GREEN SECTION AWARD Joseph Valentine, longtime superintendent of Merion Golf Club, now retired, receives the Green Section Award from retiring USGA President John Winters, Jr. (See story page 12). Published by the United States Golf Association (C) 1964 by United States Golf Association. Permission to reprint articles or material in THE USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD is granted to publishers of newspapers, periodicals and books (unless speci- fically noted otherwise), provided credit is given USGA and copyright protection is afforded. Neither articles nor other material may be copied or used for any advertising, promotion or commercial purpose. VOL. 1, No. 6 March 1964 The Putting Green ........................ Educational Program Abstracts Importance of Putting Green in Game Course Maintenance Centers on Putting Green Putting Green Design ................................................................................................... Concepts of Perfect Putting Green Construction of Putting Greens .................................................................................... Putting Green Grasses and Their Management 1-11 1 2 4 6 7 8 11 A New Tee at Pine Valley ............................ By A. M. Radko and Lee Record 12 Green Section Award to Valentine .................................................................................... 13 John Realty—Story of the ’63 Open Published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November by the UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION, 40 East 38th ST., NEW YORK, N. Y. 10016. Subscription: $2 a year. Single copies: 30£. Subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the above address. Articles, photo­ graphs, and correspondence relevant to published material should be addressed to: United States Loit Association Green Section, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Office of Publication. 315 Railroad Avenue, East Rutherford, N. J. Editor: Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson Managing Editor: Don Weiss THE GREEN SECTION OF THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION Green Section CHAIRMAN: Henry H. Russell, P.O. Box 57-697, Miami 57, Fla. DISTRICT CHAIRMEN: Northeastern: John P. English, Williamstown, Mass.; Mid-Atlantic: Martin F. McCarthy, Chevy Chase, Md. ; Southeastern: El­ bert S. Jemison, Jr., Birmingham, Ala. ; Mid­ Committee Western: Charles N. Eckstein, Chicago, Ill.; South­ western: L. A. Stemmons, Jr., Dallas, Texas: Pacific Northwest: Edward A. Dunn, Seattle, Wash. ; California: Lynn A. Smith, Pasadena, Calif. Rocky Mountain: J. W. Richardson, Magna, Utah. Green Section Agronomists and Offices EASTERN REGION Northeastern Office: P. _O. Box 1237 Park, N. J. Highland Director, Eastern Region Alexander M. Radko, Agronomist Northeastern Griffin, Holman M. Agronomist Northeastern Harman, Raymond E. ----------- , -------------- Lee Record, Northeastern Agronomist Southeastern Office: P.O. Box 4213, Campus Station, Athens, Ga. James B. Moncrief, Southeastern Agronomist USGA OFFICERS AND PRESIDENT: Clarence W. Benedict, White Plains, N. Y. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Wm. Ward Foshay, New York, N. Y. Hord W. Hardin, St. Louis, Mo. SECRETARY: Philip H. Strubing, Philadelphia. TREASURER: Robert K. Howse, Wichita, Kan. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The above officers and : Fred Brand, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.; William C. Campbell, Huntington, W. Va. ; Robert F. Dwyer, USGA HEADQUARTERS: “Golf House”, 40 MID-CONTINENT REGION Southwestern Office: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Director, Mid-Continent Region and National Research Coordinator Jerry H. Cheesman, Southwestern Agronomist Mid-Western Office: Room 221, LaSalle Hotel, James L. Holmes, Mid-Western Agronomist Chicago 2, Hl. WESTERN REGION Western Office: P.O. Box 567, Garden Grove, Calif. William H. Bengeyfield, Director, Western Region EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Portland, Ore. ; Edward L. Emerson, Boston, Mass. : Edwin R. Foley, San Francisco; J. W. McLean, Houston, Tex. ; Eugene S. Pul­ liam, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Henry H. Russell, Miami, Fla. ; Charles P. Stevenson, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Morrison Waud, Chicago, Ill. GENERAL COUNSEL: Lynford Lardner, Jr., Milwaukee, Wis. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Joseph C. Dey, Jr. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: P. J. Boatwright, Jr. East 38th Street, New York, N. Y. 10016 The Putting Green Various aspects of the Putting Green were dealt with during the day-long Educational Program of the United States Golf Association's Green Section at the Biltmore Hotel in New York on January 24, 1964. The meeting was conducted on a lively note under the able chairmanship of Henry H. Russell, Chairman of the USGA Green Section Committee. Mr. Russell was assisted by Bill Gove of Miami, a widely-known sales consultant. Abstracts of remarks made by various speakers are presented here. IMPORTANCE OF THE PUTTING GREEN IN THE GAME William P. Turnesa, former USGA and British Amateur Champion The putting green is the focal point of the game. In a perfect round of golf, 18 strokes are played from the tee, 18 from the fairway and 36 from the put­ ting surface. Actually, most rounds of par or under are attained because the player used fewer than 36 putts. Putting is a skill that may be gained by the high handicap golfer as well as by the scratch player. It would ap­ pear that the putting green serves to remove some of the advantage of high­ ly skilled golfers over