HOW TO MEASURE PLAYABILITY FOR SAFE SPORTS FIELDS
Highlights from the TTA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
Off to a Strong Start
hat a roller coaster 2025 has been so far! It has been brutally cold and snowy here in Middle Tennessee the last month. As a write this on 2/25, it is supposed to be 70 in 2 days. College baseball and softball are underway, and the grind begins for the sports turf managers across the country. Soon, youth sports will begin and will host a plethora of events at our local parks. I have seen a few golfers out and about as the weather ebbs and flows. Hopefully, this means warmer weather is around the corner.
Our first board meeting after conference is in a few days and we will start planning for TTA Conference 2026. If you have ideas, concerns, or questions, please reach out to someone on the board. We are always trying to better our association in any way possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
I hope everyone is off to a strong start this year. Please contact our vendors for any needs you may have this growing season. They are a huge part of our organization and help keep our association strong. Best of luck this year!
Ryan Storey TTA President
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 01, 2025 – APRIL 01, 2025
TGCSA Industry Partnership Program https://www.tgcsa.net/event-6001450
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2024 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
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EDITOR
Dr. James Brosnan
TTA OFFICERS
President Ryan Storey Line to Line LLC
Vice President
Ryan Blair, CGCS
Holston Hills Country Club
Secretary / Treasurer
Bart Cash
Crossroads Sod Farm
Past President
Chris Sykes
Tellico Village
Executive Director
Melissa Martin
Tennessee Turfgrass Association
TTA 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Bradley
Ben Dodd
Dan Johnson
Ashley Gaskin
Cal Hill
Jeff Huber
Jeff Kuhns
Bill Marbet
Wells McClure
Bob McLean
William Newsome
Mark Stovall
John Wagnon
Jeff Wyatt
TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Bill Blackburn
Dr. Jim Brosnan
Joe Hill
Dr. Brandon Horvath
Lynn Ray
Jeff Rumph
Dr. Tom Samples
Dr. Dennis Shepard
Dr. John Sorochan
Dr. Wes Totten
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
59 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW
The 59th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show was held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro on January 6–8, 2025. TTA members from across the state and beyond gathered to reflect on a season closed and prepare to embark again on another season with new knowledge, connections and tools. This year’s conference upheld the high education programming standard continuously set by the TTA Board, staff and Educational Advisors.
Tennessee Turfgrass professionals continue to show up to learn, grow and make connections that will not only enhance their own careers, but also the broader industry.
TTA President Ryan Storey kicks off the conference with a welcome.
A packed house for this stellar educational lineup.
Keynote speaker Mike Keith was an inspiring start.
Pictured with Ryan Storey and Bill Marbet.
THANK
BuySod BWI
Capillary
Corbin Turf
Corteva
Crossroads Sod Farm
Donkey Forklifts
DryJect
Envu
Ewing
Golf Agronomics
GreenpointAg
Harco
Harrells
Heritage Professional Products
Hogan
Huntsville Tractor
Jackson Sand
JRM
JTL Golf
Keeling Company
Ladds
Line to Line
McCurdy Sod Farms
Mid TN Skid
Modern Turf
Nufarm
Percival Scientific
ProPump and Controls
ProSolutions
QualiPro/Control Solutions
Ragan Technical Solutions
Regal
SePro
Sigma Organics
Simplot
SiteOne
Sod Solutions
STEC
STI
SuperSod
Sur-Line Turf
Syngenta
Tanto Irrigation
Tenbarge
The Andersons
The Aquatrols Company
TriTurf
Watertronics
Winstead
Darren Davis, Jim West and Dr. Horvath discuss career opportunities and advancement.
TTA’s own Shelia Finney shares GCSAA Member Pathways alongside Bob McCurdy.
The Turfgrass Breeding and Selection Panel included Dr. Bowling (UT), Dr. Miller (NCSU), Dr. Dickson (UT) and Dr. Booth (USGA).
Dr. Grady Miller (NCSU) discusses transition alternatives for sports turf tracks.
Experience Superior Turf with TifTuf ®
In just seven years, TifTuf®’s installation of over 2 billion square feet has saved more than 48 billion gallons of water. It’s the only Bermudagrass to top National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials 93% of the time, far ahead of Tahoma at 73%. Recognized for its drought tolerance, TifTuf® is the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s standard for future university testing and has earned the #1 ranking in the USDA/NTEP ET-Based Water Deficit Research Trial.
