Turf Firmness

Fast and firm play...

Who doesn’t want fewer ball marks on the greens, longer drives (ball rolls and/or bounces further), approaches for chip and run play, and bunkers that won’t swallow your ball?  It also makes for a more interesting game.  But what does “fast and firm” mean?  To some golfers it means brown and dry conditions.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  It can be firm, fast, and green.  After all, golfers want aesthetics and playability.  Obviously, irrigation plays a major role.  It’s widely accepted that infrequent but deeper irrigation results in more drought resistant turf without affecting the desired playability.  Frequent, less deep irrigation can ultimately put stress on grass.  Deeper irrigation also strengthens the turf.  And hand watering provides the right amount of green.  It’s been said, “if you’re not hand watering you're over watering”.
 
Now there are tools that help maintain the desired firmness of golf surfaces (moisture meters / compaction meters) that can also be used to maintain consistency throughout the course.  After all, even duffers want consistency in their play.  Which should lead to more rounds played.  And rounds matter.  Fast and firm is also important to sustainability.  Courses will realize savings in fuel and energy (less irrigation) and use less chemicals and less water . . . which benefits everyone.

All the best,

Related Links:
FielScout TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter
FieldScout TDR 300 Soil Moisture Meter
FielScout SC 900 Soil Compaction Meter
 

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