those of lesser capabilities. It is the approach shots which tend to accent the differences in golfing skill. It has been said that tournaments are won or lost on the putting green and an analysis of scoring frequently indicates that the winner did take few­ er putts. However, the fewer putts are quite likely to be the result of skillful approaches, which get the ball close enough to the hole to permit holing out with one putt. It is also true that lower scores have come about as a result of better putt­ ing surfaces. Greens that hold a well- MARCH, 1964 1 played shot and which permit a true roll of the ball give the player greater confidence. Closely clipped, tight turf growing on a firm base is characteristic of many Scottish courses. Such a green is fast and requires a different type of ap­ proach. Despite the increased difficulty of approach, the green is fast and true and is seldom seriously marked by cleats or ball damage. The advantage of greens which are softer but more susceptible to injury, such as we have in the United States, is questionable. William P. Turnesa COURSE MAINTENANCE CENTERS ON THE PUTTING GREEN W. H. Bengeyfield, Western Director, USGA Green Section We would probably all agree that golf course maintenance does center on the putting green. So, to start off by being controversial, let’s say that golf course maintenance does not center on the putting green! It centers on the golf course superintendent. The super­ intendent must have a plan and should know where his course is going. Like any progressive businessman, he must have a plan and give his program di­ rection. Putting green improvement must start in the mind of the golf course superintendent. Now, let’s become mercenary. There isn’t one of us who wouldn’t like to make more money, and we can make more money. But first, we must be­ come more valuable to our employer. Our employers are golfers—right? And I defy you to show me a golfer who will not fall in love with an out­ standing putting green. In fact, this is the golfer’s weakness and, being mer­ cenaries, we should exploit it to the highest. Let’s never forget the fact that our reputation as golf course superintendents is made or lost by the putting greens we produce. The Putting Green—that’s the tar­ get; not just for today and tomorrow, 2 but for the professional lifetime of any superintendent. I wonder if you can identify the author of the following: “In most parts of the country— the maintenance of a putting green in first-class condition represents the acme of accomplishment in grass culture. Good putting greens can be maintained only by constant, intel­ ligent, and in most cases costly at­ tention. To obtain a good putting green is one thing; to maintain it is another.” Any idea where these words came from? Well, they are from another era; another time. Charles Piper and Rus­ sell Oakley wrote them in their book “Turf for Golf Courses,” vintage 1917! In the 47 years since their writing, it’s safe to say The Putting Green has wrecked the professional career of pro­ bably thousands of superintendents and perhaps as many green chairmen throughout the country. Conversely, good greens have been responsible for the “making” of all the outstanding and noted golf course superintendents today. The Putting Green can be your greatest asset. It also can be your greatest liability. USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD Money For Maintenance Last year, one private 18-hole course in Southern California devoted 7,800 man hours to putting green mainten­ ance. That’s equivalent to four men on a 40-hour week working full time throughout the entire year on putting green maintenance! It represents a la­ bor expense of $21,000. In addition, $7,000 was spent for material, supplies and equipment depreciation. The total — $28,000 — for putting green maintenance amounts to 25% of the course budget. Especially signific­ ant, however, is the fact that the 20 greens on the course account for only three acres of a total of 130 acres. So, 25% of the budget was devoted to about 2% of the total land area! Now who will say this is not inten­ sive agriculture! The Putting Green is the world’s most expensive piece of agricultural real estate, and you are in charge of it. What a mercenary op­ portunity you have! In fact, what a challenge and what a great opportunity you have! Now, any time a person is charged with such responsibilities, he is bound to have all kinds of “experts” nearby who are ready and willing to give “free” advice. Outside advice can be helpful and please don’t shut it out completely. Perhaps the point can be summarized by the following quotation: “An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to be so open that there is no keeping anything in or out of it. It should be capable of shutting its doors sometimes, or it may be found a little drafty.” Today’s golf course superintendent should consider outside advice, but he should check it closely as to source and motive. One should respect faith, but it is doubt that gets us an education. A summary of this discussion of “Course Maintenance Centers on the Putting Green” would include: 1. The golf course superintendent is the important link in putting green maintenance. 2. He has an unlimited opportunity because golfers love outstanding greens. 3. Under his care is the most valu­ able piece of agricultural real estate in the world. 4. He is responsible for the final product, so he must choose his program and advice carefully. Consistently outstanding putting greens are our goal. And where do they start? I believe they start in the mind of the golf course superintendent. He holds the key. And so, this closing thought: If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don’t; If you want to win, but think you can’t, It’s almost a cinch you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you are lost; For out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow’s will; It’s all in the state of mind. