During this period mowing height should be lowered to 0.125". are below 25F. of vigor and ability to survive. much of a superintendent's reputation rides on the quality of his or
immediately after vertical mowing or aerification to help
Maintain a border between TifEagle and the collar area with non-selective herbicides until TifEagle is established and being routinely mowed at 0.125 ". turf density. Excessive low mowing reduces root growth and shade
and smoothness, but is probably not needed when grass is
Sticking with the pool table analogy, the turfgrass canopy and mat layer would be to a putting green as felt is to a pool table. Sprigs should arrive at the planting site at a
The exact amount to raise the HOC varies regionally, but a general guide is to increase the HOC by 25% heading into fall, and another 25% heading into winter dormancy (Richardson and Booth, 2021). on days when the temperature is greater than 90F
alternate days or less to encourage deep rooting. Increasing turf density: Mow daily. surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. reserves for the plant. Traditional grasses and even some of the new ultradwarfs are unable to withstand the physical stress produced by tighter mowing and frequent "verti" cutting. Several morphological
Preventative fungicide applications for 3-4 weeks is suggested for Pythium control. turf heal and recover. deep rooting. A. Topdress after 80% coverage using greens mix
softened due to the closer mowing heights of TifEagle. Stay tuned for more about the turf of our course and additional information as we roll out this new blog series! during
The rest of this article outlines the fundamental practices implemented at many courses that are managing ultradwarf greens at a high level. Again more frequent light applications of sand affect play less, and ensure that the most sand possible stays in the plant canopy and does not get picked up by mowers. scalping, spongy, etc. Therefore, it is . A. They may last longer, but they are more aggressive than standard blades and are therefore more disruptive. For instance, ammonium sulfate has been shown to exacerbate mini-ring symptoms but can help reduce severity of spring dead spot. thatch layers will need to be covered when temperatures
Good root zone moisture should be established before planting. contours. B. 2 lb/1000 sq ft (1.0 kgs/100m2) or 2.5 to 3
management depending on slope, angle of sun, macro and
Mow
Tifdwarf has smaller and shorter leaves, stems and internodes and the leaf blades are dark green in color and have the finest texture of the hybrid Bermuda grasses. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate immediately after distributing and cutting in sprigs. root knot, lance and other nematodes can become a major
Typical annual nitrogen fertilizer rates for ultradwarf greens are in the range of 4.0-6.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Use higher rates of N during periods of active
If
Greens contours may need to be
D. Soil test (for P, K, Ca, Mg and lime needs)
USGA Green Section Record. quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are
the grass begins growing. results. (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation
Off types have not been a problem on TifEagle greens. TifEagle usually
managing this mat layer will depend on season, weather,
Aside from mitigating winter injury issues, playability during winter months also needs to be considered. C. Maintain high levels of K (up to 1N:2K)
grass blades. Maintain N:K ratio at least 1: 1, increase to 1:2 prior to cool weather. Use dry bagged sand if
practices. Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of TifEagle will result in thatchy and inferior putting surfaces. Mini Verde TifEagle is similar to other bermudagrass varieties in that it requires full sun for optimum growth. High quality putting
These grasses are generally quite durable and can provide dense turf cover and good quality for courses with modest budgets and limited infrastructure. spring and autumn). (32C) and full sun, irrigate immediately after cutting
Gradually raise the mowing height in the
Species: Smaller seeded species are
Weed Control is similar to Tifdwarf. Suggested alternatives are micro or mini particles or
The USGA DEACON platform was designed to provide turf managers with an easy way to log this data in the field and produce relevant and easy-to-read graphics to help analyze how inputs are impacting performance. A. Use greens covers if temperatures will
growth. TifEagle's tolerance to close mowing gives the superintendent an excellent tool to manage and control spring transition. time between a vertical mowing and overseeding. throughout the year, with special emphasis during late
profiles of the proposed turf and determine if there is a
Spring transition: Practices that have led to successful spring transition with Tifdwarf should be successful when incorporated into the TifEagle management protocol. Surface preparation: Lightly verticut to thin and open canopy. 0.5 lb/1000sq ft (0.25 kgs N/100m2) 2 times per week
Use heavier applications if necessary to fill in
The actual depth depends on the condition of the blades and the effect in the field. It was evaluated in over 25 golf
accumulation of some organic matter. oxygen conditions, which reduces root health and growth. The greens are topdressed immediately after verticutting. and produce less traffic stress on the grass than triplex
zone layering. a. grooming and light topdressing. High
Remember that you have to feed the greens before, during and after to rip them up. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. The type of sand used varies, but many have implemented a two-sand system where a sand with fewer coarse particles and no very-coarse particles (> 1 mm) is used for routine topdressing. Off types have not been a problem on TifEagle greens. Alternate NH4NO3/(NH4)SO4 with complete analysis
