Increasing Greenspeed on Pencross Greens Cancel The title field is required!

1. Thomas James

   

   0 posts
   
   12/19/2018 9:12 AM

   Hello everyone, we are trying to be creative with ways to increase greenspeed on our predominantly Pencross greens. We have kicked around some different ideas such as grooming, verticutting and dragging with a Cocoa mat before mowing. As of right now, verticutting and grooming are out of the question because we do not have money in the budget to purchase said attatchment/heads for our greensmower. Both courses we have are in great financial standing, but just like all of you know, we have a strict budget to adhere to in order to maintain that status.
   
   Dragging with a cocoa mat before mowing is feasible, but has anyone had decent results with this practice? I tried once late fall and did not see a noticeable difference on the stimpmeter or quality of cut. However, the greensmowers were set at .135 because we were getting ready to put the greens to bed for the season. So that could be a factor. Growing season HOC is .125 for greens.
   
   Historically, we have sprayed Paclo every two weeks at a 14oz rate per acre. This season we are considering combing Primo at .125/M and Paclo at an 8oz/A rate. We have seen steady and consistent regulation throughout our 2 week intervals with combining these two PGRs on our other property. However, this was on a newer more upright variety of bentgrass and not Pencross which has a broad, more laid over leaf blade.
   
   Our desired greenspeed is just a touch north of 10' on a consistent basis. As of right now with topdressing every two weeks, we can hover right around 9.5 without doing anything to combat lateral growth/laying over. Our problem is in order to sustain 10'-10.5' speeds consistently, we have to stay on the dry side. That said, we do not try to avoid handwatering by any means. Moisture sensors are a serious consideration going into this season to dial in our moisture level and maintain firmness. Is there any creative/budget friendly practices you guys have tried on Pencross to increase speed/quality of cut? I.E. brushes mounted to reels, cocoa mat pre-mow, tighter topdressing windows ect..
   
   I would be perfectly fine with 9.5' on the stimp (public muni), but you can clearly see that the leaf surface effects the trueness/rollout of the putt. It is also NOT a major issue with a majority of our clientele although you do hear grumbling from time to time. Like all of you, we are always trying to better our properties. Any ideas/feedback would be appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Adam

   
   
   
   
2. Christopher Boldreghini

   

   0 posts
   
   12/19/2018 10:12 AM

   Mow and roll greens 3 times per week.

   
   
   
   
3. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   12/19/2018 3:12 PM

   Adam,
   
   I think brushing might be of some help, we just added a brush to our mower this year, I haven't noticed too much of a difference, but we do get more clippings on days we use it (average 1 time per week, might go more next year). We might not have seen quite the difference because we do verticut every other week in the spring, just so we avoid those fat and happy grass blades. We also will topdress every two weeks all season long.
   
   We are now using Trimmit on a 300 gdd schedule for two applications in the spring and then Primo until Sept. on a 200 gdd schedule.
   
   Have you looked at nutrient management? This past season we went from about 3 lbs. of N to 2 lbs. with no detriment. (we cut out a granular . 5 lb. N app in the spring and one in the fall)
   
   Moisture management should help. We are in the transition zone mowing at .156 with Toro triplexes. Spring we mow 5 days and roll 2 on average, mid summer we will roll one day, mow the next, We work to keep our moisture at about 15 to 17%. I can't say what our green speeds are, I would guess around 9. This is all on Penncross. We are a muni with many seniors and beginners. Speed isn't a factor for us.
   
   My previous course had Penncross also, was on Primo every 14 days, (Northern Indiana, this was before we learned about the gdd schedule. we mowed pretty much every day there, at .156" with walkers, (triplex was set at .140). We used to stimp at 10' regularly. We verticut and topdressed there every 3 weeks, and would verticut into June.
   
   Lot's of useless information for you to chew on, maybe some of it might help?
   
   Good luck.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
4. Adam Boston

   

   0 posts
   
   12/20/2018 12:12 AM

   Thanks for the response Mel. We typically put around 3.5# N on greens throughout the season. We could probably reduce the amount of granular we put down on the shoulder months. With our foilars we are usually around .06-.08#/M every two weeks. Which is probably on the low side, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately we do not have greensrollers at either property.
   
