Having phenomenal putting greens on your course can make or break the business. People want to golf where the greens are smooth so they have the best opportunity to succeed on the course. Big-name golf courses have the reputation of being challenging but still having a great field of play. Below, our team will go over some things to keep our greens in good shape.
Construct A Maintenance Program
As with many things in life, being organized and having a set plan is beneficial when it comes to creating and maintaining the best greens possible on your course. In order to develop a program, we must do research and gather feedback on the current course conditions. From there, we can implement these steps either for regular playing conditions, or for tournament conditions when applicable. Some of these steps include:
● Mow Properly
There are a variety of factors to consider when mowing the greens on our course. When mowing, the grounds crew has to consider the grass height, turf density, climate conditions, seasonal conditions, and playing conditions. Preparing for a tournament is different than preparing the course for everyday use.
● Roll Regularly
Studies have shown that rolling the turf regularly improves the playing surface while not damaging the turf underneath. Rolling the turf ensures it stays smooth and compact, making the playing surface better for competition. Research has also proven that rolling and mowing the grass slightly higher, as opposed to cutting the grass extremely short and rolling, is healthier for it in the long run.
● Cultivation
Cultivation is key when it comes to the longevity of turf. Aeration and vertical mowing, along with sand topdressing, is vital to the playing surface, as well. Applying these three things when the climate and season are right improves the playing conditions. When done properly, they usually ensure the putting surface is smooth and drains properly.
● Turf Growth Regulators
Turf growth regulators are newer ways to regulate and maintain our course. Doing the research and finding the regulator that is safe for our specific species of turf helps ensure it grows properly and stays healthy.
● Water, Water, Water
Proper turf hydration is one of the most important factors in a successful course. We can do all the maintenance in the world, but if the grass isn’t hydrated, it won’t do much good. It is difficult to find the perfect balance between hydrated and over-hydrated. The green is often the most worn place on the course, so understanding the perfect balance is vital. Irrigation systems are helpful to understand when and how much to water the turf. Otherwise, hand-watering certain areas is the best way to go.
● Fertilization
Nearly as important as plant hydration is properly using fertilizer on the green. Each plant requires different levels of fertilizer, just as they require different regulators and water. Doing the proper research and understanding how much to use and when to use it is crucial to ensuring our greens are the best around.
Visit Burl Oaks Golf Club Today
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art golf club to join in the Twin Cities, visit our course. By becoming a member, you get an experience unlike any other. Different than many golf and country clubs, our focus is on golf, not the additives. To get in contact with us, call 952-472-7017, or message us on our contact page.