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In the world of sports, there are many things taken for granted. One of them is greenkeeping on our many golf courses around the world, and the other is sports turf management. When natural elements are used, there are a great number of considerations which find greenkeepers and fans alike wondering how the greens and natural turfs are kept in such spectacular condition. No matter the design of any course or any field, it is the grasses and turf that are actually the most basic beginning of any field or course and which brings the design and appearance to life. For the length of this paper we will refer to grasses for golf courses and turf used in sports turf (i.e. soccer and football fields) in a similar manner. However, they do have differences, mostly in thickness.
In order to sport (excuse the pun) a green, healthy golf course or sport field, the first thing needed is the knowledge of grasses and how they grow. Grass needs some basic things starting with water and light. One consideration for light is the length of time it will be striking the grass. Grass growth and development is greatly affected by the alternating pattern of day and night. Between the time the sun rises and sets is a day length. Plants (grasses included) have a very complex relationship with sunlight. As the earth orbits the sun, the day length changes and growth for certain turfs alters. Growth is initiated by day length as is flowering and the need to shut down to prepare for winter dormancy. Location (northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere) also has a great deal to do with day length. In general cool season grasses need long days while warm season grasses need short days.
Temperature is another condition which triggers the growth and health of grass. “Longer and warmer days result in more sunlight that can be used for photosynthesis” (Plants and Sunlight, n.d.). Root development is affected as the days shorten and the cooler temperatures begin. This is the beginning of preparation for winter.
The intensity of the sunlight also is a factor in healthy grasses. Full sunlight is desirable when growing growth most turf grass plants as growth and development are affected by the quality of the sunlight in addition to the length as mentioned above.
Golfers want a smooth fairway and pristine bunkers while teams which play on large fields want the playing field to be even. Many think that these things should be managed just like they manage their laws at home. It should also be mentioned that without the right tools and equipment a greenkeeper will have difficulties in caring for any course. There is an art to course maintenance (aside from choosing and maintaining the best grasses for the geographic region). Greenkeepers for golf courses seem to have an enviable job, just raking a bunker here and there, but some behind the scenes work take up a good deal of time such as changing the placement of holes. In addition to these somewhat pleasant tasks, there are dangers which need to be managed which include frost and diseases. According to greenkeeper Mark Broughton, master greenkeeper at Aldeburgh golf course in Suffolk , the damage caused by frost varies considerably and is influenced by a range of factors. It isn’t just the frost, but the “weather conditions preceding the frost, soil type and drainage, the types of grass, amount of play and anything that influences the amount of stress the turf is under” (Warters, 2013). Turf which is thawing from a severe frost can be damaged significantly since the grass is more vulnerable to having the roots sheared from the plant stem should the soft layer over a frozen base be stepped on.
Turf diseases can ruin a healthy well-maintained green or other sports turf. These run from fungi to rust, from dollar spot (a common foliage destroying disease of turf grass) to powdery mildew. Greenkeepers can battle many diseases with pesticides, but some are immune to this approach. The wise greenkeeper will know to pre-treat for some fungi such as powdery mildew before it occurs. Aside from being unhealthy for the grasses, most of the diseases, even while under control, will ruin the appearance of a once beautiful course or field.
Sound management means anticipating other needs such as the possibility of soil compaction, improper mowing, irrigation, fertilization and pest management. All of these topics need a plan of attack in order to work together for the best results. Careful and not extreme mowing is also a consideration, with regard to the healthiest height and number of times mowed per week. The height of the turf is between ¾” to a more desirable 2 inches. Of course the putting green will be much shorter and is usually cut to 1/8”. However, care has to be taken since the very short turfgrass increases the likelihood of algae and moss invading and causes turf stress since they have less leaf area to allow for photosynthesis. Also, short grass can result in decreased heat tolerance and possible weed invasion (Basic Turf Management Principles, n.d.). Anything higher encourages insects. According to the experts, there is no need to change the height of the grasses at any time in the year.
Lastly, but as important as any maintenance of turfgrass is irrigation. Light and temperatures work together with water to produce the best results. There are consequences for poor irrigation. It will allow inconsistent wear and delay the recovery of the grass. Nutrients will not be utilized consistently and this places an undue burden upon the natural features of the grass as they fight through an unnatural hardness of the dried out earth. The players will also find there is inconsistent footing with ruts and bumps not to mention the increased possibility for disease and weeds which will grab hold in a drought situation. The plants are unable to produce sufficient energy to maintain vigor and growth.
It helps to look at a golf course or sporting field holistically. It is a living, breathing thing which will require lifelong care. Knowing and understanding the needs as well as the enemies of the grasses which make up the majority of the beautiful feature is essential. A highly educated, well trained greenkeeper is needed to make certain that the course or field stays viable for many years.
References
Basic Turf Management Principles. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Plants and Sunlight: How Sunlight Affects Grass Growth. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Turf Diseases. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Warters, Bob. (2013). So You Think You Know About Greenkeeping? Golf Magic, 17 March 2013. Retrieved from