   Last year, we used GDD here. I was at our other course at that time so I can't speak to the effectiveness of it. It makes sense though. We have discussed mounting brushes to the individual units to help stand the turf up as we mow also.
   
   Like I said, just kicking around outside the box ideas. And out of curiosity, what % moisture would you see wilt? In my experience with moisture sensors it was typically around 7-8%. This was on Poa "push up" greens though.
   
   Ps. I just realized my original post is from our Director of Golf's account, Tom James. Whoops. Sorry Tom

   
   
   
   
5. Jack Tripp

   

   3 posts
   
   12/20/2018 5:12 AM

   Have you seen the two push broom brushes mounted to the front of a triplex greens mower baskets? You didn't say what kind of mower you were using?
   
   We tried those as couple of years ago and they stand up the grass nicely at a very minimal cost for equipment and virtually no additional labor expense.
   
   I forget where this idea was originally posted. Maybe, someone that knows can chime in. You didn't stay where you were from? In La Crosse, WI I have always mowed the greens at the same height year around at .110"-Toro TriFlex triplex greensmower and not raised the height going into winter. My members are like yours wanting fast greens the first day the course opens until the day it closes for the season. Almost 100% Pennlinks bentgrass.
   
   I have never lost any bentgrass to low height of cut going into winter. I have had to remove ice in the winter four times in 25 years.

   
   
   
   
6. Jim Meagher

   

   1 posts
   
   12/20/2018 6:12 AM

   I manage push up greens, in western PA, that were built in 1912-14. They are a poa/bent(Penncross?) mix. I have been using brushes mounted to the cutting units since April,2009. The bent had significant lateral growth. It was filling voids caused by anthracnose damage. They were set to lightly brush the grass. We used them daily for the first 2 weeks. Once the leaf blades starting standing up a light topdressing was implemented. For the remainder of 2009, we would use the brushes for a week; topdress the next week; and mow without brushes the third week. Then start over. It was what we could do with the resources available. I also added primo to the spray program, and reduced the amount of N to 2lb/M per season. Liquid fertilizer only. The HoC was .130" during the entire growing season.
   
   Our current program also includes verticutting ,1/4" solid tine venting, primmo, and a wetting agent. Week 1-verticut; Week 2-topdress; Week 3-vent; Week 4-mow with brushes. The vertcutting reels have helped with removing organic matter. Get a set a soon as you can. Push them towards the dry side. The turf will let you know when it needs water.
   
   Everyone wants fast greens. Smooth firm greens are good playing surfaces. Still mowing at 130 daily,rolling 3 times a week and nothing but positive comments from the players. It used to be " are you going to speed up the greens for tournament X". Did it a couple of times and know it's " you aren't going to make them as fast as tournament X".
   
   Not sure if the average golfer can notice a foot of roll, but they sure notice the difference in their handicap. Positive or negative.
   
   Good luck

   
   
   
   
7. Thomas James

   

   0 posts
   
   12/20/2018 7:12 AM

   This is Tom. Retirement is only 29 days away! That's the first I have actually counted the days - it is so real now.
   
   I might add a little bit more information about the course/s.
   
   Papillion has 2 daily fee city owned municipal golf courses - Tara Hills - 18 holes without a driving range and Eagle Hills - 18 holes with a driving range and a 3 hole academy course in the Omaha Ne. area. We typically do approximately 40,000+ rounds each year in our 9 month season at both golf course. We do not close in the winter - no snow and +32 we will let them play. We offer season passes with the current pass holder numbers around 120.
   
