Golf Course Maintenance & Agronomy

All golf courses have something in common, and that is a reliance on turf health. Regardless of the location, factors such as the choice of grass to suit the environmental conditions, and proper drainage are all important. By being proactive and using the most recent science and technology, agronomists can reduce the amount of water, pest control, and fertilizer products required on the turf to establish an ideal surface and a superior game. 

Agronomists are Turf Pros

Agronomists are trained to identify, manage, and propagate turfgrass so that it can be used on the golf course. This requires specific knowledge about the turf species and their specific needs and requirements.

Trident Turf

Trident is certainly our famous 'all-rounder turf.' They are versatile and incredible; Trident turf can be used for golf tees and domestic lawns. One possible reason behind Trident’s general acceptability that it is not difficult to root and set up, and the maintenance isn't excessively challenging. 

Wildflower Turf

Wildflower turf can be a great choice if you're hoping to make a wonderful nursery. It can transform a simple nursery into a flourishing, ecologically stable home for honeybees, butterflies, and little animals. Wildflower turf is a truly simple approach to support the environment while also making a fabulous domestic scene. Wildflower turf will grow in poor conditions and will keep on blooming year after year. It's low maintenance, with a couple of cuts being needed during summer and needing to be kept clean throughout the winter. 

Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF) Turf

Although it is relatively new compared to the other turfs, RTF turf has a few favorable qualities. It is designed to flourish in the harshest conditions. It has a deep rooting capacity which implies that it can survive in drought and waterlogging areas. 

Fine Textured Greens Turf

This turf requires normal yet specialized maintenance. It is grown on natural sands and can be used to make the ideal putting green. 

Testing and Sampling

Testing and sampling are some of the most important parts of being a golf course agronomist. Testing of soil and water is essential for obtaining significant information, bringing about more accurate results, and predicting future growth patterns. Soil tests show nutrients and other chemicals that are present in the soil, allowing agronomists to supplement or alter the soil for optimal turf health. Soluble salts, humus/natural matter, pH levels, soil chloride, and electrical conductivity test results are likewise imperative. 

Topdressing

This is applying a blend of soil items or a surface conditioner on top of the playing surface. Topdressing smoothest the surface and fills the aerification holes to keep the channel open for water and air to penetrate to the root.

Pest Management

Pest management is about growing healthy, stress-free, and disease-resistant grass that forms superior playing surfaces. It is a management that goes beyond weeds, insects, and disease control to an agronomic practice such as fertilization, irrigation, and topdressing that provides optimal turf health and helps prevent problems before they start.

The job of a golf course agronomist is not an easy one, yet they are pivotal to the game of golf. Without them and their deep well of knowledge, turf health would falter and decline, having adverse effects on playing conditions and the quality of your game.

If you require golf professionals on your course, consider visiting, DTE Golf® and get in touch real a real pro, right now.