Extending The Performance of 27-Year Old Putting Greens

The greens at Olde Florida Golf Club were constructed in 1992 to USGA Specifications. They were resurfaced in 2000, but the subsurface has never been renovated. As you might have read in my May 21 blog entry, "2021 Golf Course Renovation", the upcoming project will not include a greens renovation. In this entry I will provide more detail on why that decision was reached, and what our plan is moving forward to continue extending the performance of our 27-year old greens. 

One of the key components of extending the life of a putting green is maintaining adequate subsurface drainage and soil porosity. This is absolutely vital for the successful management of turfgrass. This has become even more critical as we maintain turfgrass on greens with an intensity, and at heights of cut that were unheard of even 10-15 years ago. If challenges exist with either the drainage or soil porosity, oxygen levels in the rootzone will be low, which can result in turfgrass decline, especially during stressful weather. 

While some organic matter in a putting green is beneficial for the receptiveness of golf shots, as well as water and nutrient holding capacity, excessive accumulation will reduce porosity and decrease drainage. There needs to be a healthy balance, and the removal of organic matter through aeration or aggressive vertical mowing, as well as the dilution with frequent sand topdressing are key components of achieving this balance.

Having been hired as we began construction of the golf course in 1992, I was able to monitor the building of the greens. Equally important, I was able to put a summer cultural practice program in place from day one that has enabled us to maintain acceptable subsurface drainage and porosity.   

Even through we have properly maintained the greens from the beginning,  before making the decision to not renovate the greens in 2021, we had several random selected core samples analyzed by an accredited soil testing laboratory. The reports we received confirmed that the physical properties that influence subsurface drainage and soil porosity are good. While still within the desired range, since the renovation in 2000 we have developed a 7″ layer of organic material on top of the original USGA greens mix. 

4" profile taken on 18 green, November 2019

4" profile taken on 18 green, November 2019
7" of organic matter has accumulated since the resurfacing in 2000

As the pictures above depict, even with frequent aeration, vertical mowing and sand topdressing, organic matter will accumulate over time. Consequently, to extend the performance of mature greens traditional core aeration needs to be supplemented with soil modification techniques that can deposit sand completely through the organic layer. Such processes include Drill and Fill and DryJect. Olde Florida will be incorporating both of these this summer. From May 27 - May 29, a Drill and Fill was performed on the greens, and the DryJect will be utilized during the last closed week of the summer, September 21 - 28.   

The Drill and Fill and DryJect processes effectively increase soil porosity and drainage due to the large amount of sand that is delivered deeper into the soil than would be possible with traditional core aeration. For deeper soil modification, the Drill and Fill methods is preferred. When lifted from the subsurface, the drill removes organic matter from the profile, leaving channels that are backfilled with dry, bagged sand. At Olde Florida, a 1” drill bit penetrated the surface of the greens to a 10” depth. Directly into the 10” holes, 168,000 pounds or 84 tons of sand was added to the subsurface of the greens.

 

This is a YouTube video of the Drill and Fill on 6 green at Olde Florida

4 semi loads of dried, bagged sand were deposited into the greens
 during the Drill and Fill process 

Drill and Fill May 27th on the practice green 

Drill and Fill, May 28th on 9 green

Drone shot of 9 green, May 28

15 days post Drill and Fill on practice green at Olde Florida  

15 days post Drill and Fill on practice green at Olde Florida 

The DryJect, that we will perform later this summer deposits  a similar quantity of sand into the profile, but at a slightly shallower depth and no organic matter is removed in this process. 

DryJect demonstration, January 2020 on the nursery green

DryJect, January 2020 on the nursery green 

Both of these practices will not be a substitute for standard core aeration at Olde Florida, rather they are treated as supplements. Essentially they are soil modification treatments. In addition to the two processes this summer, we will do three additional treatments in 2021. After 2021, we will perform one annually.

In addition, keeping putting green subsurface drain lines operational is extremely important. This is especially critical in areas like Southwest Florida, where our annual rainfall can exceed 70”. 