   Our main clientele at both golf courses would be senior play during the week. We have leagues every evening at both golf courses going off of the front and back(3-4 different leagues off of each side) M-Th. We also have morning leagues mainly at Eagle Hills during the week as well(M and Thu - 100 participants). We also have at each course somewhere in the neighborhood of 80+ outing each year on different days of the week depending on the week(reasonably busy)
   
   Our at sister course(Eagle Hills) the greens are a bit flatter with less undulations(there is some) than at Tara Hills. Both courses have USGA constructed greens. Both courses have seen regular topdressing programs since construction -Tara Hills(1981 -front, 1994 - back) - Eagle Hills 1999
   
   We currently attempt to schedule all herbicide and pesticide applications around the above play schedule.
   This past season we did apply a turf growth regulator(tide-paclo) on a 270 GDD schedule(14oz rate) which some weeks were 3 weeks apart and other weeks 5 days apart vs in the past on a 2 week schedule. Stimpmeter readings were taken every Friday throughout the season. Historically the stimpmeter has been used but not to the extent it was this past season. We had kind of used GDD for turf growth regulation in the past but tried this past season to really use GDD as our barometer for regulation so the stimpmeter was used more to see if GDD was much of a factor when green speed might be an issue. We were a pretty consistent 9.5 on the stimp all season. We did not adjust nutrients up or down. Ball mark repair is a concern with the amount of rounds we do get.
   
   Green speed - bah humbug! Playability for you clientele should be a major component of your thinking when considering how "fast" you want the greens that is if you are given the opportunity to make those types of decisions. I could rant on and on green speed but I won't anymore than I already have - all of you could too! lol!
   
   Everyone have a great and merry Christmas and a happy new year.
   
   Thanks to everyone for always having informative answers to questions in these forums.
   
   I also would like to thank the Superintendents, assistants and the crews present and past at both golf courses too for their dedication and for always striving to be the best you can be - you've all made the years working alongside you a pleasurable experience.

   
   
   
   
8. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   12/20/2018 8:12 AM

   Thanks Tom for the extra information, I was going to ask Adam how the greens were constructed. We apply the same amount of folilar, I think it's works good, we used to mix Gary's Green and Sili-Kal-B together, every two weeks, but now I separate them more often then not, (newer fungicide products, not sure how they would react.
   
   I too would keep the nitrogen in the past, up due to the amount of rounds we do, but we don't quite do as many and I didn't see a difference this past season. I will keep them on the drier side which helps.
   
   Adam, I have seen us get down to 10 or 9% with no wilt symptoms, but I know it's just a matter of time. This is with the 3" tines, mostly USGA greens, (4 old soil, 3 built in house, and 11 by contractor). I tried to use the 4.5's this spring to see how dry we could get them and I bent them.
   
   Thanks Jim, I'm going to look at changing my brushing program, after I saw yours.
   
   good info from all!
   
   Thanks!
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
9. Adam Boston

   

   0 posts
   
   12/23/2018 12:12 PM

   Again, thanks for the responses. Like Tom mentioned we are located just outside of Omaha, Nebraska. We will take all of these suggestions into consideration. It's a good time of year to really take a look at these sort of things and we appreciate everyone sharing their tips.

   
   
   
   
10. Jeffrey Sexton

    

    0 posts
    
    12/24/2018 10:12 AM

    Adam,
    
    I maintain Penn Cross and Penn Links in Southern Indiana. We maintain excellent putting speeds with HOC that would blow today's Superintendent's minds out of this world. 3.5# N per year is way too much for today's practices. We barely reach 1 lb. per calendar year. Speeds will follow as the N rates are lowered. We have also seen a huge reduction in poa amounts. Your topdressing program needs to go to a weekly application if possible. Turf is much healthier with the higher HOC as well. Good luck!

    
    
    
    
11. Andrew Cross

    

    5 posts
    
    12/24/2018 11:12 AM

    Agree with Jeff, we have poa/penn cross mix that we applied 0.74# N this year and were able to maintain pretty consistent green speeds with very inconsistent weather in the Chicago area. We had been slowly backing off nitrogen and started using Turf Dietitian to verify that we were on the right track with our Nitrogen reduction.
    
    Merry Christmas!
    
