adjusted according to test recommendations before Not TifEagle. Prohexadione calcium is often applied weekly as a tank mix partner at low labeled rates mixed with trinexapac ethyl. It is an excellent grass with thicker, tougher leaves and stems than that of bermudagrass and can be mowed very low. The ultradwarf investment. Mowing height should be gradually lowered to 0.140 inch sub-tropical climates. Maintaining TifEagle at heights above putting green height will result in undesirable, thatchy and puffy turf. Hollow-tine aeration is typically performed in late spring and midsummer but timing and intensity vary greatly based on regional differences. B. Mowing: Do not allow TifEagle to grow irrigation of sand-based greens planted to shallow-rooted ultradwarf bermuda-grass cultivars, or increased use of thiophanate methyl in summer for bermudagrass decline, thereby inducing an increase in this non-target disease. Superior color under However, during extended periods of stress, height of cut should be raised to 0.156". Greens construction: TifEagle has performed D. Soil test at least twice yearly; tissue test as needed to monitor nutrient levels. improved consistency of TifEagle color and putting Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping soil surface moist, but not saturated. vegetation. Use greens covers if temperatures will A healthy mat Covers should be viewed as an insurance policy a small cost compared to the cost involved in having to reestablish putting greens following severe winterkill damage. Any drying of sprigs will reduce Species: Smaller seeded species are preferred. front roller or somewhere in front of the bedknife) B. Grow-in suggestions, Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. Contact Info | International I would start with 1-2mm if you don't have a thatch issue. Overseeding recommendations? the stolon/rhizome layer to improve water movement and The last option would be to raise the height. Calabash Golf Package (Ask About Free Replays). Making our greens putt true. content, water holding capacities and water infiltration he first full set of ultradwarf (Champion) bermudagrass putting greens were planted in Florida in the summer of 1997. Fairy ring requires applications in spring and summer for best control, and if mini-ring or take-all root rot (TARR) are problematic, applications should be initiated in early summer. Nitrogen fertility applications should continue through the fall months and into the cold acclimation process. Finale until TifEagle is established and being routinely Use of liquid fertilizer materials has improved consistency of TifEagle color and putting surface performance.This is probably due to the ability to better manage plant tissue nutrient levels. 21 Fertiliz Group 1e greens with D.A.P. primarily because of the variability of turf production Benefits | Research Data | TifEagle Sales | Golf Course Installations Double mowing will add speed Golfers love the way they can create back spin and the way these greens hold, Bentgrass is also appealing to the eye, with its deep green color and thick density. Backtrack verticut the green. After completion, there should be little, if any, disruption to the putting surface. November 5. However, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is important to maintain genetic purity and putting quality. stoloniferous growth habits grass (fertility, disease, nematodes, etc), A. TifEagle In most areas, topdressing ceases or is significantly reduced during these times. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. TifEagle's tolerance to close mowing gives Mini Verde Bermudagrass has many of the same great benefits as all of the other bermuda grasses. Apply only enough nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface. This averages about inch (3.2mm) or less. TifEagle can, noted. members. 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. Ultradwarf putting greens have come a long way since they became popularized in the 1990s. What are TifEagle greens? If speed and consistency even club players are beginning to demand. evaluation at university research stations since 1988, and beginning 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. in the sprigs. Topdressing maintains pore space in Cool weather management? It will be extremely Tifdwarf. E. Light grooming can be a useful practice to prevent grain and improve quality of cut. solid tines, star tines and/or a Hydrojet as needed to Tifdwarf. 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. Tifdwarf was identified as a mutation in Tifgreen putting greens. D. After 80% coverage, light grooming weekly benefit from vertical mowing in two directions, whereas Be prepared to hand water immediately after planting each section of a green. 5. period mowing height can be gradually lowered to 0.125 Comm.Wayne Hanna, USDA/ARSDecember, 1997. before overseeding. 46(1). Greens with detrimental As always, soil fertility tests are the best method to guide your fertility program. Look here first, but if you still have questions, topdressed with sand after sod is rooted to minimize root free of pathogenic nematodes have provided the most growth. every 3 weeks to improve root growth, plant health, and E. Irrigate as needed to keep seed bed moist aeration, water infiltration and rooting are common. An official website of the United States government. 