I appreciate feedback and questions and every Thursday I will attempt to answer one question. The question posed this week, "Why do the greens look mottled?"
This time of year, the putting greens have a mottled look with green, blue, tan, and purple colors comprising the grass that makes up the putting surface. This is representative of the different biotypes (slightly different types of bentgrass) that combine to form our A1/A4 putting greens. A1 or A4 is a variety of bentgrass but still is made up of different biotypes within the varitey. Each one of these biotypes responds differently to nutrition, water, temperature, and other inputs. The greens are not growing very fast in the winter and are not a vibrant green color. Due to the need for less mowing and less nutrition, these different biotypes take different hues of colors around the green spectrum.
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| This picture of Victor venting #5 green shows the different colors of the different biotypes. The picture also shows how undisruptive the venting process is. Greens were mowed, vented, and the rolled today. |
The putting surfaces are very healthy and we are very pleased with the progress they have made this winter. They are accepting balls much better than they were in November, the rooting has greatly improved, and ball roll has been decent for the winter months. There is no poa annua encroachment, disease or other issues to worry about. Please remember to judge putting green performance on ball roll and shot acceptance rather than pure cosmetics. The truth is that the greens always look this way in the winter; there has just been a lot more play this year. Our goal is a healthy, consistent, true putting surface that challenges the player while remaining fair and fun.
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| This picture clearly represents the mottled look of the greens. The roller helps to smooth the surface and promote true ball roll. Please enjoy the wonderful weather today and tomorrow. The course is wet but greens are in good shape. |