    

    Jeffrey Sexton said: Adam,
    
    I maintain Penn Cross and Penn Links in Southern Indiana. We maintain excellent putting speeds with HOC that would blow today's Superintendent's minds out of this world. 3.5# N per year is way too much for today's practices. We barely reach 1 lb. per calendar year. Speeds will follow as the N rates are lowered. We have also seen a huge reduction in poa amounts. Your topdressing program needs to go to a weekly application if possible. Turf is much healthier with the higher HOC as well. Good luck!

    
    
    
    
12. Graham Kornmeyer

    

    0 posts
    
    12/26/2018 5:12 AM

    Jeffrey Sexton said: Adam,
    
    I maintain Penn Cross and Penn Links in Southern Indiana. We maintain excellent putting speeds with HOC that would blow today's Superintendent's minds out of this world. 3.5# N per year is way too much for today's practices. We barely reach 1 lb. per calendar year. Speeds will follow as the N rates are lowered. We have also seen a huge reduction in poa amounts. Your topdressing program needs to go to a weekly application if possible. Turf is much healthier with the higher HOC as well. Good luck!

    
    
    Hi Jeff,
    
    Interested in hearing what your HOC is?

    
    
    
    
13. Roland McPhearson

    

    9 posts
    
    12/26/2018 5:12 AM

    Hi Adam,
    
    I'd advise you to expect lower speeds the day of and one or two days after brushing, but then a marginal increase a few days later. I do think your cocoa matt is a cost effective option and will pay off over the season. I also think frequent rolling might make a much more noticeable impact with no downside (other than labor). I think a used greensroller would probably be a great investment in your case. And as always, finely tuned mowers is paramount.

    
    
    
    
14. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    12/27/2018 5:12 AM

    Jeffrey Sexton said: Adam,
    
    I maintain Penn Cross and Penn Links in Southern Indiana. We maintain excellent putting speeds with HOC that would blow today's Superintendent's minds out of this world. 3.5# N per year is way too much for today's practices. We barely reach 1 lb. per calendar year. Speeds will follow as the N rates are lowered. We have also seen a huge reduction in poa amounts. Your topdressing program needs to go to a weekly application if possible. Turf is much healthier with the higher HOC as well. Good luck!

    
    
    That is very interesting and something worth taking a look at. A large chunk of our N is applied before and after our spring/fall aerification. We try to get them healed up as quick as possible. I'm not kidding when I say both of our properties are factories. So much so that we even open at 4:30 pm on the day of aeration. Not complaining, we know we have to make money to keep the machine going. That said, I think we could easily dial back our fert. Thanks for the feedback!

    
    
    
    
15. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    12/27/2018 5:12 AM

    Roland M Mcphearson said: Hi Adam,
    
    I'd advise you to expect lower speeds the day of and one or two days after brushing, but then a marginal increase a few days later. I do think your cocoa matt is a cost effective option and will pay off over the season. I also think frequent rolling might make a much more noticeable impact with no downside (other than labor). I think a used greensroller would probably be a great investment in your case. And as always, finely tuned mowers is paramount.

    
    
    Thanks for the heads up. Right now a cocoa matt seems like a viable option. Maybe a roller down the road. I think it is definitely worth taking a look at the amount of fert we apply as mentioned above. All good responses.

    
    
    
    
16. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    12/27/2018 5:12 AM

    Jack Tripp, CGCS said: Have you seen the two push broom brushes mounted to the front of a triplex greens mower baskets? You didn't say what kind of mower you were using?
    
    We tried those as couple of years ago and they stand up the grass nicely at a very minimal cost for equipment and virtually no additional labor expense.
    
    I forget where this idea was originally posted. Maybe, someone that knows can chime in. You didn't stay where you were from? In La Crosse, WI I have always mowed the greens at the same height year around at .110"-Toro TriFlex triplex greensmower and not raised the height going into winter. My members are like yours wanting fast greens the first day the course opens until the day it closes for the season. Almost 100% Pennlinks bentgrass.
    
    I have never lost any bentgrass to low height of cut going into winter. I have had to remove ice in the winter four times in 25 years.

    
    
    Yea, we have seen something similar on GCSAA or Turfnet. I can't remember. We currently have Jacobsen GK4's and we will keep these units for the foreseeable future. Mounting brushes is definitely an option. We are located in God's country, Eastern Nebraska just outside of Omaha.
    
