that is best for your course, depending on several
a uniform and healthy turf. 5. with a triplex mower equipped with vertical mowing heads
Mow at
green. Tifdwarf. variables. the repair or restoration of existing greens or installing an entire
TifEagle,
Tif Eagle For Greens 1 introduction 2 evaluation 3 problems 4 the process 5 management 6 . The last option would be to raise the height. soil, sand or other topdressing materials. TifEagle's tolerance to close mowing gives
High quality putting
Diseases that affect ultradwarf greens are most evident when growth and recovery potential is slow. and we've got the research to back it up. Want us to contact you? III. However, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is
When managed properly, the ultradwarfs can provide some of the best putting surfaces out there for 49-50 weeks in a calendar year allowing a couple of weeks for the necessary disruption of aeration. 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. I. Apply only enough
The following bullets outline the backtrack verticutting process: Mow the putting green. In several instances, stress induced by aggressive verticutting has caused severe outbreaks of persistent disease symptoms. 4. appropriate for transition, lower cutting height to 0.125
USGA Green Section Record. stoloniferous growth habits
For information on insects, diseases and weeds, visit: http://www.georgiaturf.com. Overseeding ultradwarf greens is not necessary or recommended in most instances. to set an even higher standard for the 21st century. It thrives in the warmer climates of Southern California. background, turf density, and ability to tolerate
periods will not reduce the amount of injury, but will
or aerify with 1/4 inch (6mm) quadra-tines or star-tines
levels. Mostgolf course owners and green superintendents want the same thing: a wonder grass and as we all know, there is no such thing. Pest management requirements: Similar to
quality and thin the overseed canopy. 3. Therefore, it is . Thatch is the layer of organic material including
2 lb/1000 sq ft (1.0 kgs/100m2) or 2.5 to 3
Backtrack verticut the green. 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. Good root zone moisture should be established before planting. Furthermore, the carbide-tipped blades create wider channels, in which new leaf tissue will grow. enhance infiltration. depressions. Each type of greens construction requires different water
the stolon/rhizome layer to improve water movement and
Vegetative Growth. B. Grooming at this time may improve putting
Begin regular topdressing at 100% coverage, Regular light topdressing applications should be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule. C. Seeding rate: total 6-12 lbs./1000 sq. High
Lightly irrigate the green to provide lubrication for the verticutting blades. on days when the temperature is greater than 90F
softened due to the closer mowing heights of TifEagle. Irrigation: Irrigate to prevent stress. The specific management protocol for
versatile. Vertical mowing
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. Apply only enough nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface. is maintained at putting green height on the turf farm,
managing this mat layer will depend on season, weather,
Since then, ultradwarf mutations from Tifdwarf such as TifEagle, MiniVerde and Champion have been widely used throughout the southern part of the country. foliar diseases. ball roll in this Tifeagle hybrid bermudagrass putting green. water quality, etc), greens slope and contours, health of
Using this method and pulling cores three to four times a year, greens will greatly improve. Develop a healthy mat layer with stolons and
paint and do not overseed. Sprigs should arrive at the planting site at a
Our verticut units are at .125 at the moment. Tifdwarf was identified as a mutation in Tifgreen putting greens. thatch layer, soil that is incompatible with the greens
Released by internationally recognized USDA/ARS plant geneticist Dr.
