GREENS - THE HEART OF THE GOLF COURSE
An evaluation of creeping bentgrasses on an active, in-play putting green.

6/1/06
A contoured putting green was designed to monitor the different bentgrasses on an equal basis. Three trees were removed to enlarge the green size (4,130 sq. ft.) and to assure equal sunlight distribution. The green is crescent-shaped with several undulations, with downhill slopes of different magnitude. The slope gradients were inserted to represent average and extreme slopes that now occur on modern putting greens.

The putting green is divided into five plots, ranging in size from 580 sq. ft. to 1,140 sq. ft. The green is composed of an 8-1-1 mix (Best Sand). The mix was tested as received and was evaluated for use in USGA green construction. The test consultants’ summary follows:

The aeration porosity was acceptable. The water retention, as reflected in the capillary porosity, was acceptable as well. The results suggest that greens built with this mix would have adequate drainage, and after free drainage, would have good aeration and water retention. The 8-1-1 mix from Best Sand meets USGA recommendations in all regards.

The committee discussed the pros and cons of installing a barrier or PVC liner between the bentgrass plots to prevent lateral migration of the bentgrasses. The committee decided not to be concerned as some migration of the bentgrass would not alter the study.

The bentgrasses selected for the study:

The approach and collar to the green were seeded with:

Construction began on 3/27/06, the bentgrass and Kentucky Blue/Rye mix were seeded on 4/27/06. First bentgrass emerged on 5/1/06, with the last bentgrass emerging on 5/4/06. The first mowing was 5/24/06.

Construction notes:

Data is being collected and photos taken to document building a green, growing in a green and the comparison of the five bentgrasses. Data will continue to be gathered to document green superintendents concerns regarding putting green bentgrasses. Matt Welch, Green Superintendent, Project Manager, is monitoring the green and recording data on a daily basis for:

- Stress Tolerance	- Disease Resistance
- Environmental Factors	- Thatch
- Maintenance Element	- Weed Invasion
- Putting Surface	- Growth Pattern

It was also decided to use AdvanEdge Pipe and Fittings for green drainage – well knowing that drainage is the single most important element of good quality putting greens. AdvanEdge was laid flat, and not installed in a trench with gravel backfill. The green mix was placed directly on the AdvanEdge pipe. The mix was held to USGA specifications consisting of a uniform depth root zone of 12 inches.

In addition to research data collected in the bentgrass putting green study, NOGAC&F now has a putting green to complete the golfing experience and add to the enjoyment for all golfers, especially GWD and juniors.

Most of you are aware of the positive impact NOGAC&F has had on this region. The completion of this project is another step of exciting progress we have made in the NOGAC&F mission.

“Through NOGA programs, including scholarships; to promote the sport of golf among the youth and physically challenged by instilling a respect for the history, integrity, and disciplines of golf, and to provide the means for young players to increase the game skills and to instill in them the spirit of competition, fair play and good sportsmanship.”

The new green is located at the NOGA owned and operated North Olmsted G.C.

On behalf of the NOGA staff, I would like to say thanks to all who have contributed to this worthwhile project. We would not have started this project without your support and generosity.

Putting Green Photo Gallery