TifTuf ®’s water efficiency has garnered numerous awards, including the Smart Approved Water Mark from Australia’s Water Services Association, the Georgia House and Senate’s Extraordinary Water Conservation award, and the
Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Water Wise Award. It’s also named the Turfgrass of Choice by Southern Living Inspired Communities.
TifTuf® is the most produced proprietary Bermudagrass globally, with more produced in the U.S. than all other varieties combined worldwide. It is the preferred choice for new golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial landscapes, and it’s the only Bermuda
sold through Home Depot and Lowe’s by Harmony Outdoor Brands.
While others check boxes, TifTuf® redefines them. Experience the exceptional quality and innovation of TifTuf® turfgrass.
The Tournament Experience roundtable included Ryan Blair, John Ballard, Nick Bisanz, and Will Misenheimer and was moderated by Dr. Brosnan.
Michael Brownlee led the Sprayer-Spreader Calibration and Turfgrass Mathematics workshop.
SiteOne led the “Irrigation 101” Workshop.
Terry Porch and Michael Henry (Tennessee Titans) and Dr. Dickson and Taylor Williams (UT Turfgrass) led the Synthetic Systems Management session.
The “Timely Topics in Pest Management” panel included Dr. Bowling, Dr. Gannon (NCSU), Dr. Horvath, and Dr. Brosnan.
Track your tasks better with John Deere Operations Center™ PRO Golf
CONGRATULATIONS TO TTA AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Tom Samples Professional of the Year
JASON POOLER
One of the most prestigious and highest recognitions bestowed on a Tennessee turfgrass professional by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association is the Tom Samples Professional of the Year Award. Each year TTA members are given the opportunity to nominate those who they feel have made contributions to the turfgrass industry.
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
Environmental Stewardship Award
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) would like to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and agencies for successful projects or activities designed to improve the environment through wildlife habitat preservation, water and resource conservation and reduction, and educational outreach. Through our Environmental Stewardship Award, we can create greater knowledge and awareness of environmental and conservation practices and projects by members of TTA which have demonstrated outstanding contributions to environmental protection and improvement.
Golf Course of the Year
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) recognizes that you make personal and professional contributions to our industry and to the organization you serve. Therefore, the TTA would like to distinguish golf courses across the state with the Golf Course of the Year Award. Through these awards we are able to further one main element of our mission which is to gain acknowledgement for the professionalism of our members.
Public Golf Course of the Year
The Little Course at Conner Lane
Private Golf Course of the Year
Chattanooga Golf and Country Club
Environmental Stewardship Award
The Bear Trace Cumberland Mt
Aerate and Play Right Away!
Decreased down time, increased revenue.
The surface is very “puttable.”
The dots are sand that is level with the turf.
DryJect® is a high-pressure, water based injection system that blasts holes through the root zone and fractures the soil profile. Plus, it automatically fills holes as it aerates.
DryJect® makes a big difference in playability … right away!
Sports Field of the Year
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) recognizes that you make personal and professional contributions to our industry and to the organization you serve. Therefore, the TTA would like to distinguish fields across the state with the Sports Fields of the Year Award. Through these awards we are able to further one main element of our mission which is to gain acknowledgement for the professionalism of our members.
Municipal Sports Field of the Year — Ted Rhodes Park
High School Sports Field of the Year Clarksville High School Baseball Field
Collegiate Field of the Year — Dave Hall Field
Professional Sports Field of the Year — Toyota Field
BERMUDA | ZOYSIA | FESCUE
Many Varieties Maintained at .500
* See Website for Details CONVENIENT DELIVERY
MONDAY (AM)-SATURDAY TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR JOB NEEDS
• Backed By Two Decades of Rigorous Testing
• Requires 38% Less Water
• Maintains Quality and Color
• High Traffic Tolerance
• Over 2 Million sq. ft. Sold
• 64 Licensed Growers in 17 States
Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship
The Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship offers financial aid to students interested in pursuing a career in turf management. The scholarship is funded and administered by the TTA. The Scholarship and Awards Committee will review all applications and select the scholarship recipient. All decisions of the committee will be final. This scholarship will be awarded at the TTA annual conference and a check will be made payable to the recipient in the amount of $2000.
Legacy Scholarship
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association Legacy Scholarship offers financial aid to children or grandchildren of active TTA members in good standing. Scholarship applicants are not required to be pursuing education in a turfgrass related field to be eligible for the TTA Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is funded and administered by the TTA and is $2000.