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger and faster man. But sooner or later the man that wins; Is the man who thinks he can. William H. Bengeyfield MARCH, 1964 3 PUTTING GREEN DESIGN Charles N. Eckstein, USGA Green Section Committee Fifty-four strokes of every round of par golf are theoretically played to or on putting greens — one shot to the green and two putts. No wonder good design of greens encompasses golfing values, that it encompasses mainten­ ance considerations, and that there must be compromise between these fac­ tors. What are golfing values? A shot to a green which must carry a sand trap and have enough backspin to hold on a downhill slope away from the line of play? A long putt downhill, curling over a slight mound, with a chance to take two more putts or a chance for a short one-footer? A course that you have to think your way around, weigh birdies or pars against double bogies, triple bogies, and worse? A course you never get tired of playing because wind, pin placements, and trap carries cause it to play differently every time? All these conditions determine golf­ ing values. We are concerned here with those 54 shots, the golfing values of the putting green. Allow me to present my thoughts about golf values. I classify holes in terms of one-shot, two-shot or three- shot holes. The average player plays to a handicap of about 18. The greatest obstacle to improvement in most cases is lack of ability to attain distance. Because distance to the green should be related to the size of the target, I consider size the No. 1 characteristic in evaluating a green. I believe that a one-shot hole 250 yards long should have the largest target (green), and that a short one-shot hole should have a proportionately smaller green. On longer holes, size of the target should vary proportionately with the length of the approach. As a result of this viewpoint I have called the first char­ acteristic of any green its size. The second characteristic is shape. It may be described as (a) depth from front to back, (b) width from side to side, (c) outline of perimeter resulting from mowing or trapping. The No. 3 characteristic is location or orientation. This refers to (a) ele­ vation relative to fairway, (b) position relative to lines of flight, (c) location with reference to natural objects such as trees, water, boundaries, etc., (d) location with reference to other trouble, unplayable lies, etc. Contour is the fourth consideration. A green may be (a) tilted, sloped or pitched in any direction, or combina­ tion of directions, (b) terraced, (c) undulating, (d) guarded by adjacent mounds not part of the green that re­ quire carries, (e) any combination of these. The fifth characteristic is trapping. This device is used for (a) setting up the target, (b) creating mental haz­ ards as to position, distance and carry, and (c) to provide penalties for poor shots. Golfing Values I firmly believe that these character­ istics of a putting green determine golfing values. Hopefully, the designer will modify these characteristics to the extent dictated by maintenance re­ quirements and playing problems. With reference to our first charac­ teristic, Size, we must abide by the following maintenance considerations: (a) Variable cup placement adds in­ terest, spreads traffic, prevents soil compaction and actual wearing out of the grass, (b) Consideration must be given to the efficient use of fertilizer, labor in mowing, spraying, aerifying, spiking, etc., (c) Cost of original con­ struction is a factor, (d) At least a 10-foot to 12-foot apron should be pro­ vided so that mowers can turn off the green, (e) Size of green must be in harmony with other factors or char­ 4 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD acteristics such as shape, elevation, location, contour, and trapping. Shapes of greens probably are less affected by maintenance problems than is any other factor. Even so, there should be consideration of the cost of watering, mowing from every direc­ tion, and traffic patterns to and from the green. How shape affects trapping or vice versa is an important factor in construction costs and costs of main­ tenance of traps thereafter. The ap­ proach areas must be considered in determining the shapes of greens. Location of greens depends on (a) air circulation, (b) effect of tree roots and shade, (c) traffic patterns with refer­ ence to next tee, (d) maintenance of approaches to greens, (e) cost of vary­ ing elevations and how this in turn affects placing of traps. Contour and Maintenance The green characteristic that I call Contour affects maintenance so much that it undoubtedly is the basis of the entire subject. Let us consider that a good green must be constructed with (a) surface drainage for run-off, (b) gentle grades for maximum cupping area, (c) grades that will permit mow­ ing in any direction to prevent scalp­ ing and undue wear, (d) consideration for collars and adjacent slopes, (e) provision for avoiding erosion of ad­ jacent traps. Contour definitely affects the size or area of a green. The amount of actual surface used for slopes and irregular­ ities cuts down the available cupping area. As an example, a putting green may contain 5,000 square feet. But be­ cause of an irregular shape and the fact that there are surface irregular­ ities occupying 30% of the area, the effective size is much reduced. Fair pin placement will