On the agronomic side of the equation we regularly apply sand to the greens. This helps to manage thatch but also helps to fill-in imperfections on the green's surface. We also apply growth regulators to the greens. This helps to manage the different growth rates between the varying types of grass we have on our greens. The result ends up being less "bumpy" turf.
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| Rolling helps to smooth green the surface. |
Having the right mix of equipment to manage the surface of a green is very important. While a good mower is obvious, attachments to the mowers can make a greens surface even better. A product that we have started using this year is the Turf Trainer. Developed by golf course superintendent and friend Rodney Hine. The Turf Trainer is basically a piece of artificial turf that is drug across the green to stand the turf up before being cut. It also helps to push sand into the turf canopy which is a desirable trait. It punches well above its weight and continues to impress.
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| Turf Trainer is being used regularly on our greens. |
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| Turf Trainer simply attaches to the bucket of a mower. |
On the weather side of the equation we tend to want to have relatively warm, dry days. Dry weather gets rid of unwanted moisture at the surface of the greens and allows the ball to roll quick and smooth. While dry weather forces us to work harder (hand watering), the condition allows us to more accurately manage the green's surface.
Turf type is also a major consideration for smooth greens. New turf varieties tend to be dense and upright which results in better ball roll. New courses and renovated ones generally have one or two varieties of turf on their greens, while older courses tend to have a mix which is the result of mutations and infestations of weeds such as Poa anua. Its very hard to make greens that have many different turf types to be consistent hence the use of growth regulators.
