MAY WE GET SOME ROLL

5 weeks after greens aerification 4/28/2021

The up and down temperatures this spring have been less than ideal growing conditions. We are 5 weeks out from greens aerification and our punch holes are still not completely filled in. That being said the greens are firm, faster than normal and rolling great! There are many factors that affect the speed of putting greens. 

Conditions that we control that affect greens speed:

• Mowing height 
• Mowing frequency 
• Rolling
• Topdressing
• Moisture levels (to some extent)

Conditions that we can not control that affect greens speed:

• Excessive moisture(due to rain)
• Humidity
• Wind
• Turf growth rate(which can differ from day to day and season to season)
• Time of day/sun angle and whether you are putting with or against the grain
• Foot traffic 
• Ball marks
• Displaced bunker sand

Obviously, mowing height of the turf plays a roll in how fast or slow the putting surface rolls but that is far from the only factor that affects greens speed. The firmness of the green is a major component affecting the speed of a putt. It is also the larger of the challenges we face as we keep the greens both playable and healthy. Our cultural practices stay fairly consistent throughout the golf season as we mow every morning and roll several times a week. The real battle is in keeping the greens growing healthily with a combination of fertilization and irrigation without too much or too little of either. The USGA has a great article on this topic, which I encourage you to read here.