UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION S o u t h e rn T u rf l e t t er No. 2 April - 1960 DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON M I D - C O N T I N E NT D I R E C T OR N A T I O N AL R E S E A R CH C O O R D I N A T OR JAMES B. MONCRIEF S O U T H E A S T E RN A G R O N O M I ST W. WAYNE A L L EN S O U T H W E S T E RN A G R O N O M I ST SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT U N I V E R S I TY OF G E O R G IA A T H E N S, G E O R G IA T E L E P H O N E: L I B E R TY 8 - 2 7 41 SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT T E X AS A 8t M C O L L E GE C O L L E GE S T A T I O N, T E X AS T E L E P H O N E: V I C T OR 6 - S 2 10 INTRODUCING TIFWAY BERMUDAGRASS The Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station has recently released data and descriptive material covering "Tifway," a new turf bermudagrass. The name coined for this grass (from Tifton and fairway) is indicative of the main use to which it will likely be put. Tifway appears to be equal or superior to Tiffine and Tifgreen in all characteristics reported except softness. Tifgreen it will not be suited as well for greens but in disease resistance, sod density, weed resistance, and seedhead abundance, it appears to excel. One other interesting characteristic is its dark green color which is even somewhat darker than that of Tifgreen. resistant to frost than Tifgreen, Tiflawn, or common. Tifway also is apparently more Because it is not as soft as According to Dr. G. W. Burton of the Tifton Station, Tifway is available to supply certified growers this spring. PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL GOLF DAY Superintendents of golf courses and chairmen of green committees should be This day has special among the foremost boosters of National Golf Day. significance for them because it provides funds for many worthwhile golf course research projects. organization handling the proceeds of National Golf Day) have annually appropriated generous amounts for tu^fgrass research. From the proceeds of National Golf Day of 1959 a total of $10,000 was appropriated for turf- grass research. Studies supported by these funds include breeding and selection of grasses, work on soil mixtures for putting greens, disease control in turf, weed control, and numerous other projects related to the growing and management of golf course turf. The directors of National Golf Fund (the National Golf Day for 1960 will be June 11. will be played at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Chio by Billy Casper, 1959 U.S. Open Champion, and Bob Rosburg, 1959 P.G.A. Champion. You as a participant in National Golf Day match scores with the champions by playing at your own golf course and using your own handicap. The "round of the champion" « * - 2- OVERSEEDING RESULTS - The overseeding with redtop and bentgrass has been very discouraging in the lower south this year. So far the use of ryegrass alone and with bent has looked best. As of the middle of March, the bentgrass is just beginning to come up in some greens. This late development is completely unsatisfactory even though bentgrass provides an excellent putting surface when it can be established early. BUDGET IMG - How to cut down on the budget and still maintain a presentable golf course is always a lively subject for discussion. The Green Section has distributed record forms to courses that are interested in participating in a 12-months detailed pilot study of their maintenance costs. If you would like to participate in this kind of study please contact your regional agronomist. SOIL MIXTURES - There is much interest throughout the Southeast in soil mixtures for putting greens. This is one of the very important parts of green construction and yet it is a phase seldom seen and appreciated by the club member. It is ironic that the expensive part of the putting green is the un- seen part. However, the member does see the results of good construction in a true putting surface that holds a shot, drains quickly, and supports a thick stand of turf. WORST WINTER IN 25 YEARS A late, cold, wet, and snowy spring season has delayed many golf course operations in 1960. Conditions have been favorable to disease activity and to the growth of winter annual weeds. The superintendent is "off balance" at the start of such a year and may be hardpressed to catch up. It fre- quently happens that a late, wet spring leads to an abrupt transition period. When soils are wet, roots are shallow and other anatomical features such as the thickness of leaves are altered as a result of low temperatures and moist air. Thus if the weather abruptly turns hot and dry, plants suffer quickly and cool-season species may "go out." Early spring is a time when bermudagrass as well as cool-season species appear to suffer from disease and when the presence of fungus activity is often undetected. The organisms such as Fusarium spp. and Helminthosporium spp. appear to be particularly troublesome* So don't neglect your fungicide program. April 11 and 12 14th ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station Tifton, Georgia IS YOUR CLUB SUBSCRIBING ? In 1920 the Green Section "was created because USGA member clubs needed a turf research and advisory agency, impartial and authoritative." The purpose and goal of the Green Section is still the same today. While the Green Section is anxious to help where and whenever possible for better turf, its prime responsibility is to the USGA member clubs which have subscribed for the Visiting Service. The yearly benefits these clubs receive are as follows: 1. Several direct conferences with a Green Section agronomist, in this manner: (a) A scheduled half day on the course consultation, followed by a written report from the agronomist to the course superintendent and the green committee chairman. A second visit will be made if necessary, upon request. (b) Consultation with the agronomist at local group meetings and turfgrass conferences• 2. Assistance by correspondence and telephone. 3. Two subscriptions to a USGA Regional Turfletter (such as this Turfletter), deal ing with golf turf affairs in the particular region, six times a year. 4. One subscription to the USGA Journal and Turf Management, published seven times a year. The annual fees which cover all services and expenses with no charge for travel are: Less than 18 holes 18 to 27 holes More than 27 Holes?* (a) 36 holes (b) Per regulation course in addition to 36 holes $ 100 125 150 40 Think about it, ask around about it, then you will want to join. As of January 30, 1960 there were 749 subscribing golf courses. Southern Turfletter USGA GREEN SECTION B U LK R A TE U.S. POSTAGE P A ID College Station, Texas Permit No. 80 Dr« J* R* Watson Chief Agronomist Toro Mfg* Corp. Minneapolis 6, Minn*