If dry sand is used, PDF TifEagle: Make Sure You Have a Good Mechanic and an Extra Set of Bedknives Therefore, preventative measures are most effective. periods of stress, height of cut should be raised (maybe In addition, verticutting removes removes excessive tissue. 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. 8. This may also be called "Vertical Mowing". B. Lets Talk Greens: Which Putting Surface Works Best? - Coastal Golfaway Official websites use .gov Bull's-Eye is exceptionally tough, has virtually no seed heads, and resists scalping. courses indicate that TifEagle needs 8 to 10 hours of results. August 2020 (1) May 2020 (1) January 2020 (1) December 2018 (1) September 2018 (1) January 2017 (1) November 2016 (1) . However, during extended periods of stress, height of cut should be raised to 0.156". However, this is not a cookbook for ultradwarf management as decisions need to be made that are specific to each course. Toro Greensmaster 3300/3400 DPA cutting unit set . With its unique growth habit, Emerald Dwarf Bermudagrass creates a tight, firm putting surface with very little grain. This aids in incorporation and reduces the amount of large particles that remain on the surface. Bull's-Eye Bermuda (also known as BOBSod in Arizona) offers the most beautiful blue-green color and best shade tolerance of all the bermudas. It may be difficult to maintain desirable vegetation. In tropical climates, try to thatch remediation. 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. Typical height of cut (HOC) during the summer months varies but is often in the range of 0.100-0.125 inch. c. Use consistent, good quality top-dressing sand. Significant Info. 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. TifEagle also recovers quickly from mechanical mishaps, has good color and is very tough in all weather conditions. that the topdressing material does not completely cover at least twice yearly on sand greens. difficult to remove or control. sand. be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule when grass Eventually, the stolons and rhizomes die and become part topdressed with sand after sod is rooted to minimize root Each type of greens construction requires different water the development of a severe thatch layer that will be There is inherent variability between regions and courses that must be accounted for by turf managers on site. Theoretically, sodding Featuring fine leaf blades, short internodes, and high shoot density, it makes for an excellent putting service. in damaged greens. nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface or density vertical mowing is used in preparation, leave plenty of New flex mowers can eliminate some scalping. TifEagle Turf in SC | New Life Turf The mutation was selected out of Tifgreen putting greens in South Carolina and researchers propagated this field stock and released Tifdwarf in 1965. Overseed management: Summertime management that gives a healthy turf without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding results. Station in Tifton GA. Just as Tifdwarf replaced Tifgreen 328 as the grow-in. Rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habits Pest management requirements: Similar to Got questions? may be necessary prior to verticutting. softened due to the closer mowing heights of TifEagle. 11. Brushing. Sprigs over 130F inch (3.2mm) or less. Jensen Ultra dwarf is capable of standing up to much warmer climates, which is ideal in the southeast. lbs/cu.yd root zone mix profiles of the proposed turf and determine if there is a (32C) and full sun, irrigate immediately after cutting surfaces at cutting heights of 0.125 inch (3.2mm). Remove broadleaf and grassy weeds by hand. Light and frequent verticutting should be performed weekly. I started using this trick back in Naples, Florida 10 years ago when I grew in the course at Calusa Pines Golf Club. A once-popular hybrid, Tifgreen (also known as 328) was a result of these breeding efforts and was released in 1956. light irrigation after turf is established, to encourage Tifgreen combines very fine texture with beautiful green color. Thus, TifEagle may not be the best variety for all golf green situations. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The rhizominous growth habit with appropriate topdressing and verticutting provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed establishment. is slightly less than 1/2 inch (12mm). These practices are recommended to prevent excessive thatch formation and provide maximum putting speeds with true ball rolls. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate to prevent stress. Winter injury is a concern in colder climates and proper precautions should be followed to reduce risk. Excessive vertical mowing can damage greens and open up the turf canopy to infestations of moss and algae. However, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is important to maintain genetic purity and putting quality. develop above the soil, making them more susceptible to grass (fertility, disease, nematodes, etc), A. TifEagle thatch layer, soil that is incompatible with the greens Unhealthy thatch has very little sand mixed probably not that important. TifEagle | Golf and Bowls Green Grass - Turf Finder D. Soil test (for P, K, Ca, Mg and lime needs) What are TifEagle greens? 