For the last 27 years, all of the greens subsurface drainage systems at Olde Florida have been checked annually by inserting a 1” hose into the top of the system and running at full pressure until the water leaves the exit pipe.

This link will take you to a very informative video series on the USGA Putting Green Construction Method

Profile of the USGA Putting Green Construction Method  

2021 Golf Course Renovation

Recently it was announced that the golf course at Olde Florida will undergo a renovation next summer. An outline of the project is below.

History

Constructed in late 1992 and early 1993, Olde Florida opened for play in October of 1993. Since our opening, the golf course has only been re-grassed once and that was 20 years ago during the summer of 2000.

The original turfgrass on the greens was TifDwarf. Although TifDwarf was released in 1965, in 1993 it remained the standard for putting greens in the Southern United States. During the renovation of 2000, we replaced the TifDwarf with a newer variety, TifEagle. TifEagle was released in 1997 after extensive testing under the name of TW-72. Test sites included one at Olde Florida, which was planted in 1994. 

Also, during the renovation of 2000, the remainder of the golf course was re-grassed with certified TifWay 419, which was released in 1960. In 2000, it was still considered the standard for Southern golf courses. 

The bunkers at Olde Florida were not renovated in 2000. They are “original construction,” and after 27 years, many have lost their shape, and several of the faces have deteriorated resulting in a loss of turfgrass. The greens were also not rebuilt in 2000, just re-surfaced.

Contamination 

As is commonplace in warm season turfgrass, especially on golf courses with a 12-month growing season, the turfgrass at Olde Florida has been contaminated with different strains of bermudagrass over the last 20 years. The different textures and colors of the numerous varieties of bermudagrass at first were just cosmetic, but over time, some of the less desirable varieties have become extremely challenging to maintain to the expected level. This situation is seasonal and dependent on climate and/or pest pressure. Since a large percentage of the membership is not comprised of year-round residents, the challenges with the different varieties might have gone unnoticed by some. 

After close to 10 years of intensely managing the situation, with each year becoming more challenging and time consuming as the percentage of “off type” bermudagrass increased, the board of directors and I agree the situation has reached the level that a complete re-grassing of the fairways, tees and rough is required. The project has been delayed as long as possible. 

An example of the multiple varieties (weak and strong) at Olde Florida on hole 2. Picture taken October 2019

Turfgrass Research/ Improvements

  

Since the renovation of Olde Florida in 2000, numerous improved turfgrass varieties have been released. Some of the advantages of the new varieties include improved drought, wear, cold and shade tolerance. As new varieties have been released, we have installed test plots to evaluate them from both a playability and management perspective. Some of the varieties for fairways, tees and rough that we have evaluated extensively include TifSport, Celebration, Latitude and Bimini. I have also reviewed data from research trials and made numerous site visits to other golf courses and sod farms to evaluate these and other varieties. 

In conjunction with the University of Georgia, establishing a greens variety test at Olde Florida 

Performing speed readings on the greens variety test at Olde Florida 

I have also had lengthy conversations and visits with agronomists, turfgrass researchers and extension specialists on the topics of bermudagrass eradication, soil properties and turfgrass selection. Individuals I have consulted with include: John Foy, former USGA Agronomist; Dr. Brian Schwartz, University of Georgia; Dr. Bert McCarty, Clemson University; Dr. Mike Richardson, University of Arkansas; Dr. Fred Yelverton, North Carolina State University; and Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida. At my request, Dr. Unruh also made a site visit to Olde Florida this winter to evaluate physical soil tests performed on the greens as well as to review the proposed renovation process and timeline. 

After years of consideration, the variety that we feel will provided the best playing surface and has the most positive management improvements is TufTuf. TifTuf is a hybrid bermudagrass that was extensively tested and evaluated for over 10 years and was co-released by the University of Georgia and the United States Department of Agriculture in 2014. TifTuf can better withstand drought and traffic than previous commercial releases. In addition, it is generally faster growing and maintains turfgrass color longer in cool weather. This is a link to more information on TifTuf.