dictate that it be no closer than 10 feet to the edge. (Note— USGA recommends 15-foot minimum). Thus, 2,600 square feet around the perimeter plus the 1,500 square feet occupied by slopes and irregularities account for 4,100 square feet. This leaves only 900 square feet (an area 2O’x45’) for effective cup placement. The use of gentle slopes will permit much more effective use of any given size of putting green. The last characteristic of greens I call Trapping. This characteristic cer­ tainly is compromised by (a) cost of construction, (b) cost of maintenance, (c) drainage, (d) traffic, (e) mowing, (f) erosion. I have played many courses in the Middle West, mostly around Chicago, and I have seen 18 greens all pitched from back to front with from 2% to 3% grades—drainage was the major con­ sideration ; 18 greens all elevated and pitched so as to be targets requiring no skill; 18 greens which all remind one of plates upside down; 18 greens all flat. It is my impression that these are the things that make golf courses dull, and these are the courses you don’t want to play. I am sure the reason that lengthening courses has been so much publicized is because the shots to the greens of most courses are too easy and uninteresting. I spoke to many golf course superin­ tendents in our area and they concluded that a small green today should be about 4,000 square feet and under no circumstances should a green be over 8,000 square feet in area. A green of this size will provide sufficient area for changing cups, maintaining traffic dis­ tribution, and caring for all mainten­ ance problems. This size green also can create sufficient interest, require good shots, and require long and short putts. Golfers of all abilities can be kept happy and interested in that hole or that course. The photographs of the USGA Green Section Edu­ cational Program on pages 2, 3 and 7 are courtesy of Joseph Gambatese. MARCH, 1964 5 CONCEPTS OF A PERFECT PUTTING GREEN — PANEL DISCUSSION Holman M. Griffin, Green Section Agronomist, Moderator; Mrs. Allison Choate, 1963 USGA Senior Women’s Champion; Dr. Ralph E. Engel, USGA Green Section Committee; John P. English, USGA Green Section Committee. “Good greens, fast or slow, grainy or not, rolling or flat, can make a per­ son a great putter one day and on the next, under the same conditions, render him a helpless, frustrated fool. Is it then the perfection of greens we’re striving for, or are we on the quest of finding a human being who is simply not human? By asking this question I don’t in any way wish to detract from the importance of having perfect greens. Don’t ever let us mortals have an alibi for missing them!” With these words, Mrs. Choate char­ acterized the elusiveness of perfection in efforts to achieve a perfect putting green. A perfect green is perhaps un­ attainable. However, some desirable characteristics were given expression by the panelists. Fast greens are desirable, but ex­ cessively fast greens slow up play. . . . A player is much more deliberate in stroking the ball on a lightning-fast green. . .Medium-sized greens are pre­ ferable to extremely large ones. . . .A pitch to the pin is an easier shot than an extremely long putt. “Much can be done to attain per­ fection by the players themselves. So often pit marks are not repaired but since they can be fixed at any time, more important are scuff marks made by spikes which cannot be touched by the following players. Dropping matches could be dispensed with, also cigarette stubs.” Dr. Engel outlined turf character­ istics implicit in a perfect green as follows: “First, a high density of leaf blades per unit area is necessary to give the ball a good level ride. A bentgrass that can grow densely and a good steady supply of nitrogen are especi­ ally important for good leaf density. “Second, an upright position of the leaf blades gives a truer roll of the ball. The right grass, good density, and frequent mowing give more verti­ cal growth. “Third, uniform growth, a rather obvious requirement, is easy for some grasses if they receive a light, steady fertilizer stimulation. Uniform growth is difficult to obtain if the green has a mixture of grasses that are very un­ like in texture. “The fourth characteristic of a good green is enough resilience and tough­ ness to resist footprinting and stand one big day’s wear in the cupping area.” Putting Green Faults From the standpoint of detracting from desirability with respect to maintenance needs, the following faults were listed: (1) too few pin positions, (2) soils excessively sandy or clay-like, (3) a green badly drained —on the surface or internally, (4) a green that requires over-watering to hold a golf shot, (5) lack of a de­ sirable grass, and (6) lack of suffi­ cient area at the green site for work, equipment, and golfers. While each golfer at a club may have in his mind’s eye the picture of perfection, the pragmatist’s quest­ ion must be, “How much perfection can we afford?” It requires a really honest golfer to concede that the putt he just missed was not the fault of the green. “Because the golfer is usually in­ terested in perfection of the green only at the time of play, his concept of perfection easily may conflict with that of the superintendent, who must of necessity look at perfection from a different viewpoint. Aeration may 6 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD L to R: Holman M. Griffin, Mrs. Allison Choate, Dr. Ralph E. Engel, John P. English interfere temporarily with play but it means that later on the green will have a healthier root system. This and many of the other mechanics of greenkeeping may seem to cause the green to fall far short of perfection from the golfer’s