Dr. Hurley is known as the bentgrassdoctor and has been breeding Improved bentgrasses since 1982 to Include the advanced generation varieties 007, 777 and 007XL.
These advanced generation bentgrasses have the greatest opportunity for success in cool season climates for grassing greens, tees and fairways.
Now designated as a class of "Super BentsTM" these varieties will produce a turf showing greater disease resistance / lower fungicide use, finer leaves, a denser turf that is more tolerant to close mowing.
Within the "Super BentTM" class are the varieties 007, 777, 007XL -- as well as MacKenzie, Flagstick and Tyee.
For "Super BentTM" information contact https://sroseed.com/super-bents
For "Super BentTM" variety qualities contact
https://www.sroseed.com/find-a-product/bentgrass
ph: 570-350-8906
hurlrich
Richard Hurley Ph.D.
Center for Turfgrass Science
Rutgers University, retired
As a trained turfgrass agronomist and turf breeder my life experience includes working as a golf course superintendent early in my career, participating in turfgrass management education and research at Rutgers University, preparing golf courses for major tournaments, playing golf around the world, being a student of golf history, associating with various golf course architects, and becoming involved with dozens of golf course construction projects.
Over the past fifty years I have observed significant advancements in technology and that includes best practices for grassing new golf courses, as well as regressing or renovating older golf courses.
The following are some of my thoughts on selection and establishment of creeping bentgrass in the twenty first century.
The Penn A and G varieties were released in 1995 are no longer the highest rated bentgrasses. Many new varieties have tested better for overall turf quality compared to the Penn A and G varieties.
Use of newer creeping bentgrass varieties on greens, tees, and fairways. A Thirty year investment in bentgrass breeding:
Over the past thirty years, turfgrass breeders at Rutgers University have spent tens of thousands of hours collecting, selecting, breeding, evaluating and developing improved creeping bentgrasses. For example, I started collecting bentgrasses from old putting green turf in the early 1980’s along with Dr. C.R. Funk of Rutgers University (Dr. Funk was my major professor for a PhD degree in turfgrass breeding at Rutgers). Ten years later (1983 – 1993), this project led to the development and commercial release of the creeping bentgrass varieties Southshore and L-93. The 93 in the name L-93 was selected to indicate the year the variety became fully commercially available for purchase. Subsequently, L-93 grained a Worldwide reputation for turf quality and performance.
Breeding improved grassing is an ongoing project; thus, fast forward fourteen years after our release of L-93 in 1993 and we have the inspiration for naming one of our new bentgrass varieties 007, as the year 2007 was the year seed of 007 became commercially available. The creeping bentgrass variety 007 was bred with germplasm released from Rutgers University under the direction of Drs. Bill Meyer, Stacy Bonos and Richard Hurley.
All individual parental clones of creeping bentgrass used in the development of 007 were selected for improved dollar spot resistance, medium bright green leaf color, not displaying cool weather purple coloration, and a vigorous, uniform, moderately dense growth habit.
For golf courses 007 is recommended for seeding or sodding putting greens, tees, and fairways. This new advanced performing creeping bentgrass variety adapts well to low mowing on greens or for reduced fungicide use on greens, fairways and tees.
The creeping bentgrass variety 007 has a broad genetic base developed using twenty four (24) parent plants. Plants identified from the varieties L-93 and Southshore were used in the breeding of 007.
Three additional new creeping bentgrass varieties of note have performed well in University turfgrass evaluation trials.
Dr. Leah Brilman, Director of Research, Seed Research of Oregon developed both MacKenzie and Tyee. Some of the germplasm used in the development of MacKenzie and Tyee was screened and evaluated at Rutgers by Drs. Meyer and Bonos. The bentgrass germplasm was released to Seed Research for use by Dr. Brilman in the development of these two new bentgrass varieties.
n 2017, Dr. Hurley working with Dr. Stacy Bonos at Rutgers and Dr. Leah Brilman released a new variety known as 777 (Triple Seven). The new 777 bentgrass has shown to provide excellent heat tolerance while producing a putting surface that is fine and dense while tolerating a close height of cut.
I am frequently asked this question, “I don’t want to be a Guinea pig with a new bentgrass variety.” My response is simple. If you select a new creeping, bentgrass variety from a reputable breeding program (Rutgers), you can be sure that these varieties have been thoroughly field-tested and evaluated to produce a broad genetic base.
Additionally, with the NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program) testing conducted at twenty-two independent University sites across the US and Canada, data confirms the enhanced qualities needed for producing a high quality bentgrass turf.
Over the past forty years turfgrass breeders at Rutgers have visited hundreds of old well established golf courses throughout the United States. During a site visit small patches of putting green turf are collected. The only plants identified for collecting are ones that appear to be attractive, fine textured, dense, upright growing and free of disease.
