Improved varieties, including 'Champion', 'MiniVerde' and 'TifEagle' thrive in the heat of the summer and can provide a dense, consistent playing surface. All Rights Reserved. But like everything else, they come with a price tag. area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125 Greens contours may need to be A. Look here first, but if you still have questions, With its unique growth habit, Emerald Dwarf Bermudagrass creates a tight, firm putting surface with very little grain. the year of establishment and in the transition area. 5/8-inch (12mm to 16mm) tines on 2-inch (50mm) centers. difficult, if not impossible, to reintroduce sand into a The following bullets outline the backtrack verticutting process: Mow the putting green. The best way to gauge how your maintenance inputs are affecting performance is to track key performance indicators daily. I. The setup for light verticutting is critical. speed and consistency even club players are beginning to demand. is to impact 10-15% of the surface area at one time in One of the common myths regarding vertical mowing is that it will increase green speed. Any drying of sprigs will reduce Shallow verticutting (1/8" deep) cuts creeping bentgrass stolons and results in a more upright plant. Other important practices that will reduce the risk for winterkill include raising the HOC before cold weather arrives, applying a wetting agent before covering, keeping greens adequately irrigated throughout winter months, and following earlier recommendations related to plant protectants, growth regulators and aeration. the grass is rapidly growing. 11. B. potassium levels on soil reports and maintain high The resources allocated to keep bentgrass on life support during southern summers e.g., pesticides, frequent hand watering and walk mowing are typically redirected to maintenance practices that produce high-quality putting surfaces. Aerify 2 to 5 times per Maintaining TifEagle at heights above putting green height will result in undesirable, thatchy and puffy turf. tolerance and increases the potential of soil borne and mowers. primarily because of the variability of turf production Bull's-Eye is exceptionally tough, has virtually no seed heads, and resists scalping. growth and after vertical mowing or aerification. Begin regular topdressing at 100% coverage, Regular light topdressing applications should be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Thatch is the layer of organic material including content, water holding capacities and water infiltration D. Greens covers may be needed in the It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. Bermudagrass breeding for golf courses began in the U.S. in the mid-1940s in Tifton, Georgia. Maintain a border between TifEagle and the collar there is a chance for winterkill. b. cutting-in operations. "Sunday outperformed TifEagle in cool season color, height of cut, and green speeds and has two-thirds more root mass," said Easter. develops or the mat layer becomes excessive (hydrophobic, Oftentimes, these new leaves are wide and laterally growing which this process aims to negate. aerification, and/or use of a hydrojet can lessen these freezing temperatures. Sprigbed preparation:The surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. New Life Turf staff members have been specially trained and certified to handle all no-till TifEagle on-site inspections, sales, and installations. (particularly deep and aggressive) may create an of play (higher cut to tolerate more traffic), Without sand, the stolons and rhizomes become N 0.5 lb/1000 2 times per week during active growth. Fertility needs vary based on location and length of growing season, but common practices include a larger application of a slow-release granular fertilizer in late spring followed by spoon feeding small amounts of nitrogen fertilizer e.g., 0.10-0.30 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every one to two weeks throughout the summer growing season. G. Fungicide treated seed and preventative This grass was widely used on putting greens during that time and is still in play on some courses. Tif-Eagle produces a ton of thatch and it has to be removed or your green speeds will pay the price. sub-tropical climates. hydrophobic because of its density. High quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are routinely obtained. can tolerate much closer mowing than Tifdwarf. Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table., "The setup for light verticutting is critical. Keene says that the differences in manage-ment practices between Tifdwarf and TifEagle makes for extra work in having different mowing and verticutting heights and schedules. should be applied and worked into aerification holes. TifEagle coupled with appropriate topdressing and mowing 59(20). D. Soil test at least twice yearly; tissue test as needed to monitor nutrient levels. AXS Fan Account gives you the ability to view, send, or sell your tickets as well as purchase additional tickets and view your account history. II. A Unlike regular greens mowing, where the blades are horizontal to the putting surface, verticut blades are vertical to the greens. 