standpoint, but these mechanics are necessary for the su­ perintendent to insure that the grass is as nearly perfect as possible all through the season.” The search for perfection continues and each new development brings us nearer to the goal which we can never achieve. To borrow a thought from the pamphlet describing the Green Section’s purpose and work, “The whole record of man is a story of the search for the ultimate. Al­ though it is never attained on this earth, man is never permanently fru­ strated. The search goes on.” CONSTRUCTION OF PUTTING GREENS — PANEL DISCUSSION Marvin H. Ferguson, Mid-Continent Director, USGA Green Section, Modera­ tor; James L. Holmes, Green Section Agronomist; Sherwood Moore, Golf Course Superintendent; Dr. Andrew Virtuoso, USGA Green Section Committee. Construction techniques and prac­ tices profoundly affect the playing qualities of a putting green. The soil mixture should be one that will sup­ port a good stand of grass, will be resilient enough to hold a well-played shot, and will be firm enough to re­ sist pitting from the impact of balls landing from a high trajectory shot. Water should drain from the surface rapidly enough to permit play within a reasonable period of time following a rain. Some coutours are desirable from the standpoints of interest and sur­ face drainage. However, the sharp un­ dulations that make putts unfair and which seriously limit cup space should be avoided. Construction is equally influential in its effect upon subsequent main­ tenance—fertilization, irrigation, dis­ ease control, mowing, etc.—and will be affected by the type of soil which goes into the green, the drainage sys­ tem and the surface contours. The USGA Green Section has pre­ scribed certain construction proce­ dures which, if followed, will pre­ clude many maintenance difficulties. It is believed that playing qualities also will be enhanced by use of a highly permeable soil mixture, an abrupt interface marking the trans­ MARCH, 1964 7 ition between relatively fine and relatively course soil particles (there­ by creating a suspended water table) and a gravel layer and tile drainage system. The correct soil mixture is extremely important. It must be re­ sistant to compaction and quite per­ meable to water even after compactive forces have been applied. The mixture must be used in conjunction with a layer which will produce a suspended water table; otherwise it will be droughty. Finally, the mixture must support a good stand of turf. Examples of greens that have been built according to the specifications outlined in the Green Section publica­ tion were reviewed. It was determined that in every case where the greens have failed to behave properly, there has been a failure to follow directions exactly. The omission of one step can cause failure. It was again pointed out that each step in the process has been designed to fit with the remainder of the procedure. Unless one intends to follow directions exactly, he should not begin to build greens by this method. PUTTING GREEN GRASSES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT — PANEL DISCUSSION A. M. Radko, Eastern Director, USGA Green Section, Moderator; J. B. Moncrief, Green Section Agronomist; Lee Record, Green Section Agronomist; Dr. G. B. Shuey, USGA Green Section Committee. Many golfers believe that all gras­ ses are alike, and that if the greens at one course are better than those as another, it is because the one superintendent is more capable than the other. Of course, there are dif­ ferences in the maintenance capabili­ ties of men, but there are also great differences in the habits and qualities of putting green grasses. They re­ spond differently to conditions of cli­ mate, exposure, water supply, nutrient supply, mowing practice, traffic and all the other factors which are im­ posed in varying degrees on golf course turf. This discussion concerns the gras­ ses used on putting greens and some of the management practices re­ quired. Many of the first bentgrass greens were planted to South German mixed bent. They presented a blotched and patchy appearance because of many different types of grass, but the putting qualities were quite good. Bentgrasses which are used for putting greens to an appreciable ex­ tent include two strains, Seaside and Penncross, which may be planted from seed. In addition, about 10 strains which must be established vegetatively are used. Some of the attributes of the various strains are listed. Seaside is perhaps the most widely distributed grass used for putting greens in the United States. Until the last few years, Seaside was the only creeping bentgrass of which seed was available. Seaside bent is a mixture of many creeping bent types. Because of this heterogeneity, some of the plants in the population derived from a Seaside planting will be adapted to almost any set of geographic, climatic, and management conditions that may be imposed. The individual plants which are best adapted are the ones which persist. An older planting of Seaside will take on a mottled appear­ ance because of the development of individual plants. Penncross creeping bent is the only other creeping bent presently available from seed. Penncross is a synthetic variety created by a plant breeding tech­ nique known as polycross. Three plant selections were made from a Seaside bentgrass population. These three plants were grown vegetatively until a sufficient quantity of material was available to produce the necessary 8 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD seeds. The three selections were planted in rows in such a way that free interpollination could occur. First generation seed of this cross are used to produce