USGA Green Section Record, November 01, 2013 The content in this preview is based on the last saved version of your email - any changes made to your email that have not been saved will not be shown in this preview. If video does not load on first attempt, please return to the mailing and launch again. AN OLD RELIABLE MACHINE FOR MOWING PUTTING GREENS HAS MADE A BIG COMEBACK RETURN OF THE TRIPLEX Triplex putting green mowers are back, and they are better than ever. The quest to reduce maintenance expenses has superintendents returning to this workhorse of efficiency that was developed in the 1960s. Startling? Maybe. Worth investigating? Definitely. The history of the triplex mower and its role in golf maintenance is interesting and is highly correlated with economic trends in the game. This article will review the development of the triplex, how it has fit within the industry, and why it has made a strong comeback. Further, the article is intended to help superintendents, course officials, and owners think through how the triplex putting green mower might be an answer to lowering the operating budget. Read More The 1968 Greens King. The original triplex putting green mower was developed in 1968 by Jacobsen® and named the "Greens King." (Photo courtesy of Jacobsen®) A SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY MAY CHANGE YOUR GOLF FACILITY'S DECISION ON OVERSEEDING SWITCHING FROM TRADITIONAL TO 'LIQUID' OVERSEEDING Bermudagrass greens, tees, and fairways in the southern U.S. have been overseeded with coolseason grasses for years to improve winter turf quality. Overseeding is expensive because of the price of seed, increased irrigation, and extra mowing, but it can also result in thin turf and ugly course conditions each spring when the overseeded grass dies and bare soil is exposed wherever the base bermudagrass turf has been damaged or weakened (Foy, 2010). As a result, this practice has fallen out of favor with many golf facilities over the past decade, especially those that desire consistent turf quality throughout the year. Non-overseeded teeing grounds hold up well in the winter play season with routine applications of fertilizer and pigment. Some resort golf facilities or those tied to property developments still feel that overseeding is necessary to attract golfers during the winter peak-playseason. Additionally, there are some golf facilities that continue to overseed out of fear that the underlying base stand of bermudagrass turf cannot withstand the abuse from heavy play each winter.. Read More INDUSTRY SURVEY THE IMPACT OF GOLF CARTS ON COURSE MAINTENANCE An article is being written by the USGA Green Section that will discuss the interaction of golf cart use and turf maintenance inputs at courses throughout the country. Golf carts are often viewed as a significant source of revenue, but it is important to fully understand their impact on course maintenance programs. The revenue from golf carts will be compared to costs of various maintenance programs that are directly and indirectly connected to the wear and tear caused by golf carts. Please fill out this short survey to provide invaluable insight on golf cart use and subsequent maintenance inputs at your facility. The Impact of Golf Carts on Course Maintenance Ever wonder why golf facilities delay play until turf is no longer covered in frost? This short video will help you understand (and appreciate) how frost delays serve to protect the condition and playability of the course. It is the time of the year when many superintendents are breaking out the covers to protect their bermudagrass greens during freezing temperatures. Covers have made it possible for bermudagrass greens to survive harsh winters much farther north than many of us thought possible just a few years ago. But while the materials have changed the idea of covering greens is not a new one. Read on to see how one superintendent covered greens in 1929. Have you ever sampled the full profile of your sand-based putting greens? The USGA is funding research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to identify what causes iron layering from developing deep in sand-based rootzones and how to prevent it. REGIONAL UPDATES REGIONAL UPDATES The USGA Green Section is broken into eight regions with each staffed by Green Section agronomists who work with golf facilities on care of the golf course. Every two weeks USGA agronomists provide updates outlining current issues of what they are observing in the field. Be sure to view updates from other regions and not just your own because featured ideas, techniques and solutions to problems often apply to other parts of the country. NORTHEAST REGION Do you know how many labor hours are dedicated to leaf cleanup at your golf facility? A survey in the Northeast Region reveals that 97 percent of the respondents spend more than 12 hours weekly removing leaves each fall, with some spending much, much more. Read More MID-ATLANTIC REGION Fall and winter is the time for both the golf course and staff to recharge from this year's golf season and prepare for next year. Strategies implemented at a golf facility now are often a good indicator for spring success. Read More SOUTHEAST REGION Nobody likes old hole plugs on putting greens, and they can be especially problematic and unsightly in the winter months when the turf is dormant or semi- dormant. Pinehurst Resort has identified a solution that all golf facilities can adopt. Read More FLORIDA REGION While not the most common pest to Florida golf courses, white grubs can cause damage to greens. Read More NORTH-CENTRAL REGION Now is the time to review maintenance programs from this year and plan for next. Golf facilities also appear to be investing in their future with renovations and course enhancement projects. This is a positive sign. Read More MID-CONTINENT REGION Drought-stricken areas receive much needed rain, concerns over golfer spike damage on greens are on the rise, and check out the list of upcoming turf conferences in the region. Read More NORTHWEST REGION Processing the cores removed during aeration can save money and help the turf - a winning combination. Read More SOUTHWEST REGION Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to turf color. Tips for success are offered if you're interested in painting your greens instead of overseeding. Read More IMPORTANT LINKS USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Turf Advisory Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications ©2013 by United States Golf Association® 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 entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for 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 Forward this email This email was sent to jmoore@usga.org by usgagreensectionrecord@usga.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. USGA Green Section | P.O. Box 708 | Far Hills | NJ | 07931 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/...LAzmvRIhvmJ5oUUC8tM3t0Xyf2TLNVzG7iuzABmBVg_risqiadlxFmA%3D%3D&id=preview[11/4/2013 8:47:00 AM]