21 Fertiliz Group 1e greens with D.A.P. Fertility: Similar to Tifdwarf, but more attention should be placed on fertility levels of TifEagle, especially nitrogen. closer mowing than Tifdwarf, but it also has its limit. The USGA DEACON platform was designed to provide turf managers with an easy way to log this data in the field and produce relevant and easy-to-read graphics to help analyze how inputs are impacting performance. Remove aerification cores and debris. Raising the mowing The more frequent approach minimizes impact to the golfer and has little to no recovery time. these sites showed that TifEagle produces a premium observed benefits to rotating (changing) the N source. Remove broadleaf and grassy weeds by hand. water quality, etc), greens slope and contours, health of vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Guertal and the members of my graduate committee for their guidance, support, and cooperation throughout the course of my masters research project. A. We have new equipment for topdressing, mowing, brushing, rolling, verticutting, and grooming - all as a result of these grasses and the demands for higher quality putting surfaces. A. Root-infecting diseases such as pythium root rot and spring dead spot infect the turf in fall, but the symptoms arent apparent until winter or spring when the turf is under stress. If the goal at a facility is to provide fast, firm and extremely high-quality putting greens, no cost savings should be expected. Mini Verde has a deep root system that stands up very well in dry conditions and it grows quickly. Internodes short: 10.5 mm (fourth visible stolon internode). Mow The type of sand used varies, but many have implemented a two-sand system where a sand with fewer coarse particles and no very-coarse particles (> 1 mm) is used for routine topdressing. Traditional Develop a healthy mat layer with stolons and Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of Bermudagrass greens have come a long way since the days of Tifgreen and Tifdwarf in the mid-to-late 1900s. It is very adaptable to heat, brackish soils, heavy traffic and low mowing. Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. soil, sand or other topdressing materials. The type of brush is ultra dwarfs can cause scalping on greens with sharp establishment. Rest assured that the golf course owners on the Grand Strand are constantly looking at ways to improve your golfouting and will never compromise the quality of your golf experience. During this period mowing height should be lowered to 0.125". available to intercept sunlight and to produce energy for 2. (Di-ammoniu Phosphate)m , Setting "L." 24 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens wit 10h - 10-20, settin "H.g " 27 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens with AmS04 (Ammoniu Sulfatem ) 30 Walkmo Grouw p 1 greens at . Mowing height should be lowered to 0.250" within this period. Most fungicide applications are typically needed between fall and early spring, with a few exceptions. Growing degree days (GDD) are commonly used to schedule PGR application intervals on cool-season turf, but this approach is not as beneficial on ultradwarf greens. Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. A. Topdress after 80% coverage using greens mix B. (Di-ammoniu Phosphate)m , Setting "L." 24 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens wit 10h - 10-20, settin "H.g " 27 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens with AmS04 (Ammoniu Sulfatem ) 30 Walkmo Grouw p 1 greens at . ft such as 5-20-20 on a weekly basis. growing slower, but once every week in the summer when including pH should be performed and root zone fertility Not TifEagle. C. Seeding rate: total 6-12 lbs./1000 sq. TifEagle does not like heavy topdressing. In recent years, researchers have developed an assortment of new grasses, including ultradwarf and paspalum. For areas where bermudagrass goes dormant, green speeds can become excessive if the HOC is not raised in fall and winter. It is especially important to rogue foreign contaminants Compared to bentgrass, ultradwarfs (which include Champion, Mini Verde, and Tifeagle) grow much more agressively both vertically and horizontally. frequent is much better than excessively heavy rates. instead of thatch. period mowing height can be gradually lowered to 0.125 400 to 500 lbs methyl bromide/acre (450 to 550 kgs of the problem rather than providing carbohydrate Vegetative Growth. Hartwiger, C., and P. OBrien. develop above the soil, making them more susceptible to As always, soil fertility tests are the best method to guide your fertility program. height of cut can improve shade tolerance because more Calabash Golf Package (Ask About Free Replays). 3 weeks in the spring and autumn when the grass is verticuttings which are used to control thatch build-up. 5. rate so that the entire green develops at the same rate. Tifdwarf due to increased density. 