A TifTuf tee at Olde Florida on hole 16

Bunker Improvements 

As previously reported, the bunkers at Olde Florida were constructed 27 years ago and have never been rebuilt. Since that time there have been several innovations that have helped to improve the playability and reduce maintenance of bunkers. In particular, several liners/systems have been designed that greatly reduce washouts. With an average of close to 70″ of rain a year, the staff spends an exorbitant amount of time repairing washouts. It is extremely taxing on our staff and time consuming. After extensive research as well as onsite trials with several of the liners/systems, we have determined that the Better Billy Bunker system is the preferred method for the planned renovation. 

The 2021 renovation will include the removal of the existing sand, limestone gravel and drainage pipes in all the bunkers. The pipes will be inspected and replaced only if needed. The original bunker lines (shape) will then be established in consultation with Rees Jones Inc. No architectural changes, additions or deletions are going to be made to the bunkers. Next, the subsurface drainage trenches will be cleaned, pipes reinstalled and new granite gravel added. Granite gravel will then be installed in the floor of all bunkers, and the Better Billy Bunker system will be installed. The proper depth of sand will be added and, of course, checked/maintained annually. This is a link to information on the Better Billy Bunker system.

Greens

As previously detailed, the turfgrass on our greens was replaced in 2000, but the subsurface/greens construction is original. After extensive conversation, testing and consideration, it has been decided to not renovate or resurface the greens in 2021. 

While there are estimates on the lifespan of USGA greens, there are also many variables that need to be considered. There are several things we have working in our favor, which have enabled us to extend the life of the greens. First, they were correctly constructed with materials that met USGA specifications. Second, we have properly maintained them for the last 27 years. Cultural practices have been sufficient that we have not developed any significant subsurface challenges. 

Before making the decision to not renovate greens we also had several random selected core samples analyzed by an accredited soil testing laboratory. The reports we received confirmed that the physical properties (saturated hydraulic conductivity, porosity and bulk density) are good. While still within the desired range, since the renovation in 2000 we have developed a 7″ layer of organic material on top of the original USGA greens mix. Therefore, we will begin incorporating a few additional cultural practices this summer, such as Drill and Fill and DryJect. Both of these contracted services will provide a channel filled with sand that will improve percolation and rooting of the turfgrass. These practices will continue over the summer of 2021. This is link to an article published by the USGA on extending the performance of mature putting greens.

A 4" core sample of a green at Olde Florida 

A profile sample of a DryJect injection

A DryJect demo at Olde Florida

Finally, although a couple of new varieties have been released for use on greens, and several others are in testing; at this time, there haven’t been any new varieties released that can provide a significant improvement in playability or management.

Irrigation 

The project will also include the replacement of the irrigation heads. The PVC piping and ductile iron fittings (below-ground components) are original, but in 2010, the irrigation system was converted from a hydraulic-controlled to an electric-controlled system. At that time a few additional improvements were made including: additional mainline piping, additional quick-coupling valves for hand watering, new satellite controllers, new isolation valves, a new pump station and new electric heads. After 10 years, we are experiencing increased head failures, and we feel that due to significant improvements in head design, replacement at this time is warranted. 

Timeline

One of the most vital aspects of the proposed renovation is the eradication of the existing turfgrass. Bermudagrass eradication is extremely challenging, in part, due to methyl bromide (a soil fumigant) being removed for the golf course market in 2009. 

Extensive research has been performed on bermudagrass eradication that does not include methyl bromide. The two studies that are definitive and have provided the best process are a 1988 study out of the University of Georgia, followed by a similar study performed at the University of Arkansas in 1998 and 1999. The results of both show that multiple applications with a combination of non-selective herbicides over a several month period are necessary to achieve 96-99% eradication. In addition to the multiple applications, recent research from both the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas has shown that the addition of aggressive detaching with fraze mowing can enhance the efficacy of the chemical control. All of the above recommendations will be followed at Olde Florida in 2021.

