Data collection techniques and the ways we can use the information have improved drastically in recent years. The number of new tools available to measure a wide variety of metrics is impressive. Even more impressive is the ability to auto-populate the information into platforms like DEACON® and all the ways we can use that data to drive management decisions. However, developing a process to obtain the data and incorporate it into your management program is not without challenges.
One of the most common hurdles I see during Course Consulting Service visits is turfgrass managers trying to collect too much data, too fast. The goal becomes “collect all the data on all the greens,” and suddenly the process feels like a daily scramble. When that happens, data collection stops being a decision-making tool and starts becoming another burden for the agronomy team.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to collect data on every green to get actionable information. If you’re looking for a simple, repeatable way to start, I recommend collecting data from your worst green, your best green and the one closest to the shop. Measurements from three greens are all it takes to build a useful baseline. If sampling three greens still feels like an obstacle, start with one. A great option is one green near the maintenance facility. It’s easy for you and your staff to access, and you can make reasonable inferences about other greens on the course based on how that one is performing.
In the end, consistent data collection throughout the entire season and painting a complete picture is more valuable than an avalanche of data one month and sporadic collections the next. Measuring the effects of inputs on output metrics is where data-driven decisions create value.
As we start 2026, let’s set a New Year’s resolution we can keep all year. Track one good, one bad, and one average green and let the data start working for you, instead of the other way around.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, regional director, West Region – bwhitlark@usga.org
Ross Niewola, agronomist – rniewola@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service