Penncross bent. While the population is quite variable genetically, it produces a turf which is uniform in appearance. Penncross is widely adapted, vigorous, and rela­ tively disease-resistant. It requires a type of management aimed toward the prevention of mat and grain. Creeping Bentgrass Arlington (C-l): During the decade from 1930 to 1940, the USGA Green Section selected and evaluated nearly 100 creeping bentgrass selections. They were designated by “C” numbers. Arlington bent was the first of these. Its disease resistance is good; it is wear-resistant; texture is good inso­ far as leaf width is concerned, but the turf tends to swirl. It is seldom used alone on putting greens. Nor­ mally it is mixed with Congressional (C-19). Congressional (C-19): Excellent dark green color; good texture; di­ sease-resistant; early spring growth; cold-tolerant; not as wear-resistant as some other bents. In combination with Arlington (C-l), it makes an excellent turf which is adapted over much of the bent growing region of the United States. Cohansey (C-7): Begins growth in early spring; displays upright growth; develops less thatch than most bents; very aggressive against Poa annua; ex­ cellent putting green turf; light green in color; does best in southern­ most area of bentgrass adaptation; more susceptible to disease than other creeping bentgrass strains, but with a good preventive program of disease control, this is no problem. Toronto (C-15): Dark green in color; finer bladed than most other creeping bentgrass strains; upright growth; cold-tolerant; excellent put­ ting green turf; not as wear-resistant as some other bents; must be mowed tight and often; well adapted to the Middle West. Washington (C-50): Excellent put­ ting green turf, but it goes off color in early fall with the first frost, turns a purplish color; greens up late in the spring; good growth in warm weather; upright growth; fine bladed bentgrass; characteristics similar to Toronto; disease resistance poor, but responds to a preventive program of disease control. Old Orchard (C-52): Color and tex­ ture good; used on mid-western cour­ ses more than in the eastern area of bentgrass adaptation. One of the best bents where it is adapted. Collins (C-27): Less aggressive than the C-l, C-19; this strain was used in combination with the C-l, C-19, and it blended in very nicely. How­ ever, C-27 is not on the market as widely as in past years and is no longer used in combination with the C-l, C-19. Nimisila (selection made from Ohio) : Dark green in color; upright in growth; good texture; becoming more widely used; good reports; ap­ pears to be doing quite well in south­ ern areas of bentgrass adaptation. Pennlu (10-37-4) (selection from Penn State University): Very dark green in color; it did not perform in the field on golf courses to match its performance at Penn State University where it was exceptionally good; re­ ports that it became very fluffy and thatchy; very aggressive. Velvet bent produces a very fine- bladed, upright growing turf. It has a limited area of adaptation in the United States. It requires careful manage­ ment to prevent formation of thatch and is subject to iron deficiency chlorosis. When well-kept, the turf is the finest kind of putting green surface. Southern Grasses In the South, most putting greens are either common bermudagrass or Tifgreen. A few other grasses, such as Everglades, Bayshore and Texturf MARCH, 1964 9 IF, are grown to a limited extent. Common bermudagrass is a coarse grass very difficult to manage. Put­ ting greens require frequent, generous topdressings and vertical mowing. Common bermudagrass putting greens are very rapidly being replaced by the finer-leafed types. Tifgreen (Tifton 328) is the South’s most widely-used putting green grass. It is fine textured, vigorous and di­ sease-resistant. Management problems involve the tendency of the turf to thatch and its attraction for sod web­ worms. These insects seem to consider Tifgreen an irresistible delicacy. In most parts of the South, putting greens of bermudagrass are overseed­ ed with cool-season grasses. Among the species used for overseeding are creeping bent, colonial bent, Poa trivi- alis, bluegrass, creeping red fescue, redtop and ryegrass. Opinions vary with respect to the value of these grasses for the purpose of producing winter turf. In a great many cases, mixtures are used, but again there is lack of agreement as to which species and how much of each should go into the mixture. Perhaps some day we will have a hybrid that will incorporate the good qualities of bentgrass and bermuda­ grass to provide a grass for greens that will do equally well in both the North and the South. Some of these qualities would be—the heat toler­ ance of bermudagrass, the cold toler­ ance of bentgrass; the soft texture of bentgrass, the wear resistance of ber­ mudagrass; the fine-leaved turf pro­ vided by bentgrass, the coarse rhizome and deep root system of the bermuda­ grass ; the tolerance of bermuda grass to herbicides, the spring color of the bentgrass, and the summer color of the bermudagrass—to mention a few. Bentgrasses respond to maintenance practices in spring and fall. During hot months they must be handled very carefully. Operations such as aerify­ ing and vertical mowing are best con­ fined to the periods when grass is making rapid growth. Bermudagrass management is a dif­ ferent matter. Its best growth period is the summer season. The season of careful management is the time of transition from warm to cool-season grasses in the fall and the change back to the warm-season grass in the spring. The handling of water is one of the most important matters in putting green management, no