    Luckily, greenspeed is only a minor gripe from our clientele. But it is a thing. It would be nice to eliminate that critique, so they can move onto something else like ball marks or the temperature of the water in the water cooler stands. You know, switch it up. Just kidding, we have a pretty solid relationship with our patrons.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    You would think that would lead to more ball marks being fixed, but i digress...

    
    
    
    
17. Michael Wagner

    

    0 posts
    
    12/29/2018 1:12 PM

    I agree that low N rates equal green speed but with rates as low as you guys are talking about, how do you deal with anthracnose? If I went to those rates on my greens I bet I wouldn't have a job very long as the anthracnose would be overwhelmingly bad.

    
    
    
    
18. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    12/31/2018 6:12 AM

    Michael Wagner said: I agree that low N rates equal green speed but with rates as low as you guys are talking about, how do you deal with anthracnose? If I went to those rates on my greens I bet I wouldn't have a job very long as the anthracnose would be overwhelmingly bad.

    
    
    That is a valid question. Curious to see what others say.

    
    
    
    
19. Michael Wagner

    

    0 posts
    
    12/31/2018 8:12 AM

    Andrew Cross said: Agree with Jeff, we have poa/penn cross mix that we applied 0.74# N this year and were able to maintain pretty consistent green speeds with very inconsistent weather in the Chicago area. We had been slowly backing off nitrogen and started using Turf Dietitian to verify that we were on the right track with our Nitrogen reduction.
    
    Merry Christmas!
    
    

    Jeffrey Sexton said: Adam,
    
    I maintain Penn Cross and Penn Links in Southern Indiana. We maintain excellent putting speeds with HOC that would blow today's Superintendent's minds out of this world. 3.5# N per year is way too much for today's practices. We barely reach 1 lb. per calendar year. Speeds will follow as the N rates are lowered. We have also seen a huge reduction in poa amounts. Your topdressing program needs to go to a weekly application if possible. Turf is much healthier with the higher HOC as well. Good luck!

    
    
    I should have quoted you guys in my other response to clarify who I was talking about. Jeff and Andrew, how do you guys keep anthracnose in check at less than 1lb N per year.

    
    
    
    
20. Andrew Cross

    

    5 posts
    
    12/31/2018 9:12 AM

    It's a battle for sure, we get it even at rates near 3#, so we go with a 10-day fungicide rotation and we attempt to seed in bent during aerification. We seem to get it on about 4-5 greens no matter the N levels.

    
    
    
    
21. Jeffrey Scott

    

    8 posts
    
    1/8/2019 7:01 AM

    I'm surprised that I read this many posts about green speed with no mention of the TB 200 or 220 grooming brush as a multi use tool for managing grain; placing topdressing apps below the canopy; opening up the canopy for better penetration of spray applications including colorants; opening the canopy for MUCH improved verticutting results; and finally, being a time and labor saving tool for removing aerifier cores and backfilling the holes.
    
    Earlier this year I was shocked to discover that the supt at one of the premier courses in West Bend, WI had never seen the brush on his course prior to last April - he's been there for 20 years. The brush has been built in West Bend since 2009!
    In 2012, the 200 was upgraded with more features that allow the operator to use either the front or rear brush for brushing instead of both brushes to eliminate the potential for stress by 50% and allows the use of a lighter weight actuator that reduces the lower/lift cycle to half the time. A wireless remote control option was introduced in 2016. Once you have that option, you wouldn't want to be without it.
    The TB 220 will do more in one pass than static drag brushes will do in 3 or more passes. I don't believe a coco mat could ever accomplish what a 220 will do no matter how many times you pull it across the turf.
    
    Time is money, guys! Do yourself a favor and get a demo of this tool. It's not a budget breaker and as many users of the brush will tell you, it could be one of the best equipment investments you ever made.
    