ft.) or otherwise treated to eliminate contaminating seeds and vegetative plant parts. Sprigbed (Stolonbed) preparation: The
Learn from your neighbors, but use their
to successful Spring transition with Tifdwarf should be
If considering using sod, take several
USGA website (www.usga.org) for details on how tine size
This is done through frequent, light verticutting, which is usually done at a depth ranging from 1/32- deep. spring or early summer when growing conditions are ideal. least once daily at 0.156 inch (4.0mm) or lower during
(60C) were dead. Traditional grasses and even some of the new ultradwarfs are unable to withstand the physical stressproduced by tighter mowing and frequent verti cutting. The rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habit of
Ideally, golf balls should roll on leaf tips and sand not wide and laterally growing leaves. In
Overseeding ultradwarf greens is not necessary or recommended in most instances. the University of Georgia at the Coastal Plain Experiment
A
growing slower, but once every week in the summer when
verti-cut. or aerify with 1/4 inch (6mm) quadra-tines or star-tines
4. content, water holding capacities and water infiltration
controlled, especially in renovated greens where sting,
into the grooves, creating stripes. A. quality putting surface, superior to Tifdwarf, that meets
Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate to prevent stress. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. coverage. Mow at
After completion, there should be little, if any, disruption to the putting surface. Irrigation: Irrigate to prevent stress. 11. Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. A once-popular hybrid, Tifgreen (also known as 328) was a result of these breeding efforts and was released in 1956. air (anaerobic) remain viable for longer periods of time. (particularly deep and aggressive) may create an
the repair or restoration of existing greens or installing an entire
P and
Emerald Dwarf provides a smooth putting surface that can still perform well in extreme hot or cold conditions. he first full set of ultradwarf (Champion) bermudagrass putting greens were planted in Florida in the summer of 1997. until stand is established. A mechanical sand rake or comparable machine combined with wetting of the surface is suggested as a means to compact the sprigbed. Based on careful
Improved varieties, including 'Champion', 'MiniVerde' and 'TifEagle' thrive in the heat of the summer and can provide a dense, consistent playing surface. Greens: Tifeagle Bermuda, 13 on the Stimp Water Hazards: Nine holes Par 5's: 4th, 6th, 12th and 16th Premium on: Approach play and putting . bedknife closer together. Other planting procedures.If TifEagle is planted as sod from plastic, sand based fields or washed sod, greens should be aerified with core removal after sod is rooted to minimize root zone layering. Although it is not extremely popular, it is a great choice for golf courses that reach extreme temperatures in the summer months. Keep in mind that nitrogen sources can affect the severity of different diseases. 5. Shallow verticutting (1/8" deep) cuts creeping bentgrass stolons and results in a more upright plant. sand. Stimpmeter measured putting speed was 8.5 at the beginning and near 10 ft. at the end of the test period. It may be difficult to maintain desirable
However, this is not a cookbook for ultradwarf management as decisions need to be made that are specific to each course. Not TifEagle. TifEagle putting greens have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. III. A suggested alternative is to use Certified Tifway or Tift 94 sod. 8. 100% Poa trivialis is preferred and has been
21 Fertiliz Group 1e greens with D.A.P. Scalping can also be due to excessive thatch buildup. coverage of the surface with individual grass sprigs
Sands are typically incorporated with a brush or drag mat, followed by irrigation. Tifeagle features unique advantages for golf courses and theirsuperintendents; after all, their reputation rides on the quality of their greens. F. Mowing: Raise height of cut to 0.188" until stand is established. Tifdwarf Bermudagrass offers a fine blade and its putting surface can be compared to that of Bentgrass greens. Compared to bentgrass, ultradwarfs (which include Champion, Mini Verde, and Tifeagle) grow much more agressively both vertically and horizontally. Backtrack verticutting is most effective and keep in mind that verticutting down grain will be the most aggressive direction. It is an excellent grass with thicker, tougher leaves and stems than that of bermudagrass and can be mowed very low. summer and fall. One of the common myths regarding vertical mowing is that it will increase green speed. surface performance. consistent and best results. in 1996 at golf course locations from Florida to the desert Southwest,
N,but caution should be exercised to prevent and control
is less 'forgiving' if you neglect optimum management
Begin mowing at approximately 0.375 " shortly after shoot growth is initiated. TifEagle
. LockA locked padlock
This may also be called "Vertical Mowing". For information on insects, diseases and weeds, visit: http://www.georgiaturf.com. If a significant amount of material needs to be removed, verticutting is probably not being performed frequently enough. A. A. Granular products may be picked up by mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. Winter injury is a concern in colder climates and proper precautions should be followed to reduce risk. When weather and course conditions are appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125" or less. (stolons), not clumps. Wayne Hanna, TifEagle is the third generation of bermudagrass varieties
TifEagle does not like heavy topdressing. green. This is probably due to the ability
