longevity of the increase in ball Telephone (610) 861-8174 Mobile (610)730-9185 roll using various rolling devices. The increase lasted at least 8 hours. Further Fax (610)882-9358 E-mail lee. kozsey @AGNA Zeneca.com studies revealed the increase in ball roll was maintained for 48 hours after Voice Mail (888) 875-9990, X0163 rolling. The 48-hour duration is longer than previously reported. However, the ZENECA A business unit of ZENECA Inc. second study was done in the fall when turfgrass growth was slow and few clippings were removed. This lack of growth may have been a major factor in the sustained ball roll. Thus, seasonal changes in turfgrass growth influence the effect of rolling. During periods of active turfgrass growth, the effects of rolling are short term; but during periods of minimal growth, rolling effects can last much longer. As in the previous study, no difference in water infiltration was detected. The frequent use of rollers (up to twice weekly) resulted in no apparent wear damage during this study. MERIT 0.5 G Insecticide USGA Classification of Green Speed For systemic insect control in turfgrass and landscape Membership Tournament ornamentals. Play Play FAST >8’6” >9’6” MEDIUM 7’6” 8’6” SLOW <7’6” <8’6” 216 541 Golf Shoe Tread Type New golf shoe treads and spikes are being developed to minimize the Bayer® I S ? --. damage to putting green surfaces. Changes in spike design and materials have significantly increased the number of tread types that are commercially available. Conventional 8-mm metal spikes have been banned from many golf courses because of their effect on putting green quality. Metal spikes, or any spike that causes plant tissue damage, can cause significant turf wear. Spikes that lift up turf plants or create depressions will affect green speed . Treads and spikes also respond differently as surface characteristics change. Some spikes are good for uniform surfaces where thatch is present, while other types of spikes are good for firm greens with high sand content (Continued on page 5) (Continued from page 5) G O L F W IN N E R S A T T H E M A Y M E E T IN G rootzones. Research and on-course spike evaluations A T W A T E R G A P C .C . should be part of any shoe tread control policy. Summary of Management Practices That Influence Low Gross Green Speed Many turfgrass management practices influence the 1st 72 - Ron G a rris o n /G e n e H u e lste r uniformity, smoothness, firmness, and resiliency of a 2nd 75 - S te ve T a g g a rt/R o n M artin putting green. The premise of this report is the effect of 3rd 75 - T o n y S tra n z l/S te v e S tranzl management on ball roll. Management practices are influenced by changes in temperature, humidity, light, and biotic stresses. In turn, all these factors can influence ball roll. Actual increase or decrease in green speed may Closest to the Pin vary on conditions present. #4 Bill S a blich Conclusion Longest Drive Maintaining healthy turfgrass and fast putting greens #7 Ron G arriso n requires the integration of several management practices. Mowing height and frequency, grass type, fertilization, irrigation, thatch management, grooming, and rolling can all contribute to putting green speed. The effects of many of these practices are interrelated and are sometimes Quotable Quotes dependent on other external factors. In addition, some practices can effect the turf stand. All these factors need We cannot direct the wind, to be considered to maintain a healthy putting green with but we can adjust the sails. adequate speed. Acknowledgement The authors wish to acknowledge the partial financial support by The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, the West Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association, and VERT1-ORAIN DEALERS & CONTRACTORS 717-200-9004 000-554-4063 the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. We would also like FAX 717-200-9023 to thank Stan Zontek, Keith Happ, Darin Bevard, and Kimberly Erusha of the USGA Green Section for E &. M G o l f S upply C o. A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 2 0 2 WOODWARD HILL RD.. EDWARDSVILLE. PA 10704 reviewing this publication. SPECIALISTIN DEEPTINE AERATION Stephen Michael • Layout and Design • Typesetting • Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s every players responsibility... interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.O. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message from your g o lf course superintendent and GCSAA ÍV 7 Roots of Summer Stress Tolerance The summer of 1999 has demonstrated, once again, how the turfgrass in­ dustry is limited under periods of severe stress as a result of the genetic nature of our plant material. Cool season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass simply Office & Home Phone Top Dressing do not have the genetic capacity to sustain active growth under periods of high White Haven 570-443-9596 Fax 570-443-9590 Bunker Sand Infield Mix temperature and moisture stress conditions. Researchers at Rutgers University have been exploring the genetic diver­ Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. sity of Kentucky bluegrass varieties for the last several years. Recently, re­ White Haven, PA 18661-9674 search has been attempting to identify the specific mechanisms by which some bluegrass varieties are more able to tolerate summer stress conditions. Potting Soil GENE EVANS, Owner A field experiment was conducted in 1995 and 1996 to evaluate five stress Soil Mixes Professional Engineer tolerant and five intolerant varieties for canopy temperature, root and shoot growth as well as soil moisture depletion. Plots were maintained at 1.5 height of cut and fertilized to supply 4 lbs. of N per 1000 square feet. The most fascinating result was the clear difference between stress toler­ ant and intolerant varieties when canopy temperature and stomate resistance was monitored. It was long suggested that decreased transpiration was an im­ portant strategy for summer stress survival. However, this research suggests that stress tolerant varieties are able to maintain water movement through the leaves while under stress, thereby providing transpirational cooling which likely sustains active growth during stressful periods. This transpirational measure­ ment was supported by the soil moisture depletion observed at the 6’ to 12” GOLF CARS INC. LEASING • SALES • SERVICE depth by the stress tolerant varieties. Interestingly, while there was no differ­ PAUL SZYM ANSKI SALES ence in root mass at the 6-12" depth, the tolerant varieties were extracting 4180 SKYRON DRIVE more moisture while intolerant varieties did not. BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 This work provides key observations that under conditions where a mois­ 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX ture reserve can be maintained deeper in the profile, there are summer stress TURF1 tolerant bluegrass varieties are able to extract moisture, maintain transpira­ tional cooling and sustain active growth. This information will be useful for breeders attempting to develop more stress tolerant varieties. (From. Bonos, S.A.and J. A. Murphy. 1999. Growth responses and perjôr- mance o f Kentucky bluegrass undersurm’nerstress. Crop Sci. 39.770-774.) TurfSaies & Consultation Ed Zimmerman ANDRE & SON, (NC. Market Sales Representative TURF KING PRODUCTS Serving The Area Since 1914 JJESCÖ LESCO, Inc. 1121 Lehigh Street Allentown, PA 18103 JOHN VOJICK 2 M ill S treet 800.321.5325 V.M. 6284 WMÍHF 717-278-1131 Work MONTROSE, PA 18801 610.432.2919 Office Carryall turf Aventis Shaun M. Barry Sales Representative koonz CHIPCO® Professional Products KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. No on knows irrigation like Koonz Aventis Environm ental Science p l a y t o wi n - 1133 Rt. # 2 7 800 - 772-8486 Somerset, NJ 08873 Tel. (732) 846-8173 Fax (732) 846-8113 Rain ^B ird J l ESD Waste Water Treatment e-mail: Shaun.Barry@aventis.com cnEEN-REiEAr. & Recycling System P ^8 POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO buy.com Tournament a.k.a. Steamtown Classic TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION To Andy Jubinski, Jeff Koch and his staff, a big round of applause for their successful efforts in preparing the Congratulations to the following: Glenmaura National Golf Course for the tournament. Word from the players, “It’s as good or better than most John Chassard (Lehigh C.C.) and his wife Susan on the PGA Tour stops.” birth of a bouncing baby girl (Madaket) on May 5. And Observed as of this writing: Wesley Avance (Eagle Rock) and his wife Jeni on their new addition to the world! => Many, many, many incidences of Pink Snow Mold (Microdochium navale) in the Congratulations to Roger Zellner (Green Pond) who got area. This being caused by the cloudy, cool weather married March 25, 2000. we were experiencing. Easy to control with a 26-GT type fungicide. Ed Keil had his gallbladder removed 4-4-00. Doing fine! Now => Also, Atthracnose has reared its ugly head. Don’t let it has two navels! get to the crown stage or you will be in deep doo-doo all summer! => Hyperodes weevil have been observed also. If you see your poa Annua going south in your collars, look Woodstone Golf Club in Danielsville: for the little critters. The new Delta-Guard has given The course is now open for play. It has been a treat to see excellent control! Pete Coughlin and his staff whip the place in shape for => Remember - Dursban (all formulations) CANNOT be opening. It is a beautiful and challenging facility. shipped UPS. So if you get caught with your pants down, order other products. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.