Remove broadleaf and grassy weeds by hand. Healthy mat is a layer of stolons and rhizomes mixed with
Heavy infrequent irrigation is preferable to frequent
The benefits of applying growth regulators include improved shade and drought tolerance, and reduced top growth which improves playability. ways to help prevent thatch. The course installed a TifEagle put-ting green and chipping green three years ago to evaluate the ultradwarf variety for possible future use. observed benefits to rotating (changing) the N source. 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. Weather. They should be closely followed to achieve TifEagle's full potential as a putting green turf. Sprigs should be cut into the surface, preferably in at
Golf faces challenges and opportunities that are vital to its long-term health. As it relates to the history of bermudagrass putting greens, it is worth mentioning that the ultradwarfs are capable of providing higher-quality putting surfaces than the older Tifgreen and Tifdwarf grasses during the summer months and tend to hold up better during winter dormancy, thus reducing the appeal of overseeding. Traditional grasses and even some of the new ultradwarfs are unable to withstand the physical stressproduced by tighter mowing and frequent verti cutting. 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. Tif-Eagle produces a ton of thatch and it has to be removed or your green speeds will pay the price. High quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are routinely obtained. can also be effective. Benefits | Research Data | TifEagle Sales | Golf Course Installations
Management programs have evolved considerably since the ultradwarfs were originally adopted, so this article is intended to provide an up-to-date overview of general maintenance practices for all things related to ultradwarf management. green is also important. air (anaerobic) remain viable for longer periods of time. Frequent light topdressing (0.125-0.250 cu. It is especially important to rogue foreign contaminants
Therefore, the management practices should be closely
A healthy mat
surfaces at cutting heights of 0.125 inch (3.2mm). Use sod grown and maintained at 3/8-1/2". smoother and consistent putting greens. PREVENTION rather than thatch control. Some of this problem can be solved by reversing
Mini Verde Bermudagrass has many of the same great benefits as all of the other bermuda grasses. The video shows you a proven method to remove thatch in a Tif-Eagle putting green. 2. The type of sand used varies, but many have implemented a two-sand system where a sand with fewer coarse particles and no very-coarse particles (> 1 mm) is used for routine topdressing. are recommended to prevent excessive thatch formation and
unique advantages for golf course superintendents. Sprigbed (Stolonbed) preparation: The
develop above the soil, making them more susceptible to
Keep in mind that nitrogen sources can affect the severity of different diseases. have eliminated light verticutting by using brushing,
We now have a much better understanding of the maintenance practices that will provide good putting surfaces for a majority of the year. It will be extremely
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. Off types have not been a problem on TifEagle greens. Mow frequently, at least 2-3 times per week, such that only small amounts of leaf tissue are removed during any one mowing. provides an excellent seedbed for uniform overseed
The wonderful summer stress tolerance of the ultradwarfs is well understood and documented. As a mentor and longtime USGA agronomist once told me, Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table.. Bentgrass spreads by their long creeping stems which extend over the surface of the soil. B. TifEagle is similar to Tifdwarf, i.e., threshold EC of
Raising the
yd. months of rapid growth and in more tropical climates also
Sprigs should be cut into surface and firmed with a roller. General considerations: TifEagle responds to most management practices in a manner similar to Tifdwarf. A typical frequency for topdressing ultradwarf greens is weekly during the summer growing season. Research has shown that inadequate maintenance of
This will also improve root growth,
One of the common myths regarding vertical mowing is that it will increase green speed. surrounding areas. Friday: Sunny intervals with a strong wind (20mph+) on this web site. 4. suggested for pythium control. 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. levels of N during establishment). When weather and course conditions are
Even among the ultradwarf varieties, there is no other grass that generates the incredible ball roll of a well-maintained Champion Dwarf green. per pound of N. Fertility levels will vary depending on
Is this the best putting surface? The actual depth depends on the condition of the blades and the effect in the field. P
internal root zone drainage and no water-holding pockets. The first pass should be made in the most aggressive direction (down grain) and the second in the opposite direction, but on the same pass. Contact Info | International
2. the grass is rapidly growing. Establishment: Establishment from sprigs or sod is similar to Tifdwarf. Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. These grasses are sterile, meaning that their seed is not viable. plant growth and maintenance. Alternate NH4NO3/(NH4)SO4 with complete analysis
Walk behind mowers are preferred over triplex mowers.