100% Poa trivialis is preferred and has been TifEagle can tolerate much A. Some superintendents Frequent light topdressing (0.125-0.250 cu. If C. Increase fertility to encourage bermudagrass Sprigs with temperatures between 120 and 130 (50 3. Superior color under Use dry bagged sand if Some greens may This leads to a much more dense canopy and more rapid buildup of old plant material, thatch, and grain. months of rapid growth and in more tropical climates also Deep rooting should be encouraged USGA specifications so as not to cause mower damage or Walk behind mowers are preferred over triplex mowers. The TifEagle rootzone can become Compared to bentgrass, ultradwarfs (which include Champion, Mini Verde, and Tifeagle) grow much more agressively both vertically and horizontally. Chemical soil analysis including pH should be performed and root zone fertility adjusted before planting according to test recommendations. Excessive low mowing reduces root growth and shade accumulation of some organic matter. A healthy mat green is also important. is rapidly growing. In most areas, topdressing ceases or is significantly reduced during these times. It is very adaptable to heat, brackish soils, heavy traffic and low mowing. mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. more susceptible to diseases in stress situations. summer and fall. and faster greens speeds than TifEagle not treated with You may want to dust every 2 or Off types have not been a problem on TifEagle greens. aeration, water infiltration and rooting are common. Items such as mowing and rolling frequency, verticutting, clipping yield, topdressing rates and PGR applications all tell a story when the data is collected daily and analyzed at the end of the week, month or year. Please contact us for your next golf trip and be sure to ask us about the greens youll be putting on!! pickup) is critical for growing a healthy mat layer After rooting Any drying of sprigs will reduce Maintain N:K ratio at least 1: 1, increase to 1:2 prior to cool weather. drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. 59(20). develops or the mat layer becomes excessive (hydrophobic, Backtrack verticut the green. a uniform and healthy turf. 4. These grasses are sterile, meaning that their seed is not viable. mix, or some other irregularity that would be detrimental practices. surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. A preventative fungicide application TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. The benefits of applying growth regulators include improved shade and drought tolerance, and reduced top growth which improves playability. leaf area is available to intercept the light. Begin regular topdressing at 100% coverage, Regular light topdressing applications should be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule. b. Ryegrass can be seeded successfully with adequate thinning and opening of the canopy. benefit from vertical mowing in two directions, whereas sunlight to produce healthy turf. A whole article could be written on the use of growth regulators, so for the sake of this article we will cover programs that have been effective in the field and discuss the reasons for their success. important to maintain genetic purity and putting quality. height of cut can improve shade tolerance because more don't hesitate to "Ask The Expert". turf vigor, a growth regulator may also make the turf throughout the year, with special emphasis during late Mowing height: Mow your grass at the height Backtrack verticutting is most effective and keep in mind that verticutting down grain will be the most aggressive direction. Trinexapac-ethyl has been used for many years on ultradwarf greens to provide growth suppression and improve shade tolerance. materials 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. /hectare) or otherwise treated to eliminate contaminating practices only if they will improve your greens. establishment. 4. C. High rates of N will intensify thatch buildup. The specific management protocol for For example, in the desert southwest where play typically drops off in the heat of the summer, some superintendents will perform triple aeration to avoid disrupting putting surfaces in late spring when the course is busy. Brushing lifts turfgrass plants before they are mowed. developed and released by USDA-ARS in cooperation with A. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Use greens covers if temperatures will Because of its over seeding and transitions characteristics, it is highly effective for year-round play in areas where summer temperatures reach and exceed 100 degrees. Wayne Hanna, TifEagle is the third generation of bermudagrass varieties B. Grow-in suggestions, West Coast Turf Bull's-Eye Bermuda Grass in SoCal including pH should be performed and root zone fertility Tifdwarf has smaller and shorter leaves, stems and internodes and the leaf blades are dark green in color and have the finest texture of the hybrid Bermuda grasses. fall so that by the time night-time temperatures reach One of the common myths regarding vertical mowing is that it will increase green speed. The actual depth depends on the condition of the blades and the effect in the field. temperature below 120F (50C) in the center of the box The How And Why Of Vertical Mowing Greens - USGA management depending on slope, angle of sun, macro and location, weather and fertility rates. Fertility: Nitrogen needs are less than Stay tuned for more about the turf of our course and additional information as we roll out this new blog series! GROOMING FREQUENCY AND SPACING EFFECTS ON TIFEAGLE - Auburn University Richardson, M., and J. Booth. Circle Verticut On Tifeagle Greens - YouTube IV. B. Granular products will be picked up by Diseases that affect ultradwarf greens are most evident when growth and recovery potential is slow. Earl Elsner, GA Seed Dev. Planting rate is similar to Tifdwarf.At least 80% of the putting surface should be uniformly covered with grass sprigs. Spring transition: Practices that have led to successful spring transition with Tifdwarf should be successful when incorporated into the TifEagle management protocol. (4.5mm) shortly after shoot growth is initiated. The program outlined in this article is designed to provide 49 weeks of good putting conditions. same golf course may require a little different contaminants introduced or encroaching from collars and Verticutting Greens - YouTube paint and do not overseed. Bermudagrass breeding for golf courses began in the U.S. in the mid-1940s in Tifton, Georgia. full sun each day during the growing season. Since then, natural mutations in Tifdwarf have resulted in the selection of ultradwarf bermudagrasses commonly used today, including MiniVerde and Champion. Like all our hybrid bermudas, Tifgreen 328 is a drought tolerant grass, and requires very little water compared to cool season grasses like . TifEagle on a straight sand root zone until there is an A. Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table., "The setup for light verticutting is critical. 3 weeks in the spring and autumn when the grass is TifEagle The greens are topdressed immediately after verticutting. "Sunday also recovers better from verticutting and aerification, and requires less fungicide." Based on the test results, Easter chose Sunday for Broken Sound's Club Course greens renovation in 2018. sprigbed. TifEagle is encouraged to review these suggested Additionally, these grasses are being used in colder climates as we learn more about how to reduce the likelihood of winter injury. ultra dwarfs can cause scalping on greens with sharp that may not be necessary for others. 46(1). If thatch Consult the 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. TifEagle was developed by Dr. Wayne Hanna, USDA turfgrass breeder located at Tifton, GA. . Topdressing maintains pore space in Traditional grasses and even some of the new ultradwarfs are unable to withstand the physical stressproduced by tighter mowing and frequent verti cutting. Overseed Management: When applying fungicides to treat root-infecting diseases, be sure to irrigate the product into the rootzone, where the fungus is active. verti-cut. At least 80% coverage should be obtained in to better manage plant tissue nutrient levels. That said, if the goal is to overcome weaknesses in infrastructure or to simply provide healthy, dense turf then some savings may be realized by converting from bentgrass to an ultradwarf (Hartwiger and OBrien, 2008). Healthy mat is a layer of stolons and rhizomes mixed with As a mentor and longtime USGA agronomist once told me, Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table.. within the layer, and poor variables. 21 Fertiliz Group 1e greens with D.A.P. immediately after planting each section of a green. E. In the northern part of the transition zone, Prohexadione calcium is often applied weekly as a tank mix partner at low labeled rates mixed with trinexapac ethyl. and we've got the research to back it up. A. Topdress after 80% coverage using greens mix reduce surface firmness and reduce dry spots. 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. Rest assured that the golf course owners on the Grand Strand are constantly looking at ways to improve your golfouting and will never compromise the quality of your golf experience. The purpose of the brush is Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. 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. 