Consequently, to achieve acceptable eradication of the existing bermudagrass, the golf course will be closed for two days, March 15 and 16, 2021, to make the initial herbicide application. The golf course will then reopen for play until the second application on April 19, 2021. At that time, the golf course will close for all play and will reopen on Monday November 1, 2021.  

This is a link to an article detailing some of the research that has been performed on bermudagrass eradication.

Additional Resources 

This a link to an article detailing the "History of Bermudagrass Turfgrass Breeding Research in Tifton, Georgia."

"Could a Golf Course Skip Cultural Practices?"

I was recently asked the question, “Could a golf course skip cultural practices for a period of time, such as one year?” 

This is a fairly common question in the industry in the midst of the challenging times we're facing with Covid-19. The quick and honest answer I provided was, “Yes.” However, that answer definitely needed to be expanded upon, so I added, “In the short term, if needed, a cultural practice(s) could be skipped if the turfgrass is healthy and the system has been properly managed in the past. And, if it will continue to be managed correctly in the future.”

The challenge with just the quick answer, “Yes” is, why not universal, it could lead to a situation where management or golfers could say, "We skipped it this year/this time and everything is fine.” This is why I stressed to the individual that each situation, and each facility needs to carefully analyze the long term effects of not performing a cultural practice(s).  In addition, there are other factors that need to be considered, including financial (short and long term), how much play is, or will the course receive and what are the standards (current and long term) that a course expects/demands. 

In laymen terms, to maintain healthy turfgrass, a plant needs the correct amount, and proper quality of water, air, nutrients and sunlight. Cultural practices influence the first three (water, air and nutrient uptake). In addition, aerification, vertical mowing and topdressing  reduce compaction, reduce thatch, increase porosity, smooth the surface, reduce grain and ultimately assist in producing a healthy plant, which in turn creates a high quality playing surface. This is why cultural practices are necessary, and ultimately the one who benefits from them is the golfer. 

“When” cultural practices are performed, also needs to considered. Ideally, the practices should be performed when the plant is most actively growing so recovery is quick and player impact is relatively low. In the south, this means golf courses perform the majority of the more aggressive cultural practices in the summer. In the north, where the growing season is not year round, it is a little more challenging to find the “right time” and often courses must decide when is the “best time”.  

In my tenure in the industry I have seen tremendous equipment improvements, amazing technology enhancements, in depth research, improved turfgrass species and enhanced communication within the industry. All of this has enabled better turfgrass management, including less disruptive cultural practices, or less intrusive methods. 

I finished my answer to the individual that asked the question with, "Golf course management is part art and part science, and there is not one set method or schedule provided on how to maintain turfgrass. This includes includes how, when and how often cultural practices are performed. However, I am confident that in times like this the problem solving nature of a golf course superintendent becomes very evident."  

Coronavirus Precautions at Olde Florida Golf Club

Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a respiratory disease that has spread from China to many countries around the world, including the United States. To reduce the impact of Covid-19 outbreak on businesses, workers, customers and the public it's important for everyone to plan now and take precautions.   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the latest information about COVID-19 and the global outbreak: That information can be found here. 

Coronavirus is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet). It is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs.  It's also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touch their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. People are thought to be the most contagious when they are most symptomatic  (i.e., experiencing fever, cough and/or shortness of breath).

The goal of the Olde Florida Golf Club Coronavirus Precautions Document (below) is to protect employees and members, as well as to minimize a potential disruption to daily operations at Olde Florida Golf Club. 

The staff has been made aware that it's vital to adhere to the proactive and sensible precautions outlined in the document. The staff have been made aware that these are unprecedented times and this is a fluid situation. Items in the document may be modified, or more added as more is learned about COVID-19.

Employees have also been advised that these same precautions should be followed when not on Olde Florida Golf Club property in order to protect fellow employees and members, as well as helping to stop the spread of this potentially deadly virus in our community and throughout the country. 

Olde Florida Golf Club - Coronavirus Precautions Document   

• Employees will be trained in a group setting on proper hand washing and the transmission of the Coronavirus.

• Employees should cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing.  

