ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS
USGA Publishes Updated Putting Green Construction Recommendations In February, the USGA published an updated version of its “USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction.” The document details construction of what is commonly referred to as a USGA green. The recommendations have been revised from the most-recent version – published in 2004 – to account for advances in scientific understanding, materials testing, technology and construction methods. The USGA has also published an updated version of its “Building the USGA Putting Green: Tips for Success” document that provides detailed information on implementing the recommendations and addressing some of the challenges that arise in the field. The 2018 revisions to the Recommendations and Tips for Success are not dramatic. In fact, the fundamental aspects of building a USGA green have not changed much since the Recommendations were first published in 1960. However, when scientifically valid methods to improve performance, reduce costs and simplify construction arise, the USGA incorporates those improvements into the Recommendations. Here are some of the key 2018 revisions: •
A section on assembling your team has been added to help identify key participants in the putting green construction process and describe their responsibilities. Putting green construction is always a collaborative effort. It is important that key team members be in close communication from the early planning stages.
•
There is expanded information about material selection and testing. The updated Recommendations account for advances in material testing and provide added guidance on selecting sand, gravel and amendments – including information on what to avoid.
•
Use of a wicking barrier along the putting green cavity wall is clearly stated as optional. The decision to use a wicking barrier should be based on the specific characteristics of the native soil and rootzone mixture at each individual project.
•
26
It is recommended to install perimeter drains – i.e., smile drains – at any low point along the edge of the putting green cavity where water is likely to accumulate, not just at the lowest point. It is also emphasized that perimeter drains must be installed immediately adjacent to the cavity wall, otherwise there may be negative consequences for turf health and playability along the edges of the putting green.
•
Installing an intermediate layer between the gravel and rootzone mixture remains optional when properly sized gravel is available – as is typically the case. The intermediate layer is a requirement only in rare circumstances where scientific testing determines that there is a risk of the rootzone mixture migrating into the gravel layer.
•
New technology and construction methods are discussed in the Tips for Success document, including GPS applications that are becoming common in putting green construction. There is also a discussion of what has been called the “Variable Depth” method in which the recommended 12-inch rootzone depth is altered in high and low areas of the putting green to improve soil moisture consistency. Research suggests that there may be benefits to this approach, but specifics on how to implement this method consistently and the cost impacts are unclear at this time.
The 2018 USGA Recommendations and Tips for Success contain new and updated information about building the USGA putting green. USGA Agronomists are always available to assist in following these recommendations and implementing them successfully at each unique project.
THE UPDATED USGA PUTTING GREEN CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAIN IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION ABOUT MATERIAL SELECTION AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS.
To access the documents, use the following links: USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/usgamisc/ monos/2018recommendationsmethodputtinggreen.pdf Building the USGA Putting Green: Tips for Success archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/usgamisc/monos/tipsforsuccess-2018.pdf