Some of the older putting greens observed are over eighty five (85) years old, dating back to the 1920’s, and we feel that some plants collected have been growing and surviving, under the wear and tear, on actual greens, for generations.
Rutgers University has the largest collection of creeping bentgrass germplasm found anywhere in the world.
For example, the collected plants are brought back to Rutgers turf research farm in New Jersey for evaluation. Collected plants, commonly referred to as “germplasm”, are labeled with the collection location and added to the largest collection of creeping bentgrass germplasm found anywhere in the world. After a few years of evaluation only the best one or two percent of all plants collected will be considered for use in breeding a new bentgrass variety. Ninety eight to ninety nine percent of collected plants will be discarded. Only the best performing plants will be used for developing a new variety. Typically, it takes ten to twelve years to breed and commercially release a new improved bentgrass variety for use on golf course greens, tees, or fairways.
The breeding and development of the variety 007 includes plants identified from parent plants collected from old putting greens at the following golf courses: Piping Rock GC (7), LI, NY; Spring Lake GC (2), Spring Lake NJ; Northshore CC (2), LI, NY; Rumson GC (1), Rumson, NJ; and Harkers Hollow GC (1), Harmony, NJ. All of the parent plants used in the development of 007 went through an extensive multi year comparison and evaluation process prior to being used as parents in the final selection for the variety 007. In all, there was a twelve year time investment in the breeding and commercial release of this one variety, 007 (approximately 1995 – 2007).
So, when someone asks me about taking a chance with the use of a new bentgrass on their golf course I direct them to the NTEP.org website for bentgrass turf evaluation trials.
If a golf course superintendent has interest in using one of the new bentgrasses I find no risk or concern as long as the superintendent does his homework and selects highly rated, University tested, varieties for use.
What you can expect today from a mature bentgrass turf such as 007, Mackenzie or Tyee creeping bentgrass.
Turf density: When used on putting greens Tyee, will produce a turf with greater turf density compared to the Penn – A varieties. When used on putting greens, Mackenzie will produce a turf slightly less dense compared to the variety Tyee. 007 and Flagstick and will provide a putting surface with turf density greater than L-93, Penn A-1 and Penn A-4.
Leaf texture: 777, 007, Flagstick, Tyee and Mackenzie will produce a turf with a finer leaf texture compared to the Penn – A varieties and L-93.
Less Poa annua: Greater turf density for 777, 007, Flagstick, Tyee, Mackenzie compared to most creeping bentgrass varieties allows for greater competition against Poa annua invasion.
Most importantly, since 2007 there have been hundereds of seedings of 007 or Tyee bentgrasses on new or renovated greens, tees, and fairways.
Listed below are examples of courses that have seeded either 007 or Tyee bentgrasses since the year 2007:
Penn Oaks Country Club, Philadelphia, Pa - Penn Oaks "lost their greens" in June 2015 due to an application of a "tainted" chemical spray manufactured by a Chinese company. The pesticide spray was so damaging to the greens (dead and unplayable) that the course had to close for the 2015 season. Club management decided to take this opportunity to initiate a total renovation of the greens and reseed with 100% 007 bentgrass in September 2015.
Skokie Country Club, Chicago, IL - Chicagoland area Certified Golf Course Superintendent Don Cross reports that after testing and researching varieties of bentgrass he will be seeding his renovated greens and fairways with 100% 007 creeping bentgrass in early August 2015.
Davenport Country Club, Davenport, Iowa -Dean Starks, golf course superintendent, supervised the course renovation in 2014 under the directon of Forse Design, Ron Forse and Jim Nagel. The 1924 golf course with push up greens was regrassed to 50% 007 50% Tyee bents on greens with the tees and fairways seeded to 007 bentgrass.
Wynstone Golf Club, North Barrington, IL - Ben McGargill, golf course superintendent, in 2014 supervised a total greens renovation and seeded with 75% 007 with 25% Tyee bentgrasses. 007 sod was shipped from East Coast Sod in NJ for use on collars and greens approach areas.
Baltimore Country Club East Course, MD - BCC is know as "Five Farms", the East course greens and fairways will be totally regrassed starting July 13, 2014. 100% 007 creeping bentgrass has been selected for seeding greens and fairways. Timothy Kennelly, CGCS, is the Head Greenkeeper.
Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forrest, IL - Greens renovation project scheduled for August 2014. Greens will be reseeded with a combination of 007 and Tyee creeping bentgrasses. Conway Farms is scheduled to host the BMW Championship on the PGA tour in September 2015.
Oaks Country Club, Tulsa, OK - Total greens renovation has been planned with a August 2014 seeding of greens using 007 bentgrass. Dan Robinson, Golf Course Superintendent.