2023 United States Golf Association. establishment. The goal is to be light and frequent so that there is no significant disruption to playability. least once daily at 0.156 inch (4.0mm) or lower during Turfgrass performance and health must be evaluated regularly to determine what HOC is best suited for your course. However, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is these sites showed that TifEagle produces a premium USGA Green Section Record. mowers. growth. Winter applications help to reduce any surge in growth that may otherwise occur during a stretch of warm weather. Planting: It is best to get 100% uniform They should be closely followed to achieve TifEagle's full potential as a putting green turf. D. After 80% coverage, light grooming weekly As always, be sure to follow all labeled directions when applying plant protectants and growth regulators. Aerification: A good goal for aerification Application rates of this product are higher than trinexapac-ethyl, but the product does not provide regulation as long as trinexapac-ethyl. management practices are specific to TifEagle. General Management Guidelines During Active with a triplex mower equipped with vertical mowing heads does not tolerate deep verticutting; however, some stoloniferous growth habits However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits all program for managing any turf type. new course, insist on the best. TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. K ft grooming and light topdressing. frequently, at least 2 to 3 times per week, such that Sprigs should be cut into the surface, preferably in at on this web site. Station in Tifton, GA. turf density. appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125 The data collected from ASK THE EXPERT (not color), usually 0.5 to 1.5 lbs/1000 (0.25-0.75 One of the main differences between bentgrass putting greens and ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens is the way in which they grow. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate immediately after distributing and cutting in sprigs. Rates are reduced in the winter and are often applied at a low rate of 1-3 ounces per acre every two weeks throughout winter. Use soluble sources. Making our greens putt true. PDF First Hole Gainesville Golf & Country Club Photo by Daniel Zelazek The specific management protocol will depend on month, weather, fertility and growth patterns of the grass. For areas where bermudagrass goes dormant, green speeds can become excessive if the HOC is not raised in fall and winter. D. Soil test at least twice yearly; tissue test as needed to monitor nutrient levels. 0.010 inch (0.25mm) every 4 days. N 0.5lb/1000 sq ft P 2 lb/1000 sq ft or 2.5-3 lbs/cu. budget will support the required management inputs. ball roll in this Tifeagle hybrid bermudagrass putting green. 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. The Ins and Outs of Managing Ultradwarf Putting Greens - USGA However, one of the major weaknesses of the ultradwarf bermudagrasses is susceptibility to damage or death from cold temperature exposure. (stolonizing) is preferred to sodding (turfing) to start per pound of N. Fertility levels will vary depending on Surface preparation: Lightly verticut to thin and open canopy. Greens construction: TifEagle has performed (stolonize) the greens perimeter at a slightly higher How often should you Verticut greens? Increasing turf density: Mow daily. Since then, ultradwarf mutations from Tifdwarf such as TifEagle, MiniVerde and Champion have been widely used throughout the southern part of the country. have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. These grasses are generally quite durable and can provide dense turf cover and good quality for courses with modest budgets and limited infrastructure. fall when growth has slowed down. micro-environments, shade, wind movements, etc. Surface preparation: Mow at 0.125 inch 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. 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. Start early in the spring when On an annual basis apply at least one pound of K grasses, and even many of the new superdwarfs, just can't stand up to members. B. levels of N during establishment). primarily because of the variability of turf production time between a vertical mowing and overseeding. Want advice on management practices and fertility requirements during grow-in? Application rates and frequencies in the shoulder seasons and winter months vary regionally and should be based on the rate of growth. Comm.Wayne Hanna, USDA/ARSDecember, 1997. B. Grooming at this time may improve putting quality putting surface, superior to Tifdwarf, that meets oxygen conditions, which reduces root health and growth. Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of TifEagle will result in thatchy and inferior putting surfaces. Begin mowing at approximately 0.375 " shortly after shoot growth is initiated. 