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VOLUME 51, NUMBER 02 | January 25, 2013
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The USGA is proud to announce a newly-released Stimpmeter� designed with greater flexibility and added convenience for testing green speed. On one side of the updated, double-sided Stimpmeter is the standard ball-release notch, or full-length run, for putting greens that have an adequate level surface to measure green speed. This method should be used where possible. For putting surfaces where large level areas are not available, the reverse side of the Stimpmeter features a notch that produces half the ball roll distance. Thus, only half the test area is needed to obtain an accurate measurement.
Read The Official Announcement.
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PERSPECTIVES FROM THE GREEN COMMITTEE
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THINGS I WISH MY SUPERINTENDENT UNDERSTOOD
|  The relationship between the superintendent and green committee is vital to the successful operation of any golf facility. Superintendents like to think they are in the golf course maintenance business, but they are really in the customer service business. As any successful business person knows, an important part of good customer service is listening to your customers. Superintendents usually hear from the very vocal 10 percent of golfers or committee members who are not shy about expressing their opinions. But what is the other 90 percent thinking? Read More |
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IRRIGATING FOR THE PROPER CONDITIONS
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IRRIGATE FOR PLAYABILITY AND TURF HEALTH, NOT COLOR
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Firm conditions and not turf color are the foundation for quality playability.
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Golf was born in the British Isles, where courses evolved centuries ago from windswept, sandy sites adjacent to the sea. The game has changed since its beginning, but traditions and challenges remain the same - turf, terrain, and weather. Firm conditions and fine-textured turf have long been the foundation for ideal playability. Over time, many golfers have forgotten the value of firmness and replaced it with the desire to have a visually appealing golf course. The ability to irrigate has enabled golf course superintendents to produce amazingly resilient, uniform turf despite low mowing heights, extreme heat, drought, undulating terrain, variable soils, traffic, etc. However, golfer expectations and irrigation advancements have also contributed to the idea that aesthetics, particularly lush green grass, are greatly important to the enjoyment of the game and even define good conditions. The genesis of cosmetic irrigation, which involves irrigating the golf course to keep all turf areas an attractive green color, began as irrigation systems were installed at golf courses throughout the country. Cosmetic irrigation is not a problem at every golf course, but far too many facilities still place the highest priority on lush green conditions at the expense of playing quality. This fact was alarmingly evident in recent years when record droughts hit, and many golfers simply could not understand why all of the turf was not consistently dark green.
Read More
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT MAKES GOLF FUN IS GOOD FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE
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|  Whether it is a junior-high girl sinking a putt to make her first par or a professional making a clutch putt on the 72nd hole to win the U.S. Open, the game of golf has an appeal and enjoyment that keeps people interested for life. I call this the "fun factor." However, golf is difficult, and what should be an engaging challenge can become unduly difficult given certain course conditions. Golf course superintendents, professionals, course officials, and owners all play a pivotal role in the enjoyment of the game and therefore have a vested interest in keeping the game fun. Doing so will positively impact the bottom line for the golf facility. Read More |
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REGIONAL UPDATES
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Northeast Region Golf Course Work Continues in the Off-season - How maintenance crews are staying busy this winter. Read More | |
Mid-Atlantic Region The "Off-Season" - There are always plenty of jobs to complete over the winter, making it anything but an off-season. Read More | |
Southeast Region Welcome Back Dr. Kerns - Catching up with a past USGA Green Section Intern who is now a turfgrass pathologist at the University of North Carolina. Read More | |
Florida Region Early 2013 Winter Conditions- Disease pressure is up in Florida and mole crickets and nematodes are just around the corner. You will also want to read about the workshops being offered for course officials. Read More | |
North-Central Region January Thaw - How to best manage a mild winter and early thaw while protecting your golf course. Read More | |
Mid-Continent Region We Are Freezing, Take Precautions - A checklist for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass courses to review to reduce the chance of winter injury as much as possible. Read More | |
Northwest Region Winter Topdressing. Why Not?- A growing number of superintendents in the Pacific Northwest are finding it works for them. Hoping for Snow - Why Snowfall is welcome in the Rockies. Read More | |
Southwest Region Regional Conference Highlights ADA Compliance Issues - A recap of the presentation given by Fred Brattan from the Disabled Golfers Learning Foundation at the Southwest Regional Conference held at San Gabriel Country Club. Read More | |
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USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA�). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts.
1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for Reuse policy.
2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language.
3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content.
The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published biweekly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association�.
Golf House, Far Hills, NJ 07931
USGA Green Section
908.234.2300
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