Ridgemoor Country Club, Chicago, IL - Total golf course renovation by Rik Jacobsen and associates, golf course architects. The facility was closed on July 27, 2014 and is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2015.. Two new greens and one putting green will be constructed and seeded to 007 bentgrass. Remainder of greens on the golf course to be gased and regrassed with 007 bentgrass. Fairways to be sterilized with Basimid and seeded with 007 bentgrass. All tees to be regrassed using 007 bentgrass after rebuilting, enlargement with some relocation of tees. Bunkers will be rebuilt with new sand added. Josh Langell, Golf Course Superintendent.
Sentry World Golf Club, WI – Completed a total course renovation in 2013, greens seeded with 100% 007 creeping bentgrass. Gary Tanko, Golf Course Superintendent.
St. Clair Country Club, IL - Jeremy Klotz, golf course superintendent outlines the Sept. 2013 greens renovation at the St. Clair Country Club. The plan was to renovate and seed 007 bentgrass on the original 1920 push-up greens from the old Poa annua / Bent mixed turf growing in soil that exibited layering and were poorly drained.
Summit Rock GC (Horseshoe Bay Resort), TX - This Nicklaus Design, located in the Hill Country of Texas, secheduled its grand opening on 10/30/2012. The greens were seeded with 007 bentgrass and has 419 Bermudagrass fairways. Ken Gorzycki, Directory of Agronomy.
Vaquero Club, TX - This Fazio design has Zoysia fairways and the greens were resurfaced in 2012 using 007 bentgrass.
Philadelphia Cricket Club, NJ – Completed a total course renovation in 2013, fairways seeded with 100% 007 creeping bentgrass. Dan Mearsman, Director of Agronomy.
University Ridge GC (University of Wisconsin), WI - This RTJ II design in 1991 had the greens resurfaced in August 2012 with 007 bentgrass. Jerry Kershasky GC superintendent.
Biltmore Country Club, IL - Greens regrassed, late August 2013 seeding, with 007 bentgrass, Brian Thomson GC superintendent.
Two Rivers CC, VA - Original construction in 1992, course renovation in 2013 with greens seeded to 007 bentgrass. Brent Grahard, Director of Golf maintenance.
Poppy Hills GC, CA - This RTJ II design is undergoing a course renovation in 2013 / 2014, new greens will be seeded to a Tyee / 007 bentgrass blend.
Wichita Falls Country Club, TX - Completed a total course renovation in 2008, greens seeded with 100% 007 creeping bentgrass.
Tulsa Country Club, OK - Gas and regrass existing greens and re seeded to 50% Tyee and 50% 007 creeping bents (October 2010).
Metedeconk National GC, NJ - Gas and regrass nine (9) greens to 50% 007, 25% A-1, 25% A-4. Sodded five greens using the same bentgrass mix (August - November 2012). October 2011 sodded four greens and seeded two others using the same bentgrass mix. Bentgrass sod was "home grown" using sod grown on a golf course nursery.
Burning Tree Golf Club, MD - Gas and regrass existing greens and re seeded to 007 creeping bentgrass (August 2010).
Hazeltine National Golf Club, MN - Closed the golf course in July 2010, killed the grass on the fairways. Fairways seeded with 007 and SR 1119 creeping bentgrass and SR 1050 Chewings fescue. Golf course scheduled to open in June, 2011.
Greenbriar Hills Country Club, MO – Gas and regrass existing greens and re seeded to 007 creeping bentgrass (September 2010).
Country Club of Detroit, MI - Total regrassing of the golf course re seeding tees and fairways with 007 creeping bentgrass (Summer of 2010).
Dallas Country Club, TX - Greens renovation using a 70% Tyee with 30% 007 (September 2010).
Los Angeles Country Club, CA - Renovation of 18 greens reseeding using 70% Tyee and 30% 007 creeping bents (Spring 2010).
The Olympic Club, CA – Site of the 2012 US Open, renovated 18 greens with contract custom grown West Coast Turf - sod - seeded to 70% Tyee and 30% 007 creeping bent (fall 2009 - winter 2010).
Medianah Country Club, IL - Completed renovation of 18 holes (2009 - 2010). Greens were seeded using 70% 007 and 30% SR1119. Fairways seeded to 50% 007, 30% SR1119 creeping bents and 20% SR1150 Colonial bentgrass.
Preston Trail Golf Club, TX - Completed a total course renovation in October 2009, seeded greens to 100% Tyee creeping bentgrass.
Forest Ridge Golf Club, OK- New 100% Tyee greens sodded in September 2010. Tyee was seeded at the sod farm in April of 2012, in sand.
Wedgewood Cove GC, MN - New golf course established in 2009 using 100% 007 bentgrass to seed the greens.
Desert Mountain Golf Properties, AZ - The Cochise Course at Desert Mountain totally renovated 18 greens in June / July 2008 using custom grown sod produced by West Coast Turf, seeded October 2007 to 50% 007, 25% SR 119, and 25% Brighton creeping bentgrass.