Ernest Hardison Scholarship — Drew Lamb Legacy Scholarship — Faith Callis
José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II
Turf & Ornamental Weed Science
The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @UTweedwhisperer
Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @gbreeden1
THE TURFGRASS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Professor, The University of Tennessee Director – UT Weed Diagnostics Center 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 EJ Chapman Drive. Knoxville, TN 37996 Office: (865) 974-8603 tnturfgrassweeds.org weeddiagnostics.org mobileweedmanual.com @UTturfweeds
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @DicksonTurf
Midhula Gireesh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
The University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211 mgireesh@utk.edu (615) 835-4571
Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science
The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. 2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975
bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @UTturfpath
Becky Bowling, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist
The University of Tennessee 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 974-2595 Rgrubbs5@utk.edu @TNTurfWoman
John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science
The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @sorochan
John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean
The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @Drjohnstier
Nar B. Ranabhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211 (615) 835-4572 nranabhat@utk.edu @UTplantPathoDoc
WINSTEAD TURF MATRIX
1. What is Matrix?
• Reinforced product grown at bottom of sand based profile
• Sprigged field to insure highest percolation rates
• Ready to Play product
2. Where is it used?
• High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby.
• High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
How to
PLAYABILITY MEASURE for Safe Sports Fields
By John Mascaro, President of Turf-Tec International
nsuring the safety and playability of sports fields is crucial for player performance and injury prevention. For sports field safety and playability, three points of data are needed. This article will explore the methodologies and standards for evaluating natural grass and synthetic turf surfaces, emphasizing the importance of consistency across playing fields.
To measure an exact position on Earth, three points of reference are needed. Before GPS, navigators used the positions of stars, the sun, and the moon to determine their position on the earth’s surface. This was done using instruments like sextants.
Today, GPS relies on a process called trilateration. Trilateration uses signals from at least three satellites to determine a receiver’s position. Each satellite provides a sphere of possible locations where the receiver could be located. The intersection of these three spheres pinpoints the exact location on the earth’s surface.
Natural Grass Surfaces
Three points of reference are also needed to determine playability for safe sports fields on natural grass surfaces, they include gMax, soil moisture and shear strength. Each of the three reference points is dependent on the others in order to evaluate the overall safety and playability of the playing surface. Without all three reference points, you are in fact “lost” as they interdepend upon each other. If a surface is too hard in gMax numbers, you can lower the gMax number by adding moisture. However, with added moisture, traction and shear strength are reduced. If the shear strength is too low, that number can be increased by drying out the surface, however you increase gMax. This is why, similar to GPS readings, each number is dependent on the other for your overall ability to assess playability and safety of the surface.
Sextant
•
You can identify trends by comparing the same sports field playing surface test results over time. Readings from gMax, soil moisture and shear strength can be compared and analyzed. For example, if the gMax numbers vary, higher or lower, from one measurement point in time compared to another, the other two data point variables, soil moisture and shear strength, can be compared to determine what changed over time.
gMax Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
gMax is expressed in units of g (gravities), where 1 g is equivalent to the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity, approximately 9.81 meters per second squared (m/s2). For example, a gMax of 10 g means the subject is experiencing forces ten times greater than the force of gravity on Earth. Standing on earth, you are at 1 gravity.
gMax Testing measures the shock-absorbing properties of the playing surface. This is crucial because surfaces with poor shock absorption can increase the risk of concussions and other impactrelated injuries.
• Procedure: A 2.25 kg weighted device called a “Clegg Hammer” or “Clegg Impact Tester,” is dropped onto the surface from a specific height. The peak deceleration (gMax value) is recorded upon impact.
• Standards: The NFL and ASTM have set maximum allowable gMax values. Typically, a gMax value on a Clegg above 100 is considered potentially dangerous.
• Impact: Lower gMax values indicate better shock absorption, which reduces the risk of injury to players.
Soil Moisture Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
Soil moisture testing measures the amount of water present in the soil, which affects the field’s hardness and playability. Soil moisture can be categorized into several forms, including:
• Gravitational water is water that moves through the soil due to gravity and can drain away quickly.
• Capillary water is water that is held in the soil pores against the force of gravity and available for plant use.
• Hygroscopic water is water that is adsorbed onto the outside of soil particles and is not available for plant use.
