Highlights from the Second Annual USGA Surface Management Workshop

By BRIAN WHITLARK, Agronomist, West Region

Most courses are able to produce healthy bermudagrass greens throughout the year, but taking the greens from healthy to high-quality putting surfaces requires a balance of science and art. The art involves daily observation and willingness to experiment and learn what practices and what level of intensity result in the best putting surfaces at your facility. Wally Dowe, director of agronomy at Ventana Canyon Golf Club, and Michael Roddy, superintendent at SaddleBrooke golf course, hosted this two-day workshop on May 29 and 30. The workshop explored the critical practices and programs required to achieve smooth, dense and well-paced putting greens.

Here are some takeaways from the workshop.