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July 9, 2010

Do You Like the Speed of Your Greens?

by the Green Section Staff
 
How do you feel about the speed of the greens at your golf course? Take this brief survey to see how your opinion compares to other golfers and to those who work in golf course maintenance.
 
Take this survey - results available upon completion
 
 
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A USGA Video - Venting at the U. S. Women's Open at Oakmont 
featuring Oakmont Superintendent John Zimmers and USGA Agronomist Keith Happ

Photo: John Mummert, USGA

Womens Open Trophy
Preparing greens for a national championship begins months in advance of the players showing up for their practice rounds. When Oakmont CC Superintendent John Zimmers fired up his greens aerator just six days prior to the first round of the 2010 U. S. Women's Open there were likely a few eyebrows raised. Watch this video and many others at the
Perils and Pluses of "In-House" Renovations
By James F. Moore, director, Green Section Construction Education and Technology
"In-house" bunker renovation
Bunker renovation
There was a time when Green Section agronomists discouraged superintendents and course officials from attempting in-house renovation projects. For a variety of reasons, far too often these projects resulted in substandard work, and the overall quality of the rest of the course often suffered as the staff's attention shifted to the project and away from the day-to-day care of the facility. Making matters even worse, the projects often took forever to complete, with significant progress measured in weeks or months rather than days. 
 
Of course, not all in-house projects were so dismal. Many superintendents delivered outstanding finished products and saved their courses a great deal of money - a one-two punch that in today's economy is more appreciated than ever before. How did they do it? This article highlights good and not-so-good approaches to tackling in-house construction projects. Read the article 
 
If you are considering a major renovation at your course, be sure to contact the professionals at the Golf Course Builders Association of America and the American Society of Golf Course Architects
 
Adjust and Adapt
by Keith Happ, senior agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region
Irrigation from HappManaging golf course turf is about managing soil moisture.  It is far better to be dry and have total control over the amount of water applied, keeping the turf in good health. Conversely, if it is wet, it's all about soil drainage and trying to dry the profile, allowing the turf to survive other elements of summer stress.  In the Mid-Atlantic Region we have experienced conditions ranging from too much rain to a full- blown drought. Read on to learn more about the impact of these conditions on the 2010 U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont
 
Spring, Summer, Fall And It's Only July 
by R.A. (Bob) Brame , Director, North Central Region
Although summer officially just started on June the 21st, for some superintendents in the lower North Central Region, the turf weakening/loss over the last half of June has made it feel like mid-to-late summer.  Specifically, the combination of high temperatures and saturated soils has brought on some turf decline.  And yet, the cool-down coming into July is more reflective of fall than summer.  What's next?  Time will tell, but clearly the weather to come will directly impact both golf turf maintenance and playability.  Golfers who want the same day after day should consider bowling because golf will never go there. Read the rest of this article.
 
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The USGA Green Section Portal
A Valuable Resource For All, And It's Free 
 
Be sure to take a minute to visit the Green Section's portal at http://gsportal.usga.org. There you will find information regarding upcoming live webcasts and links to recordings of more than 30 previously delivered webcasts, as well as announcements regarding upcoming USGA Green Section activities, education conferences, and meetings.
 

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