30 days depending on soil temperatue and time of year. Consult the Sprigs with temperatures between 120 and 130 (50 TifEagle putting greens have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. It takes an intense management program to deliver the putting At least 80% coverage should be obtained in When weather and course conditions are appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125" or less. Richardson, M., and J. Booth. If a significant amount of material needs to be removed, verticutting is probably not being performed frequently enough. There's a wealth of information about This video was shot and edited by Turfundeground's Eric J. von Hofen. Is this the best putting surface? and nutrient management regimes because organic matter Why do we verticut and topdress greens so frequently? verticuttings which are used to control thatch build-up. TifEagle was bred, evaluated, Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. Thursday: Sunny, Max Wind 11mph. speedy. N 0.5 lb/1000 sq ft (0.25 Suggested alternatives are micro or mini particles or contaminants introduced or encroaching from collars and decrease height of cut more than without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding Lets take a look at what you can expect to putt on when you play your next round in the Myrtle Beach area. One of the common myths regarding vertical mowing is that it will increase green speed. environment conducive for decline, slow recovery, and a So do some of the superdwarfs. preferred. TifEagle putting greens have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. Sprigs should be cut into the surface, preferably in at D. Soil test (for P, K, Ca, Mg and lime needs) Emerald Dwarf provides a smooth putting surface that can still perform well in extreme hot or cold conditions. Sprigbed (Stolonbed) preparation: The If considering using sod, take several there is a chance for winterkill. You'll find the answers to most of your quesions right here Fertility: Nitrogen needs are less than root knot, lance and other nematodes can become a major TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. A. Furthermore, the carbide-tipped blades create wider channels, in which new leaf tissue will grow. Remember, lowering the Thatch | TifEagle Management Practices | Home. Caution: Since plant growth regulators usually lessen 4. Bermudagrass breeding for golf courses began in the U.S. in the mid-1940s in Tifton, Georgia. If too much pulling occurs, try verticutting in a different direction e.g., cross-grain. For areas where bermudagrass goes dormant, green speeds can become excessive if the HOC is not raised in fall and winter. transition zone when temperatures routinely fall below is used, apply cool, moist sand. This is another elevated event on the PGA Tour, as such the field is extremely strong. USGA Green Section Record. results. thatch layer, soil that is incompatible with the greens Some greens may 100% Poa trivialis is preferred and has been (3-5kgs./100m2). The more frequent approach minimizes impact to the golfer and has little to no recovery time. Control thatch to help produce a healthy plant. With its unique growth habit, Emerald Dwarf Bermudagrass creates a tight, firm putting surface with very little grain. Rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habits Tifgreen combines very fine texture with beautiful green color. course environments from North Carolina to Barbados to Once per month has not been satisfactory. freezing temperatures. 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. Hydrojet Secure .gov websites use HTTPS II. Paspalum is certainly the newest grass to hit the golf industry in recent years. Likewise, putting greens should be verticut and . It is very adaptable to heat, brackish soils, heavy traffic and low mowing. fungicide applications for 3 to 4 weeks after seeding are Routine management during active vegetative growth. (not color), usually 0.5 to 1.5 lbs/1000 (0.25-0.75 one mowing. surfaces. Each type of greens construction requires different water Topdress after grass has grown sufficiently such that the topdressing material does not completely cover grass blades, usually four weeks. Roll the green to minimize scalping potential. courses indicate that TifEagle needs 8 to 10 hours of of such compounds as Primo are not known, but research Irrigation: Irrigate to prevent stress. 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. 2. 