    Jeff Scott, CGCS (retired)
    Midwest Turf Specialties,LLC
    SGM Industries,LLC
    WILSCOT, LLC

    
    
    
    
22. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    1/22/2019 11:01 AM

    Jeffrey Scott said: I'm surprised that I read this many posts about green speed with no mention of the TB 200 or 220 grooming brush as a multi use tool for managing grain; placing topdressing apps below the canopy; opening up the canopy for better penetration of spray applications including colorants; opening the canopy for MUCH improved verticutting results; and finally, being a time and labor saving tool for removing aerifier cores and backfilling the holes.
    
    Earlier this year I was shocked to discover that the supt at one of the premier courses in West Bend, WI had never seen the brush on his course prior to last April - he's been there for 20 years. The brush has been built in West Bend since 2009!
    In 2012, the 200 was upgraded with more features that allow the operator to use either the front or rear brush for brushing instead of both brushes to eliminate the potential for stress by 50% and allows the use of a lighter weight actuator that reduces the lower/lift cycle to half the time. A wireless remote control option was introduced in 2016. Once you have that option, you wouldn't want to be without it.
    The TB 220 will do more in one pass than static drag brushes will do in 3 or more passes. I don't believe a coco mat could ever accomplish what a 220 will do no matter how many times you pull it across the turf.
    
    Time is money, guys! Do yourself a favor and get a demo of this tool. It's not a budget breaker and as many users of the brush will tell you, it could be one of the best equipment investments you ever made.
    
    Jeff Scott, CGCS (retired)
    Midwest Turf Specialties,LLC
    SGM Industries,LLC
    WILSCOT, LLC

    
    Funny you mention the TB-200. We are currently in the process of putting together a long term capital purchase plan. We Put the Tb-200 in there year one. We have heard nothing but great things about it and it is good to hear testimony from somebody who uses it. How often would you use it specifically for grooming throughout the season?

    
    
    
    
23. Jeffrey Scott

    

    8 posts
    
    1/22/2019 2:01 PM

    Adam,
    
    I'm sure you're able to tell by my post that I have a wealth of experience with the grooming brush. I was a supt for almost 30 years and have been consulting/manufacturing/upgrading turf sprayers with Capstan technology/ and now producing the new Featherweight turf boom since 2004. We'll be in booth 1149 at the GIS adjacent to the golf course dog demo area.
    I'm a partner in SGM Industries, LLC that has been producing the TB brush since 2008. We have a worldwide network of dealers who sell our product. The original 200 model was upgraded in 2012 and it's no longer available - but we do have all the repair parts in stock at all times. We believe the 220 to be a far superior machine, and now with the wireless remote option available, it's about the best it can be!
    
    To answer your question about how often to use the brush for grooming...if you asked 100 supts that question, you would probably get 95 different answers!! Believe it or not, I still run across supts who only use it for filling aerifier holes; others only for that and brushing in sand apps. It's a marvelous grooming tool that used properly should minimize the use of grooming reels on the mowers that inflict a lot of physical damage to the plant tissue.
    I don't know your location, turf type, topdressing frequency, demand for putting speed, amount of play, size of crew, etc. which are all factors in how you'll run your grooming program. I know supts who use it to groom at least weekly and others that never use it to groom.
    
    If you want to improve putting conditions for a tournament and have the time and staff to do it - my recommendation would be to brush/mow, then brush in a different direction (since the grain doesn't always go the same direction) and mow a second time. When you can walk up to a green and gently lay the palm of your hand on the surface and feel the "pincushion" effect of the grass blades sticking into your palm, you will NEVER hear that the greens are slow because the ball will be rolling on the cut end of the grass blade and not on the flattened blade. There is minimal roll resistance and a very smooth roll. It's ridiculously simple...
    
    Stop in and chat at the GIS if you're there. Good luck!
    Jeff

    
    
    
    
24. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    1/22/2019 2:01 PM

    Jeffrey Scott said:
    I don't know your location, turf type, topdressing frequency, demand for putting speed, amount of play, size of crew, etc. which are all factors in how you'll run your grooming program. I know supts who use it to groom at least weekly and others that never use it to groom.
    

    
    Thank you for the response! Also, all of this is mentioned throughout the thread.