Soil moisture is essential for turfgrass growth. It also influences soil temperature and microbial activity. Monitoring and managing soil moisture ensures optimal turfgrass growth and water use efficiency.
Clegg Impact Tester
TDR 350 Moisture Sensor
Soil moisture testing in sports field testing is a crucial aspect of field maintenance and management, ensuring optimal playing conditions and player safety. Proper moisture levels in the turf and underlying soil impact the field’s firmness, traction, and durability.
• Procedure: Various methods are used to measure soil moisture, including direct methods like time-domain reflectometry (TDR) soil moisture sensors.
• Standards: Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for player safety. Overly dry fields can become hard and increase the risk of impact injuries, while overly wet fields can become slippery and increase the risk of slips and falls.
• Impact: Optimal soil moisture ensures good turf health and durability. It affects the turf’s ability to recover from wear and tear. Ensuring a consistent playing surface across different fields and stadiums is crucial for fair play. Soil moisture testing provides a tool to manage consistency.
Shear Strength Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
Shear strength testing measures the traction and stability of the field surface, which affects how well players can grip the ground with their footwear. Using a shear vane tester equipped with a shear vane foot allows a Sports Field Manager to measure the shear strength of the soil and turf. It consists of a set of vanes (blades) attached to a handle, which is inserted into the turfgrass surface. When the rod is rotated, the vanes are rotated through the soil and turf, and the resistance encountered is displayed on a dial providing a measure of the sports surface shear strength.
The shear vane foot helps determine the turf’s resistance to shearing forces, which is crucial for evaluating the durability and stability of the turf surface. This is particularly important for sports fields and other areas where turf is subject to heavy use and wear.
Traction and Stability measure how well players can grip the surface with their footwear, which affects their ability to make quick movements without slipping or falling.
• Procedure: Devices like the Shear Strength Tester are used. These simulate the forces exerted by a player’s foot on the surface.
• Standards: Optimal traction values are specified to ensure that the surface provides enough grip.
• Impact: Adequate traction prevents injuries from slips and falls, reducing the risk of non-contact injuries and improving overall player performance.
Synthetic Turf Surfaces
gMax Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
The three points of reference needed to determine playability for safe sports fields on synthetic turf surfaces are gMax, infill depth and shear strength. Each point of reference is also dependent on the other in order to evaluate the safety and playability of the playing surface.
Similar to natural grass, the gMax value measures the hardness of synthetic turf surfaces using the 2.25 kg Clegg Impact Tester.
• Procedure: The same procedure as with natural grass surfaces is followed, using the 2.25 kg Clegg Hammer to record gMax values.
• Standards: The NFL and ASTM have set maximum allowable gMax values. Typically, a gMax value on a Clegg above 100 g’s is considered potentially dangerous. gMax values over 200 g’s with an ASTM F355 tester of the Clegg Equivalent formula are also considered potentially dangerous (2)
• Impact: Lower gMax values on synthetic turf indicate better shock absorption and reduced injury risk.
Infill Depth Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
Importance of Infill Depth
The depth of infill is critical in achieving these benefits. Too little infill can lead to a hard and unforgiving surface, increasing the risk of injuries. Conversely, too much infill can make the surface unstable and affect the playability of the field. In many instances, infill is displaced during play and then, without measuring, additional infill is added instead of redistributing the displaced materials, causing excessive build up. Maintaining an optimal infill depth is necessary to balance cushioning and stability.
Shear Strength Tester
Procedure:
Infill depth testing involves measuring the depth of the infill material at various points across the turf. This process can be conducted using several methods:
• Manual Probes: A calibrated probe is inserted into the turf to measure the depth of the infill manually. This method provides spot-check data and is often used for quick assessments.
• Digital Depth Gauges: These devices offer more precise measurements and can record data for comprehensive analysis and GPS map the field surface for infill depth consistency and ease of redistribution of infill materials after play.
• Prism Gauges: These devices will give the pile height or amount of fiber that is above the infill depth.
Standards:
• Measuring the infill depth and the amount of fiber above the infill, determines the ratio of infill to overall fiber length. Ideally, around 68 – 70% of pile height should be covered by infill. Individual manufacturers of your synthetic surface should be contacted for their recommendations.
Regular infill depth testing is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of synthetic turf fields. By routinely measuring and adjusting the infill, field managers can ensure:
• Consistent Playing Surface: Athletes experience a uniform surface, reducing the risk of injuries from trips and falls caused by uneven infill distribution.