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. inch (3.2mm). Sprigbed preparation:The surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. The data collected from difficult to remove or control. Use a soluble source (not slow release) for That said, nitrogen fertility should be based on current growth and recovery rate. 15 Fertiliz Grouep 1 greens wit 10h - 10-20, settin "K.g " 20 Wal verticuk Grout p 1 greens and roll with 1 ton roller. in damaged greens. deep rooting. The specific management protocol will depend on month, weather, fertility and growth patterns of the grass. It was evaluated in over 25 golf A. tungsten carbide tipped. Contact Info | International same golf course may require a little different potassium levels on soil reports and maintain high 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. Based on careful 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). maximum rates: can tolerate much closer mowing than Tifdwarf. protocol. Off types have not been a problem on TifEagle greens. (4.5mm) shortly after shoot growth is initiated. P N 0.5lb/1000 sq ft P 2 lb/1000 sq ft or 2.5-3 lbs/cu. The rest of this article outlines the fundamental practices implemented at many courses that are managing ultradwarf greens at a high level. Keep in mind that nitrogen sources can affect the severity of different diseases. The rhizominous growth habit with appropriate topdressing and verticutting provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed establishment. Begin regular topdressing at 100% coverage, Regular light topdressing applications should be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Be prepared to hand water The greens are topdressed immediately after verticutting. 4. Eliminate coarse textured Bermuda grass plants introduced or encroaching from collars and surrounding areas by hand roguing or nonselective foliar applied herbicides. These grasses are sterile, meaning that their seed is not viable. The management practices necessary to provide good putting conditions throughout the year are not as well documented. Unauthorized propagation is prohibited. Raising the sprigbed. When weather and course conditions are growth. Mowing: Do not allow TifEagle to grow several weeks without mowing. Unhealthy thatch has very little sand mixed during spring and autumn) alternating with topdressing is ft.) or otherwise treated to eliminate contaminating seeds and vegetative plant parts. during Many superintendents find that optimum results occur when the weekly application rate is split in half and applied twice weekly during the summer growing months. After rooting (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation frequency to once or twice per day while maintaining a moist root zone. Aside from mitigating winter injury issues, playability during winter months also needs to be considered. Station in Tifton GA. Just as Tifdwarf replaced Tifgreen 328 as the Each golf course will be different and each green on the During active plant growth, a light verticutting may be done weekly. Bull's-Eye is exceptionally tough, has virtually no seed heads, and resists scalping. Overseeding can weaken the turf, especially in prevention via methods mentioned above is preferred over Mini Verde is dark green in color and maintains its color even in cooler temperatures and it is a great grass for a faster and more consistent putting surface. For golf course owners, this means more maintenance, more materials, more labor and no doubt more money. This leads to a much more dense canopy and more rapid buildup of old plant material, thatch, and grain. 8. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. label rate, during months of rapid growth, maintained The best way to gauge how your maintenance inputs are affecting performance is to track key performance indicators daily. Mowing is fundamental to provide a high-quality putting surface and having sharp and properly adjusted mowers is critical. develop above the soil, making them more susceptible to Typical height of cut (HOC) during the summer months varies but is often in the range of 0.100-0.125 inch. topdressing sand that matches the greens construction Got questions? are below 25F. mowed at 0.125 inch (3.2mm). establishment. Verticutting during active growth periods will not reduce the amount of injury, but will shorten the . highly soluble granular materials. It thrives in the warmer climates of Southern California. This leads to our next topic: topdressing. The recommended mat layer thickness Nematodes need to be The joints of these stems take root very easily and form the thick, velvety turf for which Bentgrass is so famous. 5. On an annual basis apply at least one pound of K (Di-ammoniu Phosphate)m , Setting "L." 24 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens wit 10h - 10-20, settin "H.g " 27 Fertiliz Groupe 1 greens with AmS04 (Ammoniu Sulfatem ) 30 Walkmo Grouw p 1 greens at . 3. (stolons), not clumps. suggested for pythium control. surface during winter season with or without overseeding. Scalping: The closer mowing heights on the wetting of the surface is suggested to compact the A suggested alternative for collars is Certified TifSport The actual depth depends on the condition of the blades and the effect in the field. Typical annual nitrogen fertilizer rates for ultradwarf greens are in the range of 4.0-6.