We know that the game of golf is going to get better once it is back in the hands of properly focussed greenkeepers. This is why the programme was developed
values was still strong. This means that the firmness of the surfaces largely depends on the soil moisture content. Wet soils create softer surfaces than dry ones. Get it.
If we could manage our soil moisture content between 20% and 30%, then we would generally be within our firmness target ranges. We should certainly be using moisture meters to guide irrigation strategy. Unfortunately, in the North of England and Scotland we can’t control the rain, so we also need to work at making the upper soil profile less moisture retentive.
This is why we focus on drainage, construction method, wetting agent strategy, ameliorating the rootzone with specific sands and managing the soil organic matter content. If we set solid foundations, then the greens will be less
moisture retentive and the surfaces will be less prone to softening when wet. We achieve optimal year-round performance by creating soils that do not retain moisture. Simple stuff.
No wonder
During the course of our pilot study for the STRI Programme, we found that a significant proportion of our surfaces were too soft. At best, these surfaces were flattering to average play and, at worst, they are not really acceptable for play. It is clear that we need to work at
creating surfaces that are firm enough to be true to the game, and maintain performance throughout the year. Your course needs firm greens. We don’t think that this situation is anyone’s intention. We think that this has happened because we haven’t been working towards specific targets. We think that, by using objective
measurement tools to assess the situation, we can focus our work properly and provide simple targets to make the greens firmer and perform better. We think that our greenkeepers will improve the performance of the greens by simply being advised of the situation correctly. We know that the game of golf is going to get better once it is back in the hands of properly focused greenkeepers. This is why the STRI Programme has been developed. If you want your greens to provide an optimum test of golf and perform well throughout the year, then set your sights on firmness first. *Figures converted from the Clegg used with 0.5kg flat head, dropped from 0.3m, as used in the 1996 study into equivalent figures for 0.5kg rounded head, dropped from 0.50m, now being used.
All theseOpenChampionship Clubs choose to relief grind
with aHunter precision grinder: St Andrews • Carnoustie
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82 Tel: +44 (0)1462 683031
www.huntergrinders.com
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