Infill Depth Tester
• Enhanced Durability: Proper infill levels contribute to the longevity of the turf, preventing premature wear and tear.
• Safety Compliance: Many sports governing bodies have regulations regarding the maintenance of synthetic fields. Infill depth testing helps facilities comply with these standards.
Often, when measuring infill properly and determining the ratio of infill to fiber length, and GPS mapping the surface for infill amounts, it can be determined that redistribution of infill is needed to maintain consistency rather than application of additional infill. Often the infill is displaced by wear, weather events or improper grooming techniques or a combination of the three. Proper field grooming and redistributing high areas to low areas often results in a more consistent, safe and playable surface.
Shear Strength Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
Shear strength testing evaluates traction and stability on synthetic turf, similar to natural grass surfaces.
• Procedure: A specially designed synthetic turf foot and the Shear Strength Tester with a lower range 0 – 9 newton meter wrench are used for this assessment.
• Standards: No set shear strength values have been set by the governing organizations with this tool, however surface consistency can easily be evaluated to determine whether grooming, rolling or adding moisture will be needed.
• Impact: Adequate shear strength prevents slips and falls, reducing the risk of noncontact injuries and improving overall player performance and reducing the potential for injury risk.
The Fourth Data Point for Natural Grass and Synthetic Turf: Cleat Depth Testing
Cleat depth testing measures the interaction between a player’s cleats and the
sports field’s surface, ensuring proper traction, penetration and stability. I am confident that this fourth data point will become an invaluable tool in testing protocols to determine sports field safety and playability. Consistent cleat depth over the entire playing surface will
ensure a player has the same footing across the entire field of play.
• Procedure: The Mascaro Infill and Cleat Depth Tester measures the depth at which cleats penetrate the turf by dropping a known weight from a known height and measuring the depth in which specially designed cleats penetrate the surface.
• Standards: Optimal cleat depth values by the governing organizations for this tool have not been yet specified, however surface consistency can easily and quickly be evaluated.
• Impact: Consistent cleat depth penetration enhances player stability and reduces the risk of injuries. Training facility surfaces can be compared to game fields to reveal differences in cleat depth penetration. These variations may ultimately improve player performance and safety, thus ensuring consistent cleat depth across the field’s surface.
Achieving a consistent and safe playing surface across different fields and stadiums is crucial for player safety and fair play. While the specific measurement techniques and standards may vary between natural grass and synthetic turf, the goal remains the same: to provide a uniform, safe, and playable surface that minimizes injury risks and enhances player performance. By adhering to these testing methodologies and standards, Sports Field Managers can ensure that their fields are safe and playable for all athletes.
Cleat Depth Tester Foot
LITERATURE CITED
NFL Club Game Operations Manual. https://operations.nfl.com
“Standard Specification for Shock-Absorbing Properties of North American Football Field Playing Systems as Measured in the Field. American Society for Testing and Material - ASTM F1936-98: https://www.astm.org/f1936-98.html
“Standard Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems and Materials.” American Society for Testing and MaterialASTM 355 - https://www.astm.org/f0355-16e01.html
“Standard Test Method for Measuring Impact-Attenuation Characteristics of Natural Playing Surface Systems Using a Lightweight Portable Apparatus.” American Society for Testing and Material – ASTM F1702-96 - https://www.astm.org/f1702-10r18.html
“Technology Integration in Turfgrass Management: The development of mandatory practices for the testing and maintenance of synthetic turf fields in the National Football League.” International Turfgrass Society Research Journal https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ full/10.1002/its2.94
Deying Li, Minner, David D., Christians, Nick E. “Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Surface Stability of Sand-Based Tur.” Agronomy Journal 101(5)– DOI:10.2134/agronj2009.0031
Rogers, III, John N., Waddington, Donald V. “Effects of Management Practices on Impact Absorption and Shear Resistance in Natural Turf.” Martin, B.R. “Problems Associated with Testing the Impact Absorption Properties of Artificial Playing Surfaces. Natural and Artificial Playing Fields: Characteristics and Safety Features.: ASTM STP 1073. In: R.C. Schmidt, E.F. Hoerner, E.M. Milner, and C.A. Morehouse, (eds), American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1990. pp. 77-84.
Popke, M. Shock Value. Athletic Business Magazine. September. 2002. pp. 54-66. Powell, J.W. and Schootman, M. 1993. A multivariate risk analysis of natural grass and AstroTurf playing surfaces in the National Football League. Intl. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 7:201-221.