ft
are recommended to prevent excessive thatch formation and
Some greens may
vertical cutting. A preventative fungicide application
Is this the best putting surface? The second sand, similar to the original rootzone mix, includes more coarse and very-coarse particles and is used to backfill aeration channels. (0.25kgs) of N for every two weeks of active plant
8. ball roll in this Tifeagle hybrid bermudagrass putting green. TifEagle also recovers quickly from mechanical mishaps, has good color and is very tough in all weather conditions. N 0.5 lb/1000 2 times per week during active growth. Ultradwarf bermudagrasses are capable of providing championship-quality putting surfaces when properly managed. Number of verticut replications and depth will depend on the summertime management and the extent of the thatch layer. III. However, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is
Some facilities lightly verticut twice weekly and this will help to further manage texture, promote an upright growth habit and manage organic matter. ft., fine to medium sand) at least once every 2 weeks. B.Walk-behind mowers provide an optimum surface
planting. Stimp meter tests have proved that Champion Dwarf greens are known to roll at speeds of nearly two feet faster than other ultradwarf varieties. Fall applications of nitrogen can be beneficial for fall turfgrass quality and improved spring greenup (Richardson and Booth, 2021). D. Topdress lightly and drag in with a carpet. Furthermore, the carbide-tipped blades create wider channels, in which new leaf tissue will grow. That said, nitrogen fertility should be based on current growth and recovery rate. when temperatures are very hot. Fax Us 803.263.4886. Once the greens are killed, they are scalped and verticut twice, removing the top two to four inches of the green. one mowing. Before we get too far along, it is worth addressing the question of whether ultradwarfs are cheaper to maintain than bentgrass. There are several factors that influence the effective HOC, as compared to the bench HOC, so it is important to check what is happening in the field at a particular mower setting. Avoid overseeding during the year of establishment. double verticutting and goingover the same area in opposite directions isa common grain and surface management strategy with the ultradwarfs. Licensing
The benefits of applying growth regulators include improved shade and drought tolerance, and reduced top growth which improves playability. 3. N 0.5 lb/1000 sq ft (0.25
A whole article could be written on the use of growth regulators, so for the sake of this article we will cover programs that have been effective in the field and discuss the reasons for their success. before overseeding. Salt tolerance: Salinity tolerance of
7. Good surface and internal root zone drainage is necessary. Apply only enough nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface. Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. Sign in to access your AXS Fan Account to manage your tickets. This leads to our next topic: topdressing. protocol. materials
TifEagle putting greens have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. 10. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of
instead of thatch. Fertility: Nitrogen needs are less than
her greens. height of cut also reduces the amount of leaf area
Look here first, but if you still have questions,
(4.5mm) shortly after shoot growth is initiated. temperature below 120F (50C) in the center of the box
), implement elimination procedures
January 10. You may want to dust every 2 or
budget will support the required management inputs. USGA Green Section Record. Plots treated with Primo also recovered more
3. On an annual basis apply at least one pound of K
AXS Fan Account gives you the ability to view, send, or sell your tickets as well as purchase additional tickets and view your account history. Paul Jacobs is an agronomist in the Central Region and enjoys working with courses in the transition zone and farther south to help improve the conditioning of their ultradwarf putting greens. 5/8-inch (12mm to 16mm) tines on 2-inch (50mm) centers. 4. periods will not reduce the amount of injury, but will
Golf faces challenges and opportunities that are vital to its long-term health. vegetation. Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. 21 Fertiliz Group 1e greens with D.A.P. allowed to form, the primary roots and rhizomes will
When applying fungicides to treat root-infecting diseases, be sure to irrigate the product into the rootzone, where the fungus is active. B. Grooming at this time may improve putting
6. TifEagle will result in thatchy and spongy putting
5. The sprigbed should be fumigated at a rate of
C. Coverage should be 100% within 60 days. Grooming should be more aggressive when the grass is
Using this method and pulling cores three to four times a year, greens will greatly improve. Mowing is fundamental to provide a high-quality putting surface and having sharp and properly adjusted mowers is critical. provide optimum putting speeds with true ball rolls. This video was shot and edited by Turfundeground's Eric J. von Hofen. (Some superintendents have used higher levels
Traditional
Incorporating coarse and very-coarse particles during aeration will improve infiltration rates and perhaps improve stability in the rootzone. Evaluate
Maintaining TifEagle at heights above putting green height will result in undesirable, thatchy and puffy turf. a uniform and healthy turf. Some of this problem can be solved by reversing
I. As it relates to the history of bermudagrass putting greens, it is worth mentioning that the ultradwarfs are capable of providing higher-quality putting surfaces than the older Tifgreen and Tifdwarf grasses during the summer months and tend to hold up better during winter dormancy, thus reducing the appeal of overseeding. Overseed Management:
Ultradwarfs can also deliver championship-quality conditions throughout much of the year if the resources are available for consistent surface management throughout the growing season. Oftentimes, these new leaves are wide and laterally growing which this process aims to negate. mowed at 0.125 inch (3.2mm). should be applied and worked into aerification holes. active
"You're not changing the profile or the undulation of the greens," Anno says. sub-tropical climates. Shade tolerance: Observations on golf
2. during
that the topdressing material does not completely cover
ft. E. Irrigate as needed to keep seed bed moist throughout the day during germination and seedling establishment. | TifEagle Management Practices | Home. is to impact 10-15% of the surface area at one time in
somewhere in between. Licensing
Vertical mowing is often suspended during periods of stress or limited growth. B. Brushing daily (with the brush behind the
nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface or density
On high CEC or
1. The video shows you a proven method to remove thatch in a Tif-Eagle putting green. shorten the recovery time. Frequent light topdressing (0.125-0.250 cu. 9. Rest assured that the golf course owners on the Grand Strand are constantly looking at ways to improve your golfouting and will never compromise the quality of your golf experience. have eliminated light verticutting by using brushing,
Excellent putting
that may not be necessary for others. that is best for your course, depending on several
Root-infecting diseases such as pythium root rot and spring dead spot infect the turf in fall, but the symptoms arent apparent until winter or spring when the turf is under stress. these sites showed that TifEagle produces a premium
Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping soil surface moist, but not saturated. These grasses are sterile, meaning that their seed is not viable. mix, or some other irregularity that would be detrimental
Mini Verde has a deep root system that stands up very well in dry conditions and it grows quickly. Featuring fine leaf blades, short internodes, and high shoot density, it makes for an excellent putting service. Nitrogen fertility applications should continue through the fall months and into the cold acclimation process. Thatch is the layer of organic material including
D. Increase fertility to encourage bermudagrass growth. Eventually, the stolons and rhizomes die and become part
TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. thatch.) Rhizomatous and
Want us to contact you? Thin areas should be re-sprigged between
observed benefits to rotating (changing) the N source. This means mowing a pass across the green, then turning around and mowing the opposite direction over the same pass. G. Disease control: Use fungicide treated seed. Bentgrass greens are considered by many to be the most beautiful greens to putt on. Internodes short: 10.5 mm (fourth visible stolon internode). Whether you're involved with
adjusted according to test recommendations before
Prohexadione calcium is increasingly popular in ultradwarf management programs as a tank mix partner with trinexapac-ethyl. One of the most important points to remember is the need to invest in black woven-polypropylene covers to protect the greens when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, in the desert southwest where play typically drops off in the heat of the summer, some superintendents will perform triple aeration to avoid disrupting putting surfaces in late spring when the course is busy. Golfers love the way they can create back spin and the way these greens hold, Bentgrass is also appealing to the eye, with its deep green color and thick density. cool conditions
sprigbed. Remember, lowering the
This is another elevated event on the PGA Tour, as such the field is extremely strong. highly soluble granular materials. problem. topdressing sand that matches the greens construction
C. Increase fertility to encourage bermudagrass
The three weeks where conditions will not be ideal are after hollow-tine aeration. hydrophobic because of its density. Spring transition: Practices that have led
needed to produce the putting surface required by your
We have new equipment for topdressing, mowing, brushing, rolling, verticutting, and grooming - all as a result of these grasses and the demands for higher quality putting surfaces. area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or
TifEagle has proven to be a premier putting surface with a number of
TifEagle can tolerate much
(3.5mm) within this period. PREVENTION rather than thatch control. As with most diseases, it is important to implement sound cultural practices to manage organic content, promote good drainage and enhance overall turf health to reduce disease severity. management practices to determine if their personnel and
"Sunday outperformed TifEagle in cool season color, height of cut, and green speeds and has two-thirds more root mass," said Easter. least two directions, and the surface firmed with a
Benefits | Research Data | TifEagle Sales | Golf Course Installations
topdressed with sand after sod is rooted to minimize root
Therefore, the management practices should be closely
3. C. Aerify 3 - 5 times minimum per year using 2" tines on 2" centers. surface during winter season with or without overseeding. vertical mowing is used in preparation, leave plenty of
Keene says that the differences in manage-ment practices between Tifdwarf and TifEagle makes for extra work in having different mowing and verticutting heights and schedules. Calabash Golf Package (Ask About Free Replays). throughout the day during germination and seedling
Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping
This is the verticut machine that is used on our greens here at Gull Lake Country Club.