Please Note: Certain browsers may require the page to be refreshed in order for the video to load properly. Links To Additional Resources: A New Hue - A guide to using colorants to enhance the color and growth of fine turfgrass in the southwestern U.S. Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Tinting Study - How do different paints and pigments affect the surface temperature of greens? Paint Study Part 1 Video - Introduction Paint Study Part 2 Video - Studying Surface Temperature THE HIGH LEVEL OF TURF MAINTENANCE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A USGA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MAY SURPRISE YOU COURSE PREPARATION FOR A USGA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - WHAT'S THE FUSS? Golfers raved about course conditions after the recent club championship. The greens were smooth; slick as ice. And how about those impossible “never been there before” hole locations? Fairway striping patterns rivaled the intricate mowing patterns of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Bunkers have never been firmer or more consistent. Perhaps you hear the ultimate compliment in the clubhouse…“we could have hosted the U.S. Open today!" Course setup begins from the first and tenth tees at first light during practice rounds through the first few days of the competition. Setup crews proceed from tee to green on every golf hole. Assume the playing surfaces could indeed challenge the cream of the world’s professional and amateur golfers. Could you sustain this high level of course conditioning throughout an entire week of competition? Before answering, let’s discuss the scope of maintenance practices associated with hosting a typical national championship. To put it another way, just what is so special about course conditioning for a USGA national championship and why? Read More HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE AT THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY OR ON THE GOLF COURSE IS A GREAT COMMUNICATION TOOL AND EDUCATION VENUE GOLF COURSE "OPEN HOUSE" We live in the age of the “light switch mentality.” For instance, golfers believe that we, as turfgrass managers, can simply flip a switch and speed up the greens; or flip a switch and make turfgrass diseases go away; or flip a switch and make the course firm and fast. I wish I had a light switch because this profession would be a piece of cake. To overcome the “light switch mentality,” we must communicate effectively to show golfers that the light will only be switched on through the understanding of what During the open house, this aerator was equipped with three different tines to provide side- by- side comparisons of the three aeration strategies employed throughout the year on greens. actually takes place on a day-by-day basis. A recent survey revealed that 90 percent of golf course superintendents believed most golfers did not know what superintendents do on a daily basis. But, over 90 percent of superintendents said that communication is the most important skill to their success. This begs the question, “Are we, as superintendents, doing our job of really communicating with and educating our golfers?” Read More MID-ATLANTIC Ups And Downs Are Part Of The Business: The recent surge in temperature promoted a rapid growth response which was welcome for some, but for others, it made seedhead control much more difficult Read More SOUTHEAST Spring Educational Opportunities: On April 9, USGA Green Section Senior Agronomist Chris Hartwiger taught Mississippi State University turfgrass management students in a most unique classroom – the Starkville Country Club in Starkville, Miss. Read More NORTH-CENTRAL Covers Can Cure The Winterkill Blues: Cold nights are suppressing soil temperatures to the point where there is little chance of seed germination or active turf growth. Under these conditions, covering turf is your best bet for accelerating the recovery process Read More NORTHEAST “All Truly Great Thoughts Are Conceived While Walking” - Friedrich Nietzsche: Walk- behind mowers provide benefits for your course and your maintenance crew Read More FLORIDA An Extended Cooler Spring: There are several practices that can be implemented to hasten turf recovery during times of stress, but one of the most important practices during cool periods is to apply dark substances like charcoal, black sand or beneficial pigments Read More SOUTHWEST Only You Can Prevent Scalped Bermudagrass Greens: Proactively managing bermudagrass in the early spring can help prevent excessive thatch accumulation that often results in scalped putting greens Read More NORTHWEST Say Aloha To Organic Material: Deep vertical mowing programs are paying dividends in turfgrass health and playing quality Read More MID-CONTINENT Spring Preparations For Summer: As we move into April, there are a few items courses should evaluate to prepare for summer Read More USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Turf Advisory Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) USGA Privacy Policy Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications ©2013 by United States Golf Association® Be sure to add usgagreensectionrecord@usga.chtah.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! To unsubscribe from these mailings click here Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA®). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirely. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions of Reuse policy. 2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language. 3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content. The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published biweekly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association® Golf House, Far Hills, NJ 07931 USGA Green Section 908.234.2300 http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/BRcFwFB8bCVyB8x4iIAAAAAAZl/doc.html?t_params=EMAIL%3Dmpatalona%2540usga.org[4/18/2013 4:49:07 PM]