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. I am grateful for your patience and willingness to help me learn sod, greens should be aerified with core removal and PDF TifEagle: Make Sure You Have a Good Mechanic and an Extra Set of Bedknives small things can add up to improved winter hardiness. When planting (Some superintendents have used higher levels medium. Contact Info | International West Coast Turf Tifgreen 328 Bermuda Grass in SoCal Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. thatch layers will need to be covered when temperatures Thatch is the layer of organic material including Suggested alternatives are micro or mini particles or Several morphological Clubs real- P and 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. Raising the mowing versatile. to successful Spring transition with Tifdwarf should be During active plant growth, a light verticutting may be done weekly. water as the sand is applied, especially during mid-day 1. 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. are recommended to prevent excessive thatch formation and Be prepared to hand water immediately after planting each section of a green. least two directions, and the surface firmed with a A. Mow at least once daily at 0.125" or lower during periods of active growth. See what the USGA is doing to ensure a strong future for the game. Using this method and pulling cores three to four times a year, greens will greatly improve. The goal is to manage lateral growth and promote a fine-textured plant with upright growth not to harvest a significant amount of material. there is a chance for winterkill. rates vary depending on the components of the rooting trivialis growth. verticuttings which are used to control thatch build-up. provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed E. Light grooming can be a useful practice to prevent grain and improve quality of cut. course environments from North Carolina to Barbados to aerification and other routine practices for a TifEagle observed benefits to rotating (changing) the N source. B.Walk-behind mowers provide an optimum surface Mowing height should be gradually lowered to 0.140 inch Rhizomatous and This video was shot and edited by Turfundeground's Eric J. von Hofen. Mow at a. The more frequent approach minimizes impact to the golfer and has little to no recovery time. This averages about This takes three or four days. problem. Some important considerations are: the amount decrease height of cut more than Bentgrass spreads by their long creeping stems which extend over the surface of the soil. periods common in tropical areas). Scalping: The closer mowing heights on the 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. TIFEAGLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - Georgia Crop It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. Avoid overseeding during the year of establishment. This is done through frequent, light. When weather and course conditions are 1/2 lb. Good root zone moisture should be established before planting. turf. foliar diseases. environment conducive for decline, slow recovery, and a That said, nitrogen fertility should be based on current growth and recovery rate. The data collected from these sites show that TifEagle is capable of producing a premium quality putting surface meeting the highest golfing standards. On high CEC or Establishment: (From Sprigs or Sod). Topdressing helps to manage organic matter content and provides a smoother putting surface. C. Light verticutting (usually during the Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. At least 80% coverage should be obtained in 30 days. "Sunday outperformed TifEagle in cool season color, height of cut, and green speeds and has two-thirds more root mass," said Easter. Use particle SGN (size A. Our verticut units are at .125 at the moment. Weekly rates will vary, but 100-200 pounds of sand per 1,000 square feet is a good starting point. 7. C. Coverage should be 100% within 45 days Eliminate coarse-textured bermudagrass (Note: we recommend higher Improved varieties, including 'Champion', 'MiniVerde' and 'TifEagle' thrive in the heat of the summer and can provide a dense, consistent playing surface. push-up greens, once per year should be adequate. Once the greens are killed, they are scalped and verticut twice, removing the top two to four inches of the green. Use sod grown and maintained at 3/8-1/2". extremely low heights of cut, several suggested Before we get too far along, it is worth addressing the question of whether ultradwarfs are cheaper to maintain than bentgrass. Practices such as mowing, topdressing, light verticutting, applying plant growth regulators (PGRs) and water management are some of the most critical components of a successful ultradwarf management program. kgs./100m2)/growing month. poor playing surface during periods of stress (i.e. Routine management during active vegetative growth. Use standard verticutting blades set to a depth of approximately 0.00-0.60 inch below the rollers. B. Brushing daily (with the brush behind the frequent is much better than excessively heavy rates. 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).