    
    
    
    
25. Joe Wachter

    

    5 posts
    
    1/23/2019 7:01 AM

    Was going through the thread and didn't see any mention about borrowing a set of verticutters. Maybe someone in your area would let you borrow a set for a day. Once a year cut would work pretty good. Fertilization does seem to be a target you could look at though you do have a pretty decent amount of rounds.
    
    Good luck.

    
    
    
    
26. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    1/23/2019 12:01 PM

    Joe Wachter, CGCS said: Was going through the thread and didn't see any mention about borrowing a set of verticutters. Maybe someone in your area would let you borrow a set for a day. Once a year cut would work pretty good. Fertilization does seem to be a target you could look at though you do have a pretty decent amount of rounds. Good luck.

    That is not a bad idea. We have had similar arrangements with courses in the past with other equipment. Definitely something worth looking into. Thanks for the tip.

    
    
    
    
27. Wally Dowe

    

    0 posts
    
    1/24/2019 8:01 AM

    Attached is brush set up that our staff fabricated. It was not expensive and it does the job. As others have mentioned you will find success if you lower your N rates, use PGR's and also implement rolling into your program. The roller will be your biggest investment but it will more than likely pay the biggest dividends. You may find you can raise your HOC once your start rolling regularly. If possible you may want to apply your N in more foliar applications vs. granular as your release and growth rate is more predictable and you can adjust your N inputs based upon growth.
    
    Good Luck
    
    Wally Dowe
    Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
    Tucson, AZ

    
    
    
    
28. Adam Boston

    

    0 posts
    
    1/24/2019 4:01 PM

    Wally Dowe said: Attached is brush set up that our staff fabricated. It was not expensive and it does the job. As others have mentioned you will find success if you lower your N rates, use PGR's and also implement rolling into your program. The roller will be your biggest investment but it will more than likely pay the biggest dividends. You may find you can raise your HOC once your start rolling regularly. If possible you may want to apply your N in more foliar applications vs. granular as your release and growth rate is more predictable and you can adjust your N inputs based upon growth.
    
    Good Luck
    
    Wally Dowe
    Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
    Tucson, AZ

    
    Thanks for the guidance Wally. That brush setup is pretty impressive. Your staff did a great job.

    
    
    
    
29. Jeffrey Scott

    

    8 posts
    
    1/24/2019 10:01 PM

    I've never been a proponent of rolling greens. If you're comparing costs and productivity, a TB 220 will cost you about half of what a roller will cost and you'll brush a green and collar in about one third of the time it will take to roll the same area. Not to mention the multiple use capabilities of the brush versus single purpose roller.
    
    If you're standing the long, coarse grass blades up for a clean, smooth cut and rolling putts on the cut end of the leaf instead of that prostrate grass blade, why to you have to iron them?
    Eliminating those long grass blades will eventually result in a finer texture to the turf and a distinct possibility that you'll want to raise the height of cut to prevent excessive ball speed.
    
    I agree that any sort of grooming tool will get the job done better than not using a grooming tool, but a static brush will have to make multiple passes in several directions to come anywhere close to what a TB 220 will do in one pass. The key is the counter rotating brushes gently standing those flattened blades up and into the mowing range. It works for the smallest budget 9 hole courses the same as it does for major tournament venues.
    
    By the way, the owners of the engineering firm that have been involved with the grooming brush development since 2008 will be at the GIS in San Diego. There will undoubtedly be supts and equipment technicians in attendance who have ideas that could be the next "best thing ever". A conversation with these fellows would be a good start at making a dream come to fruition. We're in booth 1149 adjacent to the golf course dog demo area and one of the larger concession areas. Also showing the new Featherweight sprayer boom that's in production.
    
    Hope to see you there and definitely looking forward to getting out of this deep freeze!!
    
    Jeff Scott, CGCS(retired)
    SGM Industries
    WILSCOT, LLC

    
    
    
    
30. Matt Plosila

    

    0 posts
    
    1/25/2019 8:01 AM

    Jeffrey Scott said: I've never been a proponent of rolling greens.

    
    
    Science and research don't agree.