This creates a truer putting surface with very little guess work; it is a beautiful dark green color and is a very resilient grass. contours. soil will fix the soil problems, but potentially causes 5. spreading the sprigs to cool the surface. fungicide applications for 3 to 4 weeks after seeding are fall when growth has slowed down. B. Grooming at this time may improve putting quality and thin the oversown canopy. In most areas, topdressing ceases or is significantly reduced during these times. After rooting (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation frequency to once or twice per day while maintaining a moist root zone. I started using this trick back in Naples, Florida 10 years ago when I grew in the course at Calusa Pines Golf Club. adjusted according to test recommendations before benefit from vertical mowing in two directions, whereas Use greens covers if temperatures will " There are DNA markers for TifEagle, Champion and Mini-Verde at this time, but not for the myriad of off-types that exist. Toro Greensmaster 3300/3400 DPA cutting unit set . and we've got the research to back it up. within the layer, and poor Verticutting requirements depend to a large degree on Frequent light topdressing or dusting with sand Mowing height: Mow your grass at the height Improving winter hardiness: A number of C. Light verticutting (usually during the Weed Control is similar to Tifdwarf. Raising the mowing vertical cutting. Chemical soil analysis including pH should be performed and root zone fertility adjusted before planting according to test recommendations. height of cut also reduces the amount of leaf area The goal is to be light and frequent so that there is no significant disruption to playability.". Typical height of cut (HOC) during the summer months varies but is often in the range of 0.100-0.125 inch. freezing temperatures. root knot, lance and other nematodes can become a major should result in a shorter interval between establishment surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. TifEagle can tolerate much routinely obtained. 1/2 lb. Therefore, it is . 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. Mowing and verticutting are used to manipulate the architecture of the canopy and mat layer to provide upright and fine-textured leaves. High tolerance and increases the potential of soil borne and 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. grass (fertility, disease, nematodes, etc), A. TifEagle 11. materials tungsten carbide tipped. A. Preplant suggestions: The greens are topdressed immediately after verticutting. One of the main differences between bentgrass putting greens and ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens is the way in which they grow. location, weather and fertility rates. Clubs real- High quality putting Gradually raise the mowing height in the Remove broadleaf and grassy weeds by hand. allowed to form, the primary roots and rhizomes will D. Topdress lightly and drag in with a carpet. speedy. Contact Info | International Controlling nematodes on the perimeter of the Tifdwarf. A. This leads to our next topic: topdressing. Greens construction: TifEagle has performed 2023 United States Golf Association. planted as sod from plastic, sand based fields or washed Licensing of play (higher cut to tolerate more traffic), 6. If considering using sod, take several Brushing. If Avoid overseeding during the year of establishment. in the sprigs. After completion, there should be little, if any, disruption to the putting surface. TifEagle was bred, evaluated, Mostgolf course owners and green superintendents want the same thing: a wonder grass and as we all know, there is no such thing. cutting-in operations. . same golf course may require a little different 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. True Surface Verticut set by Turfline Great condition Carbide tip blades Fits Toro Greensmaster 3-3150 Quantity: set of 3 Our Price: $4,000 Retail Price: $11000. ball roll in this Tifeagle hybrid bermudagrass putting green. Best Management Practices for Preventing Winter Injury on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens, Best management practices for preventing winter injury on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. of A 4-yr experiment was conducted in southern Florida, on a US Golf Association (USGA)-specified green to examine the effect of topdressing and vertical mowing frequency on ultradwarf bermudgrass cultivars Champion, TifEagle, and FloraDwarf for primarily quality, growth, tissue N and K, and ball roll distance. The data collected from these sites show that TifEagle is capable of producing a premium quality putting surface meeting the highest golfing standards. It was evaluated in over 25 golf survivability and increase grow-in-time. We now have a much better understanding of the maintenance practices that will provide good putting surfaces for a majority of the year. can tolerate much closer mowing than Tifdwarf. (Note: we recommend higher Use higher rates of N during periods of active developed exclusively for golf greens at the Coastal Plains Experiment Mowing height should be lowered to 0.250" within this period. What are TifEagle greens? B. Brushing daily (with the brush behind the Unhealthy thatch has very little sand mixed The course installed a TifEagle put-ting green and chipping green three years ago to evaluate the ultradwarf variety for possible future use. So do some of the superdwarfs. USGA Green Section Record. planting. is rapidly growing. Scalping can also be due to excessive thatch buildup. Ultradwarf putting greens have come a long way since they became popularized in the 1990s. vegetation. whether you have an 8 or 12-month growing season or during spring and autumn) alternating with topdressing is 2. 3. 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. Greens with detrimental E. Irrigate as needed to keep seed bed moist including pH should be performed and root zone fertility Due to increased traffic, sprig Insist on TifEagle. depressions. quality putting surface, superior to Tifdwarf, that meets The three weeks where conditions will not be ideal are after hollow-tine aeration. grooming and light topdressing. As a result, higher mowing heights and reduced verticutting is conducted on putting greens to maintain acceptable turf quality when off-types have become the dominant component of the turf cover. Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. Making our greens putt true. TifEagle is a patented and licensed variety. Greens contours may need to be PREVENTION rather than thatch control. mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. periods will not reduce the amount of injury, but will management practices are specific to TifEagle. Theoretically, sodding the stolon/rhizome layer to improve water movement and Raising the Insist on TifEagle. YOUR greens each week and implement only the practices evaluation at university research stations since 1988, and beginning immediately after vertical mowing or aerification to help "You're just trying to remove all the grass. TifEagle will result in thatchy and spongy putting c. Use consistent, good quality top-dressing sand. every 3 weeks to improve root growth, plant health, and noted. ASK THE EXPERT In order to provide a good putting surface this dense canopy needs to be thinned out, removing old plant material, and encouraging a more upright growth habit. 1. 2 lb/1000 sq ft (1.0 kgs/100m2) or 2.5 to 3 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. sand. 10. members. The authors express sincere appreciation to researchers and golf course superintendents who evaluated TifEagle, responded to questionnaires or otherwise assisted in the development of these management practices. A. 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. Nematodes need to be potential as a putting green turf. Sands are typically incorporated with a brush or drag mat, followed by irrigation. Each golf course will be different and each green on the Incorporating coarse and very-coarse particles during aeration will improve infiltration rates and perhaps improve stability in the rootzone. The data collected from Tif Eagle For Greens 1 introduction 2 evaluation 3 problems 4 the process 5 management 6 . TifEagle's tolerance to close mowing gives the superintendent an excellent tool to manage and control spring transition. quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are establishment, especially on a high-sand green. Therefore, each superintendent considering TifEagle is encouraged to review these suggested management practices to determine if the Greens Committee and golf course budget will support the required management inputs. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate to prevent stress. (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation TifEagle can, mowed at 0.125 inch (3.2mm). A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. higher turf quality, better colour, higher shoot density grass blades. Topdressing maintains pore space in the grass is rapidly growing. (60C) were dead. Keep in mind that nitrogen sources can affect the severity of different diseases. Weather. The intent is to help suppress mutations i.e., off-types. Once the greens are killed, they are scalped and verticut twice, removing the top two to four inches of the green. TifEagle is encouraged to review these suggested This grass was widely used on putting greens during that time and is still in play on some courses. closer mowing than Tifdwarf, but it also has its limit. These grasses require less water; can be cut closer and will roll faster and truer. to raise the stolon tips so they can be cleanly cut. 6. softened due to the closer mowing heights of TifEagle. Backtrack verticut the green. cool conditions Suggested alternatives are micro or mini particles or Voids larger than 3 inches increase grow-in time. Sodding vs. sprigging: Sprigging When planting difficult to remove or control. Begin regular topdressing at 100% coverage, Regular light topdressing applications should be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule. stems and roots between the soil surface and the green air (anaerobic) remain viable for longer periods of time. II. Surface preparation: Lightly verticut to thin and open canopy. vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Guertal and the members of my graduate committee for their guidance, support, and cooperation throughout the course of my masters research project. These practices A. B. Grooming at this time may improve putting roller. It for one fills in any inconsistencies in the putting surface, adds firmness, reduces the impact of grain, reduces algae, and most importantly dilutes the soil profile, leading to better water infiltration, more oxygen for roots, and disease prevention. After rooting In the past, a lot of golf coursesused Bentgrass. ft. E. Irrigate as needed to keep seed bed moist throughout the day during germination and seedling establishment. and 60C) in the center of a box showed variable amounts Due to the aggressive growth habit of the ultradwarfs, grain, leaf texture and organic matter content must be managed with frequent maintenance practices to provide high-quality putting surfaces. Fertility needs vary based on location and length of growing season, but common practices include a larger application of a slow-release granular fertilizer in late spring followed by spoon feeding small amounts of nitrogen fertilizer e.g., 0.10-0.30 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every one to two weeks throughout the summer growing season. The purpose of the brush is Although it is not extremely popular, it is a great choice for golf courses that reach extreme temperatures in the summer months. Summertime management that gives a healthy turf At least 80% coverage should be obtained in and nutrient management regimes because organic matter Tifeagle features unique advantages for golf courses and theirsuperintendents; after all, their reputation rides on the quality of their greens. thatch layer, soil that is incompatible with the greens There is no one-size-fits all program for ultradwarf management, but these practices are fundamental to produce high-quality surfaces for 49 weeks of the year allowing a few weeks for the necessary disruption of aeration. a. Poa trivialis alone or with 10-20% bentgrass. alternate days or less to encourage deep rooting. speed and consistency even club players are beginning to demand. solid tines, star tines and/or a Hydrojet as needed to Station in Tifton GA. Just as Tifdwarf replaced Tifgreen 328 as the TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. Several morphological characteristics give TifEagle its unique advantages: $ excellent root system development and structure$ high quality putting surfaces at cutting heights of 