FIRMNESS FIRST BRACEYOURSELVES...

摘要

Golf greens invariably need to be firmer to allow golfing skills to be properly displayed and to provide better year-round performance. Put debates about cutting heights and sustainability aside for a moment because this is more important. During out2009 agronomy visits we conducted a pilot study for what has now become The STRI Programme The aim of this study was to pioneer a new style of agronomy that removes some subjectivity or personal opinion when assessing greens. During these pilot study visits wc measured both the performance and condition of the gr eens This included the playing qualities (speed, smoothness and firmness) as well as some of the key agronomic factors that influence them (soil organic matter and moisture content). Wc found that this new approach provided a more thorough assessment of each green and it also gave a measure of the level of consistency being achieved The measurements not only gave us a better understanding of the situation but they also allowed us to work towards specific targets to br ing about improvement Participating clients welcomed this new approach, as it was easy to understand and helped them plan the way ahead The pilot study was successful and we launched The STRI Programme as a new service in Spnng/Summer 2010.