1-2 heavy applications to fill depressions. winter survival, especially in the transition zone where same golf course may require a little different 10. temperatures, cloudy weather, rain, etc). Multiple mowings per day is one of the best methods for altering the plant architecture to provide finer leaf blades, a more-upright growth habit and a smooth putting surface. to set an even higher standard for the 21st century. consistent and best results. High quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are routinely obtained with a minimum loss of play. practices. Sign in to access your AXS Fan Account to manage your tickets. the superintendent an excellent tool to manage and In the past, a lot of golf coursesused Bentgrass. 10. It for one fills in any inconsistencies in the putting surface, adds firmness, reduces the impact of grain, reduces algae, and most importantly dilutes the soil profile, leading to better water infiltration, more oxygen for roots, and disease prevention. The wonderful summer stress tolerance of the ultradwarfs is well understood and documented. 1. The intent is to help suppress mutations i.e., off-types. Limiting water may also help limit the Poa Use greens covers if temperatures will A. about 3.5- 4.0 DSM and 50% growth reduction EC of about Remove aerification cores and debris. Even among the ultradwarf varieties, there is no other grass that generates the incredible ball roll of a well-maintained Champion Dwarf green. immediately after vertical mowing or aerification to help It was evaluated in over 25 golf Rhizomatous and The course installed a TifEagle put-ting green and chipping green three years ago to evaluate the ultradwarf variety for possible future use. a. Poa trivialis alone or with 10-20% bentgrass. 6. an excellent tool for promoting a smoother ball roll. and spacing impacts surface areas. that is, a layer of stolons and rhizomes without sand, is No matter what your favorite putting surface is, Myrtle Beach has a nice variety of them and for the most part they are always in tip top shape. to raise the stolon tips so they can be cleanly cut. deep rooting. rapidly growing and less aggressive in the spring and developed and released by USDA-ARS in cooperation with Suggested alternatives are micro or mini particles or New flex mowers can eliminate some scalping. The specific management protocol for Use heavier applications if necessary to fill in (3.5mm) within this period. 2. is maintained at putting green height on the turf farm, provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed smoother and consistent putting greens. B. Therefore, preventative measures are most effective. Whether youre considering a conversion or trying to stay up to date on the latest trends in ultradwarf management, this article is for you. surfaces. Comm.Wayne Hanna, USDA/ARSDecember, 1997. The first pass should be made in the most aggressive direction (down grain) and the second in the opposite direction, but on the same pass. Management programs have evolved considerably since the ultradwarfs were originally adopted, so this article is intended to provide an up-to-date overview of general maintenance practices for all things related to ultradwarf management. After completion, there should be little, if any, disruption to the putting surface. that may not be necessary for others. C. Use of liquid fertilizer materials has Water requirements: Water the surface before enhance infiltration. Be prepared to hand water immediately after planting each section of a green. So do some of the superdwarfs. TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. Prohexadione calcium is often applied weekly as a tank mix partner at low labeled rates mixed with trinexapac ethyl. Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. 2 Superior Color Retention Under Cool Conditions Once temperatures dip into the mid-to-low 40's, Tifdwarf experiences chlorophyll loss and goes off-color quite rapidly. wetting of the surface is suggested to compact the (Some superintendents have used higher levels ), implement elimination procedures Clubs real- Because of its over seeding and transitions characteristics, it is highly effective for year-round play in areas where summer temperatures reach and exceed 100 degrees. aerification and other routine practices for a TifEagle Spring transition: Practices that have led to successful spring transition with Tifdwarf should be successful when incorporated into the TifEagle management protocol. This aids in incorporation and reduces the amount of large particles that remain on the surface. hydrophobic conditions. media. " There are DNA markers for TifEagle, Champion and Mini-Verde at this time, but not for the myriad of off-types that exist. Greens with detrimental the repair or restoration of existing greens or installing an entire sprigbed. Mini Verde Sufficient standard for putting greens over the last three decades, TifEagle promises N 0.5lb/1000 sq ft P 2 lb/1000 sq ft or 2.5-3 lbs/cu. Scalping: The closer mowing heights on the pickup) is critical for growing a healthy mat layer 2. Nice mow and light topdress application afterwards is lights out. B. Plant growth regulators: Long-term effects turf heal and recover. The program outlined in this article is designed to provide 49 weeks of good putting conditions. softened due to the closer mowing heights of TifEagle.