What to Do When The Greens Aren't So Green

Anyone watching this week's Players Championship at Sawgrass can't help but notice that the putting surfaces are decidedly less than a rich verdant green. In fact, much like some of our own greens  at Links they appear to a shade of mustard brown. This is not to suggest that our greens are necessarily on par with TPC Sawgrass. There are some very different reasons why both courses have greens that aren't so green.

In Florida the reasons behind the slight discoloration of the greens has much to do with the way they've been prepared for the tournament. At a website dedicated to the Agronomy of TPC Sawgrass one can find the following explanation:

In an effort to accomplish true championship conditions for THE PLAYERS there are a number of factors that contribute to firm, fast and consistent green surfaces. For championships a lot of thought goes into keeping the turfgrass plant healthy while attaining predetermined goals.

Cultural practices entail periodic sand topdressing and light verticutting throughout the year. Height of cut is reduced close to tournament time and by design the greens receive less water and minimal nutrient levels.

This, in part, contributes to a dramatic change in color of the greens. It provides significant contrast to the surrounding turf that is maintained at a different height of cut and fertility regime. When you add double and quadruple mowings per day, growth regulators, and rolling of the greens (from 2-3 times per day) this can result in the bermuda grass taking on a different shade of green. No worries, as the professional turf team is vigilant as to the health of each and every green. 

At Links, the reasons for discolored putting surfaces have more to do with it being early in the season. While greens 2, 4 and 6 came through the winter in great shape, some of the others suffered from this year's extended freeze thaw cycle. Where moisture pooled on the greens and then thawed grass plants suffered damage at the cellular level, leaving large dry brown patches. The solution is several days of warm weather and lots of moisture.

The affected greens have been over seeded. Once the irrigation system is restored, Mother Nature should quickly take over. In the meantime the greens have been rolled, top dressed with sand and brushed in order to provide patrons with as smooth and reliable a putting surface as possible. While everyone enjoys the sunshine after a long winter, a couple of warm rainy days would really help the grass recover. At the very least, it would be nice to see the winds die down so that daily dew deposits get a chance to soak in.

You may have noticed the large mound adjacent to the pond on number five underwent a renovation this week. Russ and Len spent much of Friday converting the weed strewn pile into a large flower box. Once complete the unsightly mound should be a thing of beauty. It will still be in the way for players who lose a bomb drive or second shot to the right, but it will certainly be nicer to look at. With a little time, moisture, and higher temperatures the whole course will be looking sharp! Hope to see all of you out there as we keep "Making the Cut" this spring.