• Employees should not use other employees phones, desks or offices.

• Employees should wash hands frequently and always wash their hands prior to operating one of the microwaves or eating food.

Informational posters in the employee lunchroom

• Employees should avoid touching their face.

• Employees will be tested daily with a "no-touch thermometer gun" prior to beginning work. 

• Group meetings will be held in an outdoor setting. Daily job assignments will be provided to staff on the electronic work board, not a physical meeting.

• There should be no gathering of employees in the lunchroom, restroom or any "under air" space at anytime - maximum occupancy of this space is limited to 10 people at a time.  

• NO non-employees or members (including vendors and contractors) are allowed on site without the permission of the golf course superintendent. Scheduled deliveries from an established vendor/source are an exception (US Mail, UPS, parts or operational products, etc.) However, there should be no physical touching or interaction, including the signing of delivery tickets.

This sign has been placed on all entrances in the agronomy center 

• Any vendor or contractor that has been deemed essential to the golf course operations will be required to wear a supplied pair of disposable gloves (available at the reception desk) and will be instructed to maintain a 6' distance from all Olde Florida Golf Club employees and/or members.

• All packages received from UPS, USPS, Amazon or FedEx will be placed on a table in the facility (under roof, but not "under air"). All packages will be wiped with bleach solution prior to being opened. 

• If golf course equipment is delivered, the vendor will not be allowed in the building and will be instructed to maintain a 6' distance from all Olde Florida Golf Club employees. An Olde Florida Golf Club employee, wearing gloves will immediately pressure wash and disinfect the new equipment. 

• Golf course water bottle cooler lids and closure straps will be sanitized twice daily - in the morning when being filled and after lunch. This task will be assigned by the assistant superintendent.

• Employee assigned to fill water coolers with water bottles and ice will wear disposable gloves. 

• Practice green flagsticks, member trap rakes, ball washers, golf cart sand buckets and scoops have been removed and will not be utilized until further notice. 

• A spray bottle with a mixture of 1/2 cup bleach to one gallon of water will be provided to each employee. Employees are to wipe down anything they touch immediately.

Sanitizing solution

• If an employee is sick, or feeling sick, they are not to come to work. If this is the case, employees should send a text message to a supervisor.

• When changing the pin, the flagstick and the 2” PVC insert (temporarily being used to stop a golf ball from descending into the bottom of the cup) should be thoroughly wiped down with sanitizing solution. Members and caddies have been asked to not touch the flagstick at anytime. 

Employee changing the pin on hole #10

Temporary ball restriction device 

• Time cards will not to be utilized until notified. An assistant superintendent is responsible for communicating with the office manager to ensure payroll is correct.   

• The two assistant superintendent’s will alternate weeks on/off. They will work out their own schedule. 

• The assistant superintendent, office manager, equipment manager and superintendent are responsible for wiping down all surfaces in their respective offices with sanitizing solution on a daily basis. 

• The office manager will wipe down all door handles, refrigerator handles, thermostat, etc., upon arrival, after the lunch break and prior to leaving. 

Sanitizing products are available to all employees

• One employee will be scheduled to remain in the facility each day and wipe down all items that are touched i.e. steering wheels, fuel pump handles, hand tools, wash rack handles, blow off stations air tools, mail box handle, light switches, sun tan lotion pumps, sink faucets, door closures (chains), interior locker handles, break room furniture, etc. 

• All large golf course equipment (carts, fairway mowers, etc.) will be pressure cleaned weekly. 

Olde Florida Golf Club Agronomy Center

• Where possible doors should remain open and untouched i.e interior doors.

• All staff should maintain a 6’ distance between each other at all times. No touching another staff member or another staff members personal items. 

• All staff should ride in individual golf carts unless approved by management. 

• All silverware provided by Olde Florida Golf Club will be individual wrapped and no bulk condiments are allowed in the facility. There should be no sharing of food. 

Olde Florida will provide utensils to employees

• No on premise soccer until further notice.

• Only two chairs at each of the three inside tables.