Powell, J. W. and Schootman, M. “A multivariate risk analysis of selected playing surfaces in the National Football League: 1980 to 1989.” Am. J. Sports Med. 20: 1992. 686 - 694.
Valiant, G.A., “Traction Characteristics of Outsoles for Use on Artificial Playing Surfaces. Natural and Artifical Playing Fields: Characteristics and Safety Features.” 1990.
ASTM STP 1073. In: R.C. Schmidt, E.F. Hoerner, E.M. Milner, and C.A. Morehouse, (eds), American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, pp. 61-68.
JACKSON COUNTRY CLUB
GOLF COURSE RESTORATION ANNOUNCES MAJOR
The Jackson Country Club (in Jackson, Tennessee) is proud to announce they have signed a comprehensive contract with Spence Golf and Kris Spence, for a restoration and renovation of the club’s golf course.
The multi-million-dollar restoration will upgrade every area of the Golden Age golf course that was built in 1929. The upgrades include: a state-of-the-art irrigation system, new USGA spec green complexes with TifEagle Bermuda, new tee boxes with Zeon Zoysia, new fairway grass with TifTuf Bermuda, renovation of all greenside and fairway bunkers, and new bunkers and landforms will be added throughout the course.
A total renovation of existing holes 8 and 9 will also occur. Number 8 will become a scenic par 3 and number 9 will become a dramatic 600-yard par 5. Additional plans call for the creation of a modern short game practice facility. The restoration will result in added length from the championship tees with a total yardage projected at just over 7,000 yards. However, for members, the restoration will result in a course that all skill levels will enjoy.
Spence Golf and Kris Spence have developed a renowned reputation for restoring and renovating Golden Age golf courses. Their work includes projects throughout the southeast and includes the Memphis Country Club, Holston Hills Country Club, Sedgefield Country Club, Blowing Rock Country Club, Roaring Gap Club, and The Country Club of North Carolina to name a few. Spence’s intent is to implement the design features of the original Golden Age architecture while upgrading the course to fit the modern game.
Spence is very excited about the project and offered the following: “The Jackson Country Club has a golf course that was clearly designed in or around 1929 by a highly skilled golf architect with a pedigree from the golden age era of golf design. It bears all the hallmarks of a designer who was accomplished in the art of building strategic and classic design features. The elevated greens with distinct fill pad shoulders and depressed grass faced bunkers coupled with meandering and artfully designed landform grass ridges initially led me to suspect William Langford’s involvement. The architectural team of William Langford and Theodore Moreau were based out of Chicago and designed many courses in the Midwest region. While we have not been able to verify his direct onsite involvement, news articles and historical documents suggest Langford’s close protégé Hugh H. Miller as the likely designer or having been put in charge of the design and construction by Langford who designed Chickasaw CC in nearby Memphis a few years earlier. Either way, the course bears a design consistent with the Langford and Moreau philosophic approach. It is traditional in style following the lay of the land and takes great advantage of its rolling topography to produce a thoughtful,
interesting and compelling test of golf. The upcoming project will reconstruct greens with new drainage and root zone, recapture lost putting surface along edges and in the corners of original greens, reinstate closer integration between greens and bunkers, restore width of playing corridors, open long course vistas through thoughtful tree reduction and expand the strategic placement of raised landforms and grass bottom depressions, all unique hallmarks of a Langford and Moreau design. Upon completion, I am confident the Jackson Country Club’s restored course will be looked upon and respected as one of the best classically designed courses in the state of Tennessee, if not the southeastern United States.”
Construction is scheduled to start in March 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-September. Hunter Simmons, President of the Board of Directors commented, “The restoration is a truly historic undertaking that we fully funded with no debt. We look forward to unveiling the enhanced JCC golf course for our members.” Simmons anticipates that this restoration will lead to inquiries for perspective members. “We have limited availability for those that want to enjoy one of the best golf courses and historic private clubs in Tennessee.”
To follow course updates or for membership information please visit jacksoncclub. com or contact Shelby Tucci, Director of Golf Operations and Acting General Manager, at stucci@jacksoncclub.com and follow our social media pages Instagram @jacksoncclub and Facebook Jackson Country Club.
