Summer is a busy time on the golf course. Grass growth is at its peak and golf course maintenance operations are running full steam. On July 8-9, 2014, approximately 30 golf course superintendents from the Southeast converged in Memphis, Tenn. for two days of education at an ultradwarf surface management workshop. Mr. Rodney Lingle, Memphis Country Club, and Mr. Jay Willis, The Gleneagle Golf Course, hosted the event. Amazingly, this was the seventh year that Lingle and Willis have hosted this workshop.
Topics Covered
The purpose of the ultradwarf surface management workshop is to give attendees an up-close look at how two successful superintendents, with different budgets and site conditions, use similar principles of ultradwarf bermudagrass management to produce outstanding playing conditions. Lingle and Willis not only discussed their philosophies, but also demonstrated what some of the management techniques look like in the field. It is one thing to read about light vertical mowing, but another to see how the mower and blades are set and what the green looks like after light vertical mowing is performed.
Some of the topics discussed or demonstrated included:
- Mower setup – bedknives, reels and rollers
- Mowing practices – walk-behind and triplex
- Topdressing
- Light vertical mowing
- Plant growth regulators
- Brushing and grooming
The Benefits of Sharing Information
One of the great aspects of the turf industry is the willingness among professionals to share information. In Memphis, the learning happened readily and will be turned into results at many golf facilities across the Southeast. Ultimately, it is the golfer that benefits.
Our USGA Course Consulting Service visits are about sharing information, too. As summer reaches its midpoint, it is not too late to schedule a visit with a USGA agronomist. Please let us know how we might best be of service to you.
Source: Chris Hartwiger (chartwiger@usga.org)
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
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