Too much emphasis on green speed and not enough on surface smoothness.
With so much talk and focus on green speed, golfers should recognize the importance of producing a smooth surface and the role it plays in presenting a quality putting surface.
Turf professionals understand there is only so low greens can be mown without jeopardizing the health of the turf. Depending on the soil type and overall health of the turf at a particular golf course this height of cut limitation is between .125 and .110 of an inch. The ideal situation would be to attain a day-to-day mowing height of .125 of an inch while maintaining a green speed of 10.5 on the stimpmeter.
Each superintendent will have to determine what is the highest height of cut that will allow him to maintain a desired 10.5 putting green speed. The point is, there is much more to producing a quality putting surface than simply lowering the mowing height.
First of all, it is most common for “golfer’s expectations to exceed how much money they are willing to spend for green fees or a yearly golf membership.”
If golfers want a quality and consistent putting surface, they must support the golf course superintendent with the tools, resources, labor, and time to accomplish what is necessary to provide what is expected -- which is quality greens.
For this discussion, I want to focus on producing a smooth and healthy putting green surface.
Let’s make it simple, The keys to a smooth putting surface include:
1. Frequent light topdressing of greens, every 7 to 14 days throughout the growing season. Apply the sand topdressing using two cyclone hand spreaders side by side for application, applying dry sand across the green, being the preferred method of application. It would not be recommended to use a large spreader attached to a utility vehicle, as this would leave behind tire indentations in the greens’ surface.
2. Apply all pesticide sprays to greens using a hand held, light weight, Spray Hawk spray applicator (attached to a hose) or a Hahn Spray Bug (10 gallon lightweight sprayer). The prime reason for use of the lighter weight pesticide equipment is to eliminate tire indentations in the surface of a green. The traditional alternative for spraying greens is to use a 150 gallon sprayer on a four wheel utility vehicle (which leaves behind tire indentations in the surface of the greens.)
3.Use of lightweight rollers on greens, four to six times a week aids in enhancing green speed (for up to one day after each rolling) while assisting in smoothing the surface. You may consider alternating each day, mowing and rolling greens on alternate days, while still being able to maintain the desired putting green speed.