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AN OLD RELIABLE MACHINE FOR MOWING PUTTING GREENS HAS MADE A BIG COMEBACK
RETURN OF THE TRIPLEX
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The 1968 Greens King. The original triplex putting green mower was developed in 1968 by Jacobsen� and named the "Greens King." (Photo courtesy of Jacobsen�)
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Triplex putting green mowers are back, and they are better than ever. The quest to reduce maintenance expenses has superintendents returning to this workhorse of efficiency that was developed in the 1960s. Startling? Maybe. Worth investigating? Definitely.
The history of the triplex mower and its role in golf maintenance is interesting and is highly correlated with economic trends in the game. This article will review the development of the triplex, how it has fit within the industry, and why it has made a strong comeback. Further, the article is intended to help superintendents, course officials, and owners think through how the triplex putting green mower might be an answer to lowering the operating budget.
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A SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY MAY CHANGE YOUR GOLF FACILITY'S DECISION ON OVERSEEDING
SWITCHING FROM TRADITIONAL TO 'LIQUID' OVERSEEDING
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Non-overseeded teeing grounds hold up well in the winter play season with routine applications of fertilizer and pigment.
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Golf courses change with time and, to improve turf health and playing conditions or simply to modernize or change the look of certain features, renovation is necessary. Infrastructure items such as buildings, irrigation systems, cart paths and bridges do not last forever either and must also be upgraded or replaced eventually. Much like a house requires new carpet, a fresh coat of paint or a new roof, so too does a golf course require periodic renovations.
Do-it-yourself home improvement projects can certainly save money. The same is true for golf facilities, as it is oftentimes less expensive to have the grounds crew perform improvement projects as compared to hiring outside contractors.
Golf facilities operate with limited funds and superintendents will often try to assist their facilities by performing projects in-house. This would include minor remodeling projects, some irrigation upgrades and drainage improvements. Not only does this save the golf facility money, it also provides the crew with a temporary break from routine maintenance operations. However, there can be downsides to in-house projects and it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls.
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INDUSTRY SURVEY
THE IMPACT OF GOLF CARTS ON COURSE MAINTENANCE
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An article is being written by the USGA Green Section that will discuss the interaction of golf cart use and turf maintenance inputs at courses throughout the country. Golf carts are often viewed as a significant source of revenue, but it is important to fully understand their impact on course maintenance programs. The revenue from golf carts will be compared to costs of various maintenance programs that are directly and indirectly connected to the wear and tear caused by golf carts. Please fill out this short survey to provide invaluable insight on golf cart use and subsequent maintenance inputs at your facility.
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Ever wonder why golf facilities delay play until turf is no longer covered in frost? This short video will help you understand (and appreciate) how frost delays serve to protect the condition and playability of the course.
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It is the time of the year when many superintendents are breaking out the covers to protect their bermudagrass greens during freezing temperatures. Covers have made it possible for bermudagrass greens to survive harsh winters much farther north than many of us thought possible just a few years ago. But while the materials have changed the idea of covering greens is not a new one. Read on to see how one superintendent covered greens in 1929.
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Have you ever sampled the full profile of your sand-based putting greens? The USGA is funding research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to identify what causes iron layering from developing deep in sand-based rootzones and how to prevent it.
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REGIONAL UPDATES
The USGA Green Section is broken into eight regions with each staffed by Green Section agronomists who work with golf facilities on care of the golf course. Every two weeks USGA agronomists provide updates outlining current issues of what they are observing in the field. Be sure to view updates from other regions and not just your own because featured ideas, techniques and solutions to problems often apply to other parts of the country.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Do you know how many labor hours are dedicated to leaf cleanup at your golf facility? A survey in the Northeast Region reveals that 97 percent of the respondents spend more than 12 hours weekly removing leaves each fall, with some spending much, much more.
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MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Fall and winter is the time for both the golf course and staff to recharge from this year's golf season and prepare for next year. Strategies implemented at a golf facility now are often a good indicator for spring success.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Nobody likes old hole plugs on putting greens, and they can be especially problematic and unsightly in the winter months when the turf is dormant or semi-dormant. Pinehurst Resort has identified a solution that all golf facilities can adopt.
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FLORIDA REGION
While not the most common pest to Florida golf courses, white grubs can cause damage to greens.
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NORTH-CENTRAL REGION
Now is the time to review maintenance programs from this year and plan for next. Golf facilities also appear to be investing in their future with renovations and course enhancement projects. This is a positive sign.
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MID-CONTINENT REGION
Drought-stricken areas receive much needed rain, concerns over golfer spike damage on greens are on the rise, and check out the list of upcoming turf conferences in the region.
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NORTHWEST REGION
Processing the cores removed during aeration can save money and help the turf - a winning combination.
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SOUTHWEST REGION
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to turf color. Tips for success are offered if you're interested in painting your greens instead of overseeding.
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�2013 by United States Golf Association�
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.
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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