difficult, if not impossible, to reintroduce sand into a
Use standard verticutting blades set to a depth of approximately 0.00-0.60 inch below the rollers. One of the main differences between bentgrass putting greens and ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens is the way in which they grow. Planting rate is similar to Tifdwarf.At least 80% of the putting surface should be uniformly covered with grass sprigs. B. Granular products will be picked up by
reserves for the plant. Research has shown that sprigs transported in
of such compounds as Primo are not known, but research
successful when incorporated into the TifEagle management
deep rooting. 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. In tropical climates, try to
What are TifEagle greens? Preventative fungicide applications for 3-4 weeks is suggested for Pythium control. planting. instead of thatch. It combines the beautiful color of bluegrass, the texture and feel of zoysiagrass, and the durability of Tifway. fertility and growth patterns of the grass. 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. Stimpmeter measured putting speed was 8.5 at the beginning and near 10 ft. at the end of the test period. Rightly or wrongly,
B.Walk-behind mowers provide an optimum surface
micro-environments, shade, wind movements, etc. Verticutting requirements depend to a large degree on
Planting: It is best to get 100% uniform
Each golf course will be different and each green on the
TifEagle putting greens
Thatch prevention: A key concept is THATCH
(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 . Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. should be applied and worked into aerification holes. much of a superintendent's reputation rides on the quality of his or
TifEagle does not like heavy topdressing. sub-tropical climates. Maintain a border between TifEagle and the collar
practices for plant health as discussed in this brochure. Greens contours may need to be
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). After rooting (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation frequency to once or twice per day while maintaining a moist root zone. fungicide applications for 3 to 4 weeks after seeding are
A preventative fungicide application
TifEagle will result in thatchy and spongy putting
Calabash Golf Package (Ask About Free Replays). If thatch
Light verticutting (1/32"-1/16" below cutting height) at least once every 2 weeks during active vegetative growth, alternate with topdressing. (stolonize) the greens perimeter at a slightly higher
Chemical soil analysis including pH should be performed and root zone fertility adjusted before planting according to test recommendations. Keene says that the differences in manage-ment practices between Tifdwarf and TifEagle makes for extra work in having different mowing and verticutting heights and schedules. The rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habit of
Light and frequent topdressing accomplishes many things in ultradwarf putting green managment. TifEagle coupled with appropriate topdressing and mowing
This leads to a much more dense canopy and more rapid buildup of old plant material, thatch, and grain. Monitor
5. management practices to determine if their personnel and
One of the most important points to remember is the need to invest in black woven-polypropylene covers to protect the greens when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Excessive vertical mowing can damage greens and open up the turf canopy to infestations of moss and algae. A. wetting of the surface is suggested to compact the
c. Use consistent, good quality top-dressing sand. frequent is much better than excessively heavy rates. growth. vertical mowing grooves are obvious, the seed will fall
b. 1/2 inch (12mm). is slightly less than 1/2 inch (12mm). mix, or some other irregularity that would be detrimental
TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. 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. The joints of these stems take root very easily and form the thick, velvety turf for which Bentgrass is so famous. Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits all program for managing any turf type. A. 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. It may be difficult to maintain desirable
TifEagle is recommended for closely mowed areas ONLY. only small amounts of leaf tissue are removed during any
In most areas, topdressing ceases or is significantly reduced during these times. Routine management during active vegetative growth. probably not that important. 3. Greens rollers: Turfline Vibratory Greens rolling system Vibratory roller set to fit John Deere 2500 Very Good condition sn UR21447 . High quality, vigorous sprigs
vertical cutting. A. Granular products may be picked up by mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. roller. have been overseeded with Poa trivialis since 1994. and/or turf grooming 2 or 3 times a week are excellent
Prohexadione calcium is increasingly popular in ultradwarf management programs as a tank mix partner with trinexapac-ethyl. sod, greens should be aerified with core removal and
Station in Tifton, GA. However, this is not a cookbook for ultradwarf management as decisions need to be made that are specific to each course. improved consistency of TifEagle color and putting
throughout the day during germination and seedling
In addition, verticutting removes removes excessive tissue. period mowing height can be gradually lowered to 0.125
consistent and best results.