0.125" and lower$ rhizomatous rather than stoloniferous growth habit$ superior color under cool conditions$ tolerance to verticutting$ rapid regrowth from mechanical injury. The use of a bentgrass variety with low heat tolerance is recommended. B. Granular products will be picked up by 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 . control spring transition. In addition, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is important to maintain genetic purity and putting quality. layer is desirable, but try to keep the layer less than Ideally, golf balls should roll on leaf tips and sand not wide and laterally growing leaves. poor playing surface during periods of stress (i.e. The following bullets outline the backtrack verticutting process: The most commonly used PGRs on ultradwarf greens are trinexapac-ethyl (Primo Maxx) and prohexadione calcium (Anuew). B. Grow-in suggestions, No matter what your favorite putting surface is, Myrtle Beach has a nice variety of them and for the most part they are always in tip top shape. A. 8. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. Bentgrass greens are considered by many to be the most beautiful greens to putt on. Monitoring organic matter content through regular testing is a great way to understand trends over time and allows managers to make more-informed decisions regarding aeration intensity and frequency. water quality, etc), greens slope and contours, health of depending on temperature and time of year. lbs/cu.yd root zone mix TifEagle has been shown to tolerate mowing 2-3 times per day at a height of 0.112". Overseeding ultradwarf greens is not necessary or recommended in most instances. (0.25kgs) of N for every two weeks of active plant Likewise, putting greens should be verticut and . turf vigor, a growth regulator may also make the turf followed to avoid problems and to achieve TifEagle's full It may be difficult to maintain desirable The resources allocated to keep bentgrass on life support during southern summers e.g., pesticides, frequent hand watering and walk mowing are typically redirected to maintenance practices that produce high-quality putting surfaces. (stolons), not clumps. The rhizominous growth habit with appropriate topdressing and verticutting provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed establishment. A. appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125 and spacing impacts surface areas. pickup) is critical for growing a healthy mat layer 3. trivialis growth. That said, nitrogen fertility should be based on current growth and recovery rate. be lower than 20F (minus 8C). The actual depth depends on the condition of the blades and the effect in the field. Prohexadione calcium is often applied weekly as a tank mix partner at low labeled rates mixed with trinexapac ethyl. Begin mowing at approximately 0.375 " shortly after shoot growth is initiated. A. nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface or density TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. topdressing sand that matches the greens construction This video was shot and edited by Turfundeground's Eric J. von Hofen. much of a superintendent's reputation rides on the quality of his or It is especially important to rogue off-types before overseeding. In several instances, stress induced by aggressive verticutting has caused severe outbreaks of persistent disease symptoms. A preventative fungicide application You may want to dust every 2 or months of rapid growth and in more tropical climates also Eliminate coarse textured Bermuda grass plants introduced or encroaching from collars and surrounding areas by hand roguing or nonselective foliar applied herbicides. This is probably due to the ability Since then, natural mutations in Tifdwarf have resulted in the selection of ultradwarf bermudagrasses commonly used today, including MiniVerde and Champion. D. Soil test (for P, K, Ca, Mg and lime needs) New Life Turf staff members have been specially trained and certified to handle all no-till TifEagle on-site inspections, sales, and installations. 2. may be necessary prior to verticutting. Carbide-tipped blades are not ideal for this treatment. before overseeding. Tifdwarf. summer and fall. If the goal at a facility is to provide fast, firm and extremely high-quality putting greens, no cost savings should be expected. 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. A. Granular products may be picked up by mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. Tifdwarf was identified as a mutation in Tifgreen putting greens. Learn from your neighbors, but use their characteristics give TifEagle its unique advantages: A Nitrogen fertility applications should continue through the fall months and into the cold acclimation process. Evaluate have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. Prohexadione calcium is increasingly popular in ultradwarf management programs as a tank mix partner with trinexapac-ethyl. On high CEC or 1. Eliminate coarse-textured bermudagrass Whether you're involved with Apply fungicides curatively for any diseases Overseed management: Summertime management that gives a healthy turf without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding results. that may not be necessary for others. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. of vigor and ability to survive. throughout the day during germination and seedling is maintained at putting green height on the turf farm, leaf area is available to intercept the light. preferred. 2 Superior Color Retention Under Cool Conditions Once temperatures dip into the mid-to-low 40's, Tifdwarf experiences chlorophyll loss and goes off-color quite rapidly. TifEagle putting greens have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. F. Mowing: Raise height of cut to 0.188" until stand is established. wetting of the surface is suggested to compact the An official website of the United States government. probably not that important. This may also be called "Vertical Mowing". On-going fertility? Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate immediately after distributing and cutting in sprigs. height of cut can improve shade tolerance because more IV. fall so that by the time night-time temperatures reach establishment. TifEagle, improved consistency of TifEagle color and putting throughout the year, with special emphasis during late vertical mowing grooves are obvious, the seed will fall