matter what the grass may be. This implies that irrigation practices and drainage of excess moisture are both important. A large percentage of the troubles on putting greens are somehow con­ nected with a shortage of water or an excess of water. Faulty irrigation and faulty drainage are the twin specters that haunt the putting green manager. Fertilizing Practices Fertilization practice varies be­ cause of grass type, length of season, other related and interacting main­ tenance factors, and because of the philosophy of the superintendent. Bentgrass is fertilized at rates vary­ ing from 5 to 20 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Bermudagrass is fertilized at rates of 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month during the growing season. About one-third as much phosphorus and about two- thirds as much potash as nitrogen, a 3-1-2 ratio, is representative of com­ mon practice. During the winter of 1962-63 win­ terkill was very serious in both the bentgrass and the bermudagrass growing regions. Many theories have been advancd to explain the damage. Without attempting to evaluate the theories, these practices may be re­ commended : 1. Assure good drainage and aera­ tion. 2. Control snowmold and Fusarium patch. 3. Do not over-fertilize with nitro­ 10 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD gen. Avoid lush growth. On the other hand, turf should enter the winter season in a vigorous, healthy con­ dition. 4. Be sure there are adequate sup­ plies of potash during the latter part of the growing season. 5. Do not allow putting green soils to dry out to the extent that desic­ cation will occur. Remember moisture in the form of ice may be removed from the soil through the process of sublimation. It does not have to melt to dry out. 6. Prevent the formation of ice sheets if possible. If they form, try to break them enough to permit aeration of the turf and soil. More precise answers for the pre­ vention of winterkill may become available when a greater amount of definitive research on the nature of the problem has been done. Putting green management requires more skill than any other agricultural pursuit. The fact that putting greens are so universally excellent is high tribute to the men who keep them. A New Tee at Pine Valley By ALEXANDER M. RADKO, Eastern Director, and LEE RECORD, Northeastern Agronomist, Green Section, The United States Golf Association. To construct a new tee at a golf course normally is a major task, a project that requires the cooperation of committees, the golf course superin­ tendent, the professional and an archi­ tect. Many times, however, the club officials mentioned do the job on their own. Eb Steineger is such a superin­ tendent ... he tackles such a job with enthusiasm and vigor. Last winter he tackled the job of building a new tee on the 12th hole at the famed Pine Valley Golf Club, Clementon, N. J. To do it, he moved 2,800 cubic yards of soil. The site selected for the tee added 50 yards to the hole but it was in a deep ravine. He scraped some soil and plants, and “blanketed” the steep slopes with natural vegetation such as evergreens, dogwood, blueberry plants, and some laurel. The entire teeing area now looks so natural one would never know it was new. We would not have known, except for the fact that there was no sod on the tee when the picture was taken. The new tee makes the hole 380 yards long, to add to the problems of playing Pine Valley. Eb Steineger raising a "blanket" of vegetation lifted from adjacent areas to cover slopes of the new fee, giving it that "natural look." Vegetation in front and behind Steineger was newly laid; only the tee surface remained to be sodded. Green Section Award to Valentine of the first superintendents to switch from horse-drawn to tractor-operated mowers; a pioneer in the use of new chemicals and fertilizers; the dis­ coverer of what has come to be known as Merion bluegrass; and, above all, a campaigner to keep his course in good playing condition throughout the year, even in the winter. First Superintendent Honored The first superintendent to win the Green Section Award “for distin­ guished service to golf through work with turfgrass,” Mr. Valentine came to the United States as a lad of 20 with funds provided by a friend in America. His early preparations in his native Italy were for the priest­ hood. Richard Valentine beams approval after presenta­ tion of Green Section Award to his father at USGA Green Section Educational Program. Ask Joseph Valentine the chief function of a golf course super­ intendent and he’ll say: “Providing year-’round playing conditions has been my life’s work. That’s the big­ gest contribution any superintendent can make to the game.” In naming Mr. Valentine the 1964 Green Section Award Winner, the United States Golf Association repaid him in part for the extent of his con­ tribution during his 50 years as su­ perintendent of the Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa. Joseph Valentine, now 77, retired in 1961 after an association of 54 years with Merion. It began in 1907 when he became a gardener’s assist­ ant. Named greenkeeper in 1911, he embarked on a career that took him to national leadership in golf course work. During his tenure he was one Mr. Valentine has been active in many organizations outside golf—a member of the Order of Brotherly Love, the Knights of Columbus, George Washington Society, and the Italian-American Citizens’ League. He was chairman of his local draft board from its inception. During World War II, he drafted two of his three sons. One of his sons, Richard, succeeded him as superintendent at Merion in 1961. The presentation of the award, the