About Jackson Country Club: Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the Jackson Country Club is a private club that has a long and storied history dating back to 1914. The current course opened for play in 1929. No private club in the state has hosted more Tennessee Golf Association state championships and USGA qualifying events. Since 1938, the club has hosted 45 TGA championships and USGA qualifiers. Additionally, the JCC has hosted such legends as Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Patty Berg and Mickey Wright. The JCC also boasts a world class tennis program, swimming pool, member dining, and wedding/event facilities.
SPECIALIZING IN:
ROD LINGLE
Longtime Golf Course Superintendent, Bermudagrass Expert and Inventor of Mach 1 Ultradwarf
GREEN SECTION AWARD WINS PRESTIGIOUS USGA
San Diego, CA (Wednesday, February 5, 2025): Rod Lingle, CGCS, inventor of Mach 1 Ultradwarf Bermuda, GreensPerfection greensmower brushes and The Lingle System of ultradwarf greens management, was named the 2025 USGA Green Section Award Winner this morning during the Opening Ceremonies and General Session of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), held in San Diego.
Lingle was honored for his lifetime dedication to the golf industry. He was nominated by Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section’s director of agronomy. In his nomination, Hartwiger described Lingle this way:
“I can say with confidence that through all Rodney’s work over the years, his love towards fellow turfgrass superintendents and professionals is
his greatest contribution to the industry. He used what he had and what he developed for the greatest and highest good of those that sought his counsel. He provided them with knowledge and he gave them the courage to go back to their golf courses and do things differently. These superintendents will all say in one way or another that they wouldn’t be where they are today if it were not for Rodney Lingle.”
Lingle is a Certified golf course superintendent with more than 50 years of experience. He invested 37 years at Memphis Country Club in Tennessee, and another six at Escondido Golf Club in Texas.
Lingle holds two golf-related patents. Mach 1 Ultradwarf Bermuda is a variety of bermudagrass that delivers extremely fast yet true putting greens, (grown by Modern Turf in Rembert, South Carolina). Its putting quality is on par with bentgrass greens but with all of the heat tolerance and drought resistance of a bermudagrass. Mach 1 Ultradwarf is currently used worldwide on golf course greens. It is also suitable for tees, as well as grass tennis courts and croquet lawns.
The GreensPefection brush is a mower attachment that lifts the grass blades just before cutting and helps control grain. For several years, the Toro company used it in their mower units, and is now available for John Deere mowers through their dealerships.
He may be best known as the developer of The Lingle System, an ultradwarf bermudagrass management protocol now considered the standard for high-quality ultradwarf greens management. In tandem with the USGA, he taught this protocol to hundreds of golf course industry professionals through USGA seminars and field days.
He also collaborated with Dr. Jim Brosnan at the University of Tennessee to advance research into off-types in ultradwarf bermudagrasses.
“I’m very honored to be in the group of people who received this award before me, especially since most of them are researchers or Ph.D.’s,” Lingle said. As is characteristic of Lingle, he qualifies the accomplishments he achieved—especially advancements in ultradwarf greens management—as a team effort. He noted that teaching the system he created with his staff at Memphis Country Club was a product of that group’s contributions.
“It’s just nice to know that what we did helped to improve the game of golf. The way I think about it is, that work benefits all the people who play golf, and all of the clubs with ultradwarf greens. Who it really helped the most were the small clubs that could achieve some phenomenally good greens with ultradwarf bermuda. They did what we taught them to do, and they would have never had that quality of greens if it hadn’t been for us and the USGA. And, you know, it’s humbling. It’s an honor. But I’m glad that the USGA thought enough of what we did to recognize it, because I do think it really helped a lot of people.”
The USGA’s Green Section Award honors an individual’s distinguished service to the game through work with turfgrass. Presented annually since 1961, the USGA Green Section Award recognizes an individual’s distinguished service to the game of golf through his or her work with turfgrass, including research, maintenance, and other areas that positively impact the landscape upon which golf is played.
Through the work of its Green Section, which was established in 1920, the USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on turfgrass management, as well as research, development, and promotion of environmentally friendly practices and a more sustainable game.
About Mach 1
Mach 1 Ultradwarf is a premium greens-grade grass that delivers golf’s purest, fastest bermudagrass putting greens, most comparable to bentgrass. Mach 1’s finer leaf blades, shorter leaf length, and closer internodes create exceptionally dense putting surfaces that putt true with no swirling grain. Some of the world’s most elite clubs have selected Mach 1 to differentiate themselves and deliver the highest quality greens possible for their members and guests. Mach 1 is also suitable for use on golf course tees, grass tennis courts, croquet courts, and lawn-bowling surfaces.
