Green Speed Factors

Numerous factors affect the speed of the greens on a given day or over an extended period. The most impacting factors include the health and condition of the turf, extremes in weather conditions, extended periods of drought or rain, construction methods and materials used to build the green, species of turf established on the green, the design & contours within the green, etc. Last but not least, green speeds should be maintained at a pace that affords the membership an enjoyable round of golf.

One factor that is often overlooked is that virtually no course has its greens maintained at lightening fast speeds everyday of the season. The turf simply cannot take that kind of pressure over an extended period without showing signs of a decrease in quality. You may visit a club for a Member-Guest or Guest Day or some special event where they have the greens very fast for that single day and that day alone. It doesn't mean that is their speed everyday.

Factors Affecting Green Speeds

Contributing Factors (lower speed)

Rainfall/irrigation/dew/humidity/moisture held in the plant
Fertilization
Verticutting
Aerifying
Hydrojecting
Brushing
Increased Mowing Height
Grain
Changes in soil temperature
Thatch
Diminishing effects of Plant Growth Regulators
Ball marks
Lack of sunshine (prevents turf drying)
Greens with a flatter design and minimal contours
Shade
Lack of air movement

Contributing Factors (higher speed)

Rolling
Lower mowing height (Diminishing return)
Increase # of times mowing - double cutting
Changes in soil temperature
Reduced fertility
Use of Plant Growth Regulators
Verticutting
Grooming
Brushing
Topdressing
Any factors that contribute to a smoother surface
Any factors that reduce plant growth
Use of improved bentgrass varieties
Higher wind velocities (keep surfaces firm and dry)
Greens with more slope and more undulations
Good air flow
Improved drainage for firm surfaces
Dry surfaces
Low humidity

Venting Greens

Oxygen availability to the roots of the grass plants on a golf green is an essential component for a healthy green. With golfers and mowers walking and rolling over the green's surface each day the surface can become compacted and limits oxygen exchange into the rootzone.





Here Luis is using an aerifyer, equipped with 5mm diameter tines to punch holes in the green. These holes provide channels for oxygen to permeate the turfgrass rootzone and allow the roots to "breath." The holes also offer improved infiltration of water (rainfall) to move into the subsurface rather than water puddling on the surface.


Once we roll over the greens one time and mow them, the holes are not even visible and the ball roll is not affected. We will do this process to the greens every week or two in the summer months. This process is called "venting" or "needle tining" the greens.

Blue #8

Below is a photo of the new Blue #8 green complex

June Rainfall

Weather is one of the most impacting influences on a golf course. A one inch rain today can affect the conditions for a week. A 4 day period of 95 degree temperatures can dictate the health of the turf and the agronomic decisions that we have to make for weeks afterwards.
Below, marked in red, is a list of the days in June that it has rained.

I realize that many of our members need to ride in carts to enjoy their golf. I take every measure to accommodate the use of carts whenever absolutely possible. 2010 is already recorded as the 3rd wettest spring in the past 82 years. Last spring was the wettest spring in the past 112 years. It is easy to see how the weather impacts our decisions on the course.

SubAir in Operation

Weather conditions are one of the most influencing factors on the health of a turfgrass plant. Saturated rootzones and extended periods of wetness are detrimental to the health and quality of a green's surface. The turf roots do not like being submerged in water. There is no oxygen available to the plant when the soils are continually wet.

We have just completed the 3rd wettest spring in the last 82 years. Last spring was the wettest spring in the last 100 years. Continual and persistent rainfalls have the opposite effect on turfgrass plants than a nice drenching infrequent rainfall. This is not the kind of spring we want for our course, especially the new blue nine. Wet conditions reduce roots depths and are a haven for disease occurance.
The photo below is is of the SubAir machine in operation. The machine sucks water out of the subsurface of the green and discharges it offsite of the green.

Storm Damage

The storm last night brought high winds, an inch of rain, and quite a bit of damage to the golf course. You will not see much of the damage today because the staff was out at daylight cleaning as much of it up as possible before your round. We should have most of it cleaned up before the Sunday morning events.

Wet Conditions

The photos below show how wet conditions exist and can receive damage following a heavy rainfall. At times, it is necessary to implement different options for cart usage when wet conditions exist. Depending on the amounts of rainfall, carts may be restricted to paths, restricted to fairways, or restricted to the roughs. Thanks for your understanding during the times that we have these restrictions. It is my goal to allow carts on the course as soon as possible following a heavy rainfall. I place a high priority on trying to achieve the best possible balance between protecting your valuable asset and providing you access to enjoy your golf course.

The photo below shows where several carts drove in wet area of the rough when carts were restricted to the drier fairways.
The photo below exhibits the type of damage a golf cart can do to the course when saturated soil conditions exist.

The photo below is a wet area in the rough following a rainThe photo below is a wet area in the rough after a rain