A particularly important issue with many courses is selecting the proper turfgrass for putting greens. Tifdwarf bermudagrass has been the standard for Florida putting greens for nearly 40 years, but advancements in turfgrass genetics have occurred over the past decade to allow improved putting conditions. The ultradwarfs have a finer leaf texture, increased shoot density, and are able to tolerate lower heights of cut as compared to Tifdwarf. This in turn provides significantly better playing conditions on a consistent basis. TifEagle and Champion are the most common ultradwarf bermudagrasses in the region, but Mini-Verde is a new bermudagrass variety that provides similar playing conditions.

These newer grasses often require more intensive cultural practices in the form of increased grooming, aeration, and sand topdressing to maintain high standards. There are no set guidelines for ultradwarf putting green management, and the intensity of the cultural program is governed by the expectation level of each particular course. There must be a commitment by the course to provide the necessary maintenance practices to achieve the expected performance standards.

There are a variety of construction techniques for golf course putting greens, but no technique has received as much research and scrutiny as the "USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction". Drainage is particularly important for Florida golf courses as they receive more rainfall than other regions, particularly heavy rainfall with frequent summer thunderstorms.

A new technique that has been implemented on some golf courses is "no-till" construction, where new turfgrass sprigs are planted directly into the existing putting green following herbicide treatments. This method is less expensive and disruptive than reconstruction of greens; but there is significant apprehension from some agronomists and superintendents with no-till construction in regard to reduced drainage and genetic purity. Time will tell whether the no-till method is a viable alternative to the current industry standards.

Regardless of bermudagrass variety or construction method, it is vitally important that a good growing environment exists to provide quality putting greens throughout the year. No grass or construction method can overcome problems caused by lack of sunlight/airflow, inadequate surface area, inadequate entry/exit points, improper surface drainage or irrigation coverage/quality. These are important factors that must be addressed prior to the renovation for the project to be successful. For more information, refer to the article at http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/management/greens/helping_your_greens.html.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for help in evaluating each of these factors with your next project.