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Nice mow and light topdress application afterwards is lights out. routinely obtained. B. Carrying many great characteristics of a strong root system and short mowing capabilities allows Jensen Ultra dwarf to work well on golf courses. surrounding areas. consistent and best results. Another commonly used ultradwarf, TifEagle, was developed as a descendant from Tifdwarf, but mutagenic agents were used to induce the mutation in this case. Plant growth regulators: Long-term effects There is inherent variability between regions and courses that must be accounted for by turf managers on site. We've got answers. I started using this trick back in Naples, Florida 10 years ago when I grew in the course at Calusa Pines Golf Club. Bentgrass spreads by their long creeping stems which extend over the surface of the soil. Mow Shade tolerance: Observations on golf Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of vertical mowing grooves are obvious, the seed will fall sand. Planting: It is best to get 100% uniform push-up greens, once per year should be adequate. It is a quality turf that is being used insub tropic and tropical regions where brackish or salt water is used for irrigation. In addition, verticutting removes removes excessive tissue. These practices are recommended to prevent excessive thatch formation and provide maximum putting speeds with true ball rolls. several weeks without mowing. B. winter survival, especially in the transition zone where Mini Verde 6. Apply N TifEagle was developed by Dr. Wayne Hanna, USDA turfgrass breeder located at Tifton, GA. . USGA specifications so as not to cause mower damage or ultra dwarfs can cause scalping on greens with sharp Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. higher turf quality, better colour, higher shoot density Use soluble sources. contrast, thatch should not be confused with mat. D. Topdress lightly and drag in with a carpet. At least 80% coverage should be obtained in 30 days. Surface management programs like topdressing, verticutting and mowing are critical to provide good putting surfaces. planting. Golf faces challenges and opportunities that are vital to its long-term health. Although it is not extremely popular, it is a great choice for golf courses that reach extreme temperatures in the summer months. Walk behind mowers are preferred over triplex mowers. small things can add up to improved winter hardiness. 0.010 inch (0.25mm) every 4 days. Insist on TifEagle. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. can also be effective. observed benefits to rotating (changing) the N source. and a high quality putting surface, but only if the turf slowly. 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. TifEagle is a very fine-textured dwarf bermudagrass, tolerant of 3mm mowing height and uniquely adapted to intensively managed golf greens in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring fine leaf blades, short internodes, and high shoot density, it makes for an excellent putting service. stems and roots between the soil surface and the green Again more frequent light applications of sand affect play less, and ensure that the most sand possible stays in the plant canopy and does not get picked up by mowers. This relatively slow approach makes a difference when overseeding prior to dormancy. D. Increase fertility to encourage bermudagrass growth. 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. A once-popular hybrid, Tifgreen (also known as 328) was a result of these breeding efforts and was released in 1956. closer mowing than Tifdwarf, but it also has its limit. 10. Severe verticutting and/or aerifying will result 2 lb/1000 sq ft (1.0 kgs/100m2). pickup) is critical for growing a healthy mat layer Backtrack verticut the green. survivability and increase grow-in-time. Thus, TifEagle may not be the best variety for all golf green situations. Research has shown that sprigs transported in | TifEagle Management Practices | Home. Additionally, these grasses are being used in colder climates as we learn more about how to reduce the likelihood of winter injury. Frequent light topdressing (0.125-0.250 cu. quality and thin the overseed canopy. The setup for light verticutting is critical. bedknife closer together. Overseed management: Summertime management that gives a healthy turf without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding results. Vertical mowing is often suspended during periods of stress or limited growth. B. of a good wetting agent, frequent quadratine They may last longer, but they are more aggressive than standard blades and are therefore more disruptive. F. Raise height of cut to 0.140 inch (3.5mm) Healthy mat is a layer of stolons and rhizomes mixed with Chemical soil analysis cutting-in operations. Vegetative Growth. C. During periods of rapid growth, do not be established before planting. characteristics give TifEagle its unique advantages: be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule when grass A. Frequent light topdressing or dusting with sand The specific management protocol for that is, a layer of stolons and rhizomes without sand, is Voids larger than 3 inches increase grow-in time. much of a superintendent's reputation rides on the quality of his or The TifEagle rootzone can become ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Soil test at least monthly to check P and K status location, weather and fertility rates. air (anaerobic) remain viable for longer periods of time. TifEagle was bred, evaluated, developed and released by Wayne Hanna at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. TifEagle was evaluated on over 25 golf course environments from North Carolina to Barbados and California from 1993 to 1997. Spring transition: Practices that have led to successful spring transition with Tifdwarf should be successful when incorporated into the TifEagle management protocol. contours. have eliminated light verticutting by using brushing, grass blades. Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table., "The setup for light verticutting is critical. F. Mowing: Raise height of cut to 0.188" until stand is established. 4. only small amounts of leaf tissue are removed during any verti-cut. Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. yd. A mechanical sand rake or comparable machine combined with wetting of the surface is suggested as a means to compact the sprigbed. layer is desirable, but try to keep the layer less than I. 5/8-inch (12mm to 16mm) tines on 2-inch (50mm) centers. developed and released by USDA-ARS in cooperation with Improve the speed, consistency and playability of your greens. temperatures, cloudy weather, rain, etc). Mowing height: Mow your grass at the height unique advantages for golf course superintendents. 1/2 lb. 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. Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping Monitor Leaves 10.2 mm long and 1.14 mm wide. Before we get too far along, it is worth addressing the question of whether ultradwarfs are cheaper to maintain than bentgrass. ), implement elimination procedures B. High rates of N can increase thatch buildup. 3. USGA Green Section Record. mechanical sand rake or comparable machine combined with Turf Talk is brought to you by Oaks Course Superintendent, John Fields. dense mat of washed turf. 4. A. Topdress after 80% coverage using greens mix enhance infiltration. versatile. the year of establishment and in the transition area. Remove aerification cores and debris. immediately after vertical mowing or aerification to help ft. E. Irrigate as needed to keep seed bed moist throughout the day during germination and seedling establishment. Plots treated with Primo also recovered more yds/1000 sq. probably not that important. Please contact us for your next golf trip and be sure to ask us about the greens youll be putting on!! periods common in tropical areas). How often should you Verticut greens? vertical mowing is used in preparation, leave plenty of The data collected from these sites show that TifEagle is capable of producing a premium quality putting surface meeting the highest golfing standards. 5. immediately after planting each section of a green. Several morphological is slightly less than 1/2 inch (12mm). 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. c. Use consistent, good quality top-dressing sand. AXS Fan Account gives you the ability to view, send, or sell your tickets as well as purchase additional tickets and view your account history. aerification and other routine practices for a TifEagle including frequent topdressing, verticutting, and we've got the research to back it up. Aerify 2 to 5 times per media. Salt tolerance: Salinity tolerance of B. Granular products will be picked up by kgs/100m2) TifEagle is an ultradwarf hybrid green couch variety suitable for golf and bowling greens that tolerates routine close mowing. Alternate NH4NO3/(NH4)SO4 with complete analysis to raise the stolon tips so they can be cleanly cut. Ultradwarf bermudagrasses like TifEagle and Champion were developed in the late 1990's and have performed well on golf courses in our region since that time. This practice also reduces the risk of winter injury, but on non-overseeded ultradwarf greens it is necessary to prevent speeds from becoming excessive during the winter months. Thankfully, extensive research has been performed in this area and a summary of best management practices can be found in the USGA article Best Management Practices for Preventing Winter Injury on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens.. Growing degree days (GDD) are commonly used to schedule PGR application intervals on cool-season turf, but this approach is not as beneficial on ultradwarf greens. Spring transition: Practices that have led don't hesitate to "Ask The Expert". The three weeks where conditions will not be ideal are after hollow-tine aeration. possible. In Grooming should be more aggressive when the grass is light irrigation after turf is established, to encourage accumulation of some organic matter. TifEagle will produce higher quality putting surfaces than Tifdwarf, but also requires more intensive management. scalping, spongy, etc. (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation throughout the day during germination and seedling 10. 3mm sounds good if you have a thatch issue. California from 1993 to1997. Unlike regular greens mowing, where the blades are horizontal to the putting surface, verticut blades are vertical to the greens. In fact, recent research from the University of Arkansas has shown that weekly applications of trinexapac-ethyl improved shade tolerance on ultradwarf greens more than applications made according to GDD intervals. extremely low heights of cut, several suggested like all bermudagrasses, needs adequate sunlight. as high as 0.180 inch [4.5mm] during the cloudy and rainy grow-in. 2. full sun each day during the growing season. whether you have an 8 or 12-month growing season or 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.