• In order to accommodate social distancing during the lunch period, and to minimize employees in "under air" space, two of the three microwaves have been moved to the outside facility. After each use the microwave handle should be sanitized. All of the precautions listed above will also apply to the lunch period. 

Golf Carts: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

As a golf course superintendent, and equally as a golfer, I don’t like traffic control devices.

However, as a golf course superintendent my primary responsibility is to provide the golfers at my facility with the best possible playing conditions, as well as a golf course that is aesthetically pleasing (healthy turfgrass). With that in mind, traffic control devices are a necessity.

Although the game dates back centuries, golf changed dramatically in 1962, when Merlin L. Halvorson invented the first self-propelled golf "car". Prior to this, golfers either walked with a caddie, pulled a golf "cart", or carried their own bag. 

Note: Originally, and technically still a golf "car," today the vehicle Mr. Halvorson created is often referred to as a golf "cart."

The golf car has obviously been beneficial in making the game more accessible to the masses, and it has enabled those with physical or medical limitations to continue enjoying the sport and the numerous benefits of being on a golf course. Golf cars are also a much needed source of revenue for most facilities. 

While the benefits outweigh the negatives, golf car usage can come at a cost. That cost is the detrimental effect on the quality of the playing surface. In addition, at times the overall aesthetics of the golf course can be tarnished by golf car usage. Concentrated traffic produces multi-component stress to turfgrass. The problems associated with golf car traffic are reduced turfgrass vigor, soil compaction, ruts and other surface disruption. 

Soil compaction is a “hidden effect” and it’s extremely detrimental to turfgrass because of the destruction of the underlying soil. In laymen terms, compaction presses soil particles together eliminating air and water space. Compaction reduces or eliminates the plants ability to maintain and create roots, which are needed for survival. The end result of excessive soil compaction is a weakened or thin stand of turfgrass, and if not mitigated, eventual death. If the area is on a slope, erosion is a secondary issue that must be addressed. 

The continual golf car traffic in this area has caused unsightly wear, and at the base, extreme soil compaction. The result is not only a decline in aesthetics, but also thin/dead turfgrass at the toe of slope. Erosion will be secondary problem.  

To add to the challenge of traffic stress, when play in Southwest Florida is at its peak (winter), the turfgrass is also growing the least due to shorter days (less sunlight) and cooler than desirable air and soil temperature. 

When the concept of creating Olde Florida originated, golf and housing development construction in Southwest Florida were booming, and the demand exceeded the areas ability to provide access to golf. This is why the founders of Olde Florida wanted a non-residential golf course, a reasonable membership number, limited member or outside events that would restrict access, etc. In summary, the goal was a club of ladies and gentlemen who had a respect for the traditions of the game and ultimately a facility where few written rules would be needed. 

It was also important for the founders to have a facility that allowed, and even encouraged walking by having caddies available. In the early years, 1/3 of the rounds in the winter were walking rounds. At that time, with a less than full membership and a significant amount of play being walking, golf cart traffic was not a significant issue.

While every golf course is different, turfgrass on all golf courses can be damaged by golf cars. This is why the United States Golf Association (USGA) established some general guidelines for facilities to adopt. 

In addition to site specific situations;

1. Golf cars should not be parked or driven on the turfgrass surrounding tees and greens. All four tires should should remain on the path. 

2. Golf cars should remain on the path on par 3 holes.

3. On par 4 and 5 golf holes, once beyond the tee, golfers should spread traffic over a wide area.

4. In situations, when paths are not available golf cars should remain at least 30 feet away from tees and greens.

5. When possible golfers should share a golf car.

6. Finally, golf cars should never be driven on collars, approaches or green banks.

This is a link to a video from the USGA on golf car and pull cart etiquette

This is a link to a series of articles the USGA has compiled on golf car related issues

The bottom line is most damage caused by golf cars can be minimized when drivers use common sense, and observe etiquette. All golfers should be aware of the damage that vehicles cause and take steps to reduce the damage to preserve the condition of the golf course, the facilities most important asset.