The Gallery Golf Resort, AZ - The North course greens were renovated in 2008 with the greens seeded to 50% 007, 25% SR1119 and 25% Brighton creeping bentgrass.
CC of Ashville, NC - Converted fairways to 100% 007 creeping bentgrass in 2008.
Ballyhack GC, VA - New course seeded in 2008 with Tyee greens and 007 bentgrass fairways.
Harmony GC, CO - New course seeded in 2007 with 100% 007 bentgrass greens.
Wilmington CC, DE - Total 18 hole renovation completed in 2008 with Tyee greens and 007 bentgrass fairways.
Tavistock CC, NJ - Total 18 hole renovation completed in 2007 with Tyee greens and 100% 007 bentgrass tees and fairways.
River Bend Country Club, VA - Total renovation of 18 holes completed in October of 2010. Greens to be seeded with 100% 007 and fairways established using 23 acres of 007 custom grown sod.
Some International sites using Tyee or 007 creeping bentgrass:
Kasumigaseki Golf Club, Saitama prefecture, Tokyo, Japan - For the 2020 summer Olympic games, Tom Fazio, famed American golf course architect, is renovating the Kasumigaseki golf course in preparation to host the Olympics. The course renovation started in 2015 and is expected to be completed during the 2016 season. As part of the plan a total greens renovation and reseeding to 100% 007 creeping bentgrass is planned.
Raevo Bogachevo Golf Club, Moscow region, Russia - A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with greens seeded to 007 bentgrass, 2013 - 2014.
"The 27 Club", Tianjin, China, 27 hole project now under construction (2014) - 007 fairways and tees. Scheduled to open in 2015.
Domaine deMurtoli, Corsica - private course opened in 2013, 12 green sites with multiple tees offering 47 ways to play the course. 007 greens, bluegrass tees and fairways. Kyle Phillips Design.
Tokyo Golf Club, Tokyo, Japan – “The Tokyo Golf Club is known as the Augusta National of Japan”, total renovation of 18 greens with a seeding to 007 in April 2010, golf course opened for play in August 2010.
Ryugasaki Country Club, Japan - 100% 007 greens.
Ibaragi Golf Club, Japan - 100% 007 greens.
Forrest Hills Golf Club, Moscow region, Russia - Seeded greens in 2007 - 2009 using 007 and Tyee , fairways and tees seeded with 007 bentgrass.
Pine Forest Golf Club, Ekaterinburg, Russia - Seeded greens and tees in 2008 using 007 creeping bentgrass.
The Links Golf Club, Moscow region, Russia - Seeded greens in 2009 - 2010 using 007 creeping bentgrass.
Golf De L'Ocean, Morocco - Seeded greens in 2007 to 100% 007 creeping bentgrass
Hill De Loci Golf Club, Korea - Spring 2010 seeding with 100% 007 creeping bentgrass on greens.
Thoughts on older varieties of creeping bentgrass:
Again: If golfers want the latest technology with golf clubs and golf balls, why then, for a course seeding or regrassing would you select an older bentgrass variety for use?
In the twenty first century you want to select bentgrass varieties that not only provide a quality playing surface but will save on fungicide use. It has been estimated that approximately 70% of all fungicide usage is to control the dollar spot and brown patch diseases. Golf courses routinely spray greens every week or two and fairways and tees once or twice a month throughout the season.
By selecting an improved variety, with proven performance, a golf course superintendent can save approximately 50% on fungicide sprays, each year, by using a variety such as 007 bentgrass compared to the varieties Penncross, T-1, or Alpha or the seed blends named Penntrio or Pennway.
These bentgrass options have not performed as well in the turf quality rankings in University testing (NTEP.org) and may be the least desirable variety for seeding putting greens.
Genetic resistance to dollar spot (Natural).*Classification for the following bentgrass varieties:
Most tolerant: 007, Benchmark, Declaration, Kingpin, Pennlinks II, Baracuda, Lumanary, Focus, V-8, 13-M, and Memorial.
Moderate tolerant: Authority, L-93, Penn A-1, Penn A-2, Penncross, Pennlinks, Seaside, Seaside II, and SR1150, Proclamation, Crystal Blue Links, Cobra II, and Penneagle II.
Moderate Susceptible: Tyee, Alpha, T-1, Bengal, Backspin, Grand Prix, Mackenzie, Putter, A-4, Penneagle II, G-2, Princeville, Providence, Penncross, Southshore, Pin-Up, and SR1119.
Highly Susceptible: Ninety-Six Two, Shark, Pure Distinction, Century, Crenshaw, Imperial, Independence, and 18th Green.
*Table developed from data from NTEP and bentgrass turf trials at Rutgers University.
At this time, in a post 2020 era, my seeding recommendation for a golf course is 777, 007, Flagstick, Tyee, or MacKenzie bentgrass.