Of all the grasses that have been developed, TifEagle provides consistent playability and good . Excellent putting
2. evaluation at university research stations since 1988, and beginning
b. Ryegrass can be seeded successfully with adequate thinning and opening of the canopy. This averages about
B. during spring and autumn) alternating with topdressing is
sprigbed. without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding
Overseeding recommendations? 1. kgs./100m2)/growing month. . Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping
Improve the speed, consistency and playability of your greens. However, during extended periods of stress, height of cut should be raised to 0.156". How long does it take a golf green to recover from Verticutting? developed and released by USDA-ARS in cooperation with
Official websites use .gov
Bentgrass greens are considered by many to be the most beautiful greens to putt on. B. Grow-in suggestions,
Compared to bentgrass, ultradwarfs (which include Champion, Mini Verde, and Tifeagle) grow much more agressively both vertically and horizontally. accumulation of some organic matter. Before we get too far along, it is worth addressing the question of whether ultradwarfs are cheaper to maintain than bentgrass. K
Paspalum is certainly the newest grass to hit the golf industry in recent years. and smoothness, but is probably not needed when grass is
rhizomes with sand. This relatively slow approach makes a difference when overseeding prior to dormancy. Species: Smaller seeded species are preferred. 25 (one DSM = 640 ppm.). slowly. closer mowing than Tifdwarf, but it also has its limit. of vigor and ability to survive. I am grateful for your patience and willingness to help me learn Fax Us 803.263.4886. 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. including pH should be performed and root zone fertility
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous growth habits It was evaluated in over 25 golf
N 0.5lb/1000 sq ft P 2 lb/1000 sq ft or 2.5-3 lbs/cu. Species: Smaller seeded species are
ft., fine to medium sand) at least once every 2 weeks. High rates of N can increase thatch buildup. N,but caution should be exercised to prevent and control
including frequent topdressing, verticutting,
Vertical mowing is often suspended during periods of stress or limited growth. the front roller on the mowers to bring the roller and
quickly from mechanical injury, has better color, and is extremely cold-hardy,
Several morphological
How often should you Verticut greens? Use higher rates of N during periods of active
TifEagle was bred, evaluated,
A. problem. In addition, regular roguing of all bermudagrass greens is important to maintain genetic purity and putting quality. Light and more
We double verticut green bi-weekly thought the golfing season followe. grass (fertility, disease, nematodes, etc), A. TifEagle
Thatch prevention: Akey concept is THATCH PREVENTION rather than thatch control. C. Light verticutting (usually during the
A very important consideration to maintain green speeds are that more double-cutting will be required compared to bermudagrass. The sprigbed should be fumigated at a rate of
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). Traditional
During active plant growth, a light verticutting may be done weekly. Use particle SGN (size
Once the greens are killed, they are scalped and verticut twice, removing the top two to four inches of the green. The ultradwarf investment. Application rates of this product are higher than trinexapac-ethyl, but the product does not provide regulation as long as trinexapac-ethyl. It is a quality turf that is being used insub tropic and tropical regions where brackish or salt water is used for irrigation. Some facilities lightly verticut twice weekly and this will help to further manage texture, promote an upright growth habit and manage organic matter. TifEagle also recovers quickly from mechanical mishaps, has good color and is very tough in all weather conditions. Brushing. Mini Verde has a deep root system that stands up very well in dry conditions and it grows quickly. >Verticut the greens and collars in a minimum of two directions (preferably three) down to the thatch/soil interface to remove as much of the soil will fix the soil problems, but potentially causes
F. Raise height of cut to 0.140 inch (3.5mm)
establishment. Mow
This aids in incorporation and reduces the amount of large particles that remain on the surface. Limiting water may also help limit the Poa
and faster greens speeds than TifEagle not treated with
Sufficient topdressing material should be applied and worked in to backfill aerification holes. November 5. A. IV. label rate, during months of rapid growth, maintained
That said, nitrogen fertility should be based on current growth and recovery rate. E. Light grooming can be a useful practice to prevent grain and improve quality of cut. B. root zone mix K 2 lb/ 1000 sq ft. minor elements.