It is produced exclusively in the United States by Modern Turf, with a foundation farm in Rembert, South Carolina, and is represented outside of the U.S. by Atlas Turf International. To learn more, follow us @mach1_greens or visit mach1greens.com
About Modern Turf
Modern Turf is an advanced turfgrass production company that specializes in cultivating and planting a diverse range of premium grass types for the golf, sports, and landscaping sectors.
The company was established by a group of former golf course superintendents, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Collectively they have extensive
involvement in all aspects of golf course management and construction, accumulating over 125 years of turf management across the U.S., Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
Our team of experts firmly believe that turfgrass cultivated and installed by former golf course superintendents delivers a superior product for architects, builders, owners, sports turf managers, golf course superintendents, and landscape contractors.
With various business divisions such as turf farms, Modern Turf Care, retail locations in Columbia, SC & Irmo, SC, Sports Turf section, and organizing top golf events like the Ultradwarf Revolution, the experts at Modern Turf are the ideal partners to have by your side.
Triple Threat Tall Fescue has an unbeatable resistance to Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot. The deep rooting ability gives it greater resilience under reduced irrigation during periods of drought. Triple Threat delivers a beautiful healthy turfgrass solution.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Dark Attractive Turf
Heat Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Superior Brown Patch Resistance
Gray Leaf Spot Resistance
GRAY LEAF SPOT
An Update on Key Economic Factors Impacting the Green Industry
By Alicia Rihn
S ECONOMIC CORNER
everal U.S. economic indicators can provide insights on what green industry firms may expect in the upcoming year. Key economic indicators include the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Leading Economic Index (LEI), and housing starts. Here, all three indicators are covered and what they may imply for the upcoming year for green industry firms.
The U.S. GDP is an indicator of the overall health of the economy. Since rebounding after the 2020 Covid pandemic, the GDP has been relatively stable, coming in at 3.1% in the third quarter of 2024 (Figure 1). The GDP was bolstered in late 2024 by an increase in consumption of goods, spending on services, fixed investments, and equipment investments. Conversely, there were declines in structural and residential investments.
The LEI incorporates ten economic indicators and demonstrates the direction of the economy. A downward trend in the LEI is a recession indicator while an upward trend indicates economic growth. At the end of 2024, the LEI trended upward further away
from recession signals and slowed slightly in December due to lower consumer confidence, weak manufacturing, increased unemployment, and fewer building permits (Figure 2). However, the other economic indicators were positive which offset any major declines. Furthermore, U.S. unemployment rates were at 4.1%.
Of particular interest to the green industry, U.S. housing starts often align with ornamental plant sales and landscape projects. Throughout 2022 and some of 2023, U.S. housing starts trended downward partially due to increased interest rates and inflation concerns. Through 2023 and 2024, inflation concerns dissipated, and interest rates stabilized between 6-7%. As of January 2025, U.S. 15-year mortgage rates were at 6.16% while the 30-year mortgage rates were at 6.96% (Trading Economics, 2025). Partially attributed to these trends, housing starts increased by 15.8% between November and December 2024, to 1,500 million units in the U.S. (Figure 3). In the southern U.S. (including Tennessee), housing starts increased by 17.7% to 853,000 units in December.
Figure 1. U.S. Gross Domestic Product through December 2024.
Source: GDP - Trading Economics (https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-growth).
Source: LEI - The Conference Board (https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators, accessed 1/27/2025).
3. U.S. Housing Starts through December 2024.
Source: Trading Economics (https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/housing-starts, accessed 1/27/2025).
Overall, both the GDP and LEI demonstrate the economy is in relatively good shape as of December 2024. The housing market is still an area that can go either way. Currently, an increase in housing starts indicates that the U.S. economy is headed in a growth direction. This trend implies that plant sales and demand for landscaping projects should continue to grow. However, as house prices increase (median=~$427,000) and if mortgage rates also increase, consumer demand will respond and ultimately im-
pact plant sales. In the current market, plant sales are likely to be like what was observed in 2024 rather than in the years closer to the pandemic. Given the state of the economy today, the housing market is going to be a key indicator of the green industry’s performance in 2025. If you are interested in staying up to date with these economic indicators, the www.tradingeconomics.com website provides the GDP, housing starts, and many other indicators. The LEI is available at www.conference-board.org
Figure
Figure 2. U.S. Leading Economic Index through December 2024.
