Maintenance

  • Turf hack: Solar-powered irrigation satellite

    October 1, 2020
    Solar installations needn’t be mammoth, megawatt structures, as a Florida superintendent demonstrates with his electrical fix for an outlying irrigation controller.
  • Tee box maintenance tips

    October 2020
    Tackle common stresses — shade, reduced airflow, wear and tear — and balance appearance with ease of upkeep to get maintenance dialed in to a T(ee).
  • Turf hack: DIY fertilizer mixing setup

    September 17, 2020
    With a common home appliance and a dash of innovation, a superintendent has devised a more efficient way to mix soluble fertilizers for fairways.
  • Turfgrass cultivation methods: A roster

    August 27, 2020
    No matter how you slice it, cultivation is a key ingredient in maintaining high-quality turf. A turf scientist breaks down the different techniques to help you determine the best regimen for your site.
  • Bunker edges: Inverted-sod technique

    July 30, 2020
    Bunker edges can be an agronomic Achilles’ heel. A Canadian superintendent has hit upon an inside-out approach for improved aesthetics.
  • Golf courses without maintenance

    June 2020
    How long could a golf course survive if maintenance were to suddenly halt? Superintendents and architects share insights on reviving and repurposing neglected golfscapes.
  • Golf course minimum maintenance guidelines

    April 2, 2020
    Course closed or staff slashed in the wake of coronavirus? GCSAA and the USGA have outlined a minimum maintenance plan for keeping turf alive until standard operations can resume.
  • Weathering winter on the golf course

    March 2020
    Turf managers who contend with harsh, lengthy winters rely on fine-tuned agronomic skills, shrewd timing and, sometimes, just plain luck. Here’s how five northern superintendents do it.
  • What the Tech? Golf course pin placement

    January 2020
    Pin placement software allows superintendents to make more informed decisions on hole locations, which can reduce wear on greens and enhance golfer experience.
  • 9 takes on golf course bunker renovations

    November 21, 2019
    Because one bunker-revamp size doesn’t fit all: Snapshots of nine Illinois superintendents’ recent bunker renovations and their advice for others embarking on such projects.
  • Golf course tree removal: Craft a persuasive pitch

    October 2019
    Healthy turf and trees — sometimes, there’s not room on a golf course for both of them. An arborist offers tips for convincing decision-makers of the need for and benefits of tree removal.
  • Timing golf course aerification

    July 2019
    Is there a “perfect” time for aerification? With some tried-and-true tips and a healthy dose of experience, turfgrass managers can make the best call.
  • Golf course greens aerification using the numbers

    November 15, 2018
    A Montana superintendent shares the data-driven approach that has allowed him to better manage excessive organic material in greens with minimal disruption to play during his club’s short season.
  • Reasons for golf course tree removal

    October 18, 2018
    A longtime superintendent outlines factors that can necessitate tree removal, helpful for communicating with stakeholders about the often tough topic of eliminating trees.