Greens Speed

There has been some discussion surrounding the speed of the greens for the first round of championships. There are several factors that can affect green speed. These include plant health/nutrition, thatch levels, cutting height and frequency, rolling frequency and moisture levels. As you would be aware we have suffered from significant rainfall this year with well over 2 metres of rain falling in Sydney to the start of September. During September we received 93mm of rain. 35mm of that rain fell in the 7 days prior to round 1 of championships. Our greens management program in the lead up to round 1 consists of:

• Cutting at 3.5mm, 7 days a week
• Application of Plant Growth Regulators to slow growth and “tighten” the surface
• Reduced irrigation
• Increased rolling
  

During September our greens management practices did not change. If there was one change made it was an increase in soil amendment application at and after renovations in August, to supplement nutrients leached from the soil, in consistent heavy rain.

That leaves only moisture levels as a main contributing factor to the slower speed of the greens. As mentioned we received 35mm of rain in the 7 days prior to round 1, with 6 of those falling on Friday and Saturday. The increased moisture in the turf plant obviously has an effect on how the golf ball travels across the surface.

In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that the condition, health and coverage on our greens is among the best in Sydney. They are bullet proof and continually going from strength to strength. I believe they are an absolute attribute to the maintenance program managed by the course staff.

Shay Tasker,
Course Manager