replica of a permanent plaque that hangs in “Golf House,” USGA head­ quarters in New York City, was made at the Green Section Educational Pro­ gram in New York, January 24, by John M. Winters, Jr., retiring USGA President. Mr. Valentine is the fourth recipient of the award. The first, in 1961, went to Dr. John Monteith, Jr., of Colorado Springs, Colo. Prof. Lawrence S. Dick­ inson, of Amherst, Mass., was the 1962 winner and last year’s recipient was 0. J. Noer, of Milwaukee, Wis. 12 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD John Realty—Story of the ’63 Open J ohn Kealty, golf course superinten­ dent at The Country Club, Brookline, Mass., was called “the real story” of the 1963 USGA Open Champion­ ship by Clarence W. Benedict, newly installed President of the USGA. In making the report of the Champion­ ship Committee at the USGA Annual Meeting in New York City, January 25, Mr. Benedict spoke of the tricky winds at the Open, of Julius Boros’ steady play, the challenge of Arnold Palmer and Jacky Cupit and the com­ mendable attitude and conduct of Jack Nicklaus at a mass press inter­ view immediately following his failure to make the 36-hole cut. But all these, Mr. Benedict said, were secondary to the story of John Kealty. He described Mr. Kealty as a proud man, one who would not be satisfied with anything less than per­ fection in the preparation of his golf course for the Championship. In the fall of 1962 the golf course at The County Club was in superb condition. There was every reason to expect that this condition would exist at the time of the Champion­ ship. However, the winter of 1962-63 was devastating. When spring came there were acres of dead turf. In Mr. Benedict’s words, “John Kealty’s world had come crashing down around him.” But Mr. Kealty did not have time for despair. He began to put the course back in condition. A period of drought followed the ar­ rival of warm weather and this added to the difficulty of preparing the course for the Championship. Mr. Kealty and Al Radko, USGA Green Section Agronomist, called up all their knowledge, skill and patience in attempts to grow turf quickly. By the time of the Championship, the course was in playable condition. It was not in top condition, and no one was more aware of the deficiencies than was John Kealty. Yet without the quiet devotion, fortitude, and cooperative at­ titude of this man, the Championship might have been played under much poorer conditions. John Kealty truly was THE story of the Open. March 16 March 25-26 COMING EVENTS Turf and Grass Conference South Plains College Levelland, Texas March 18-19 Turf Short Course University of Maine Orono, Maine March 23-24 USGA Golf Course Management and Golf Officials Conferences Ambassador Hotel Los Angeles, California USGA Golf Course Management and Golf Officials Conferences Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel Detroit, Michigan March 27-28 USGA Golf Course Management and Golf Officials Conferences Bellevue-Stratford Hotel Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 13-15 Southeastern Turfgrass Confer­ ence Tifton, Georgia MARCH, 1964 13 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD 40 East 38th Street, New York, N. Y. 10016 BULK RATE U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 280 Rutherford, N. J. TURF TWISTERS GREENS AND FERTILIZERS Question: “----- you might be able to help me------- . I am securing information that we can use to advise superintendents in Arkansas on how they should fertilize their greens.” (ARKANSAS) Answer: Two mimeographed sheets that we furnish to our Green Section Visiting Service subscribers are enclosed. These thoughts about fertilization are based partly upon research and partly on ob­ servations and experiences of successful golf course superintendents. FERTILIZATION OF BENTGRASS GREENS Fertilizer for greens should provide nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potash (K2O), in the ratio of 3-1-2. Use 1/2 pound maxi­ mum of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month on bentgrass in hot weather, and one pound per month during cool months. This will provide about 9 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year. If the 3-1-2 ratio material is used, you will apply three pounds of P2O5 and six pounds of K2O. These nutrients do not leach readily and may be applied in spring and fall when weather is cool. FERTILIZATION OF BERMUDAGRASS GREENS Fertilizer for greens should provide nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and potash (K2O) in the ration of 3-1-2. Use two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month on bermudagrass in hot weather and one pound per month during cool months when the greens have been overseeded with cool season grasses. This practice will provide about 18 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year. If the 3-1-2 ratio of materials is used, you will apply six pounds of P2O5 and 12 pounds of K2O. These nutrients do not leach readily and may be applied in spring and fall when weather is cool. Some superintendents add a little potash during the summer months. Amounts up to 1/2 pound of Muriate of Potash (60% K2O) per 1,000 square feet may be applied during the summer if it is watered in promptly. MOWING BUFFALOGRASS Question: At what height should buffalograss for fairway use be mowed? Should clippings be removed? (Kansas) Answer: Buffalograss should be mowed at one inch or perhaps a little shorter. It should be mowed frequently enough that no more than 1/2 inch of the leaves is cut off at any mowing. If mowing is accomplished as often as this, the clippings will disappear into the turf and there will be no need for removing them.