The USGA is again partnering with the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) to establish a new putting green trial for warm-season grasses. This putting trial is similar to the 1998-2001 On-Site Evaluation of Bermudagrass for Putting Greens that was sponsored by the USGA, NTEP and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. However, the new test has been expanded to also include zoysiagrass and seashore paspalum. Trial locations will be split between golf courses and university research centers at locations across the South, Southwest and Transition Zone.
In addition to the industry standards of Tifdwarf, TifEagle and Mini-Verde, there are 12 bermudagrass, 11 zoysiagrass and two seashore paspalum entries in this putting green test. A primary management goal of the trial is achievement of a Stimpmeter reading in the range of 8 to 9 feet while reducing inputs, as compared to the ultradwarf bermudagrasses. Other turf performance characteristics including winter hardiness in the upper transition zone will also be evaluated. This warm-season putting green trial is made possible with considerable funding from the USGA.
Source: John Foy (johnfoy@usga.org)
Information on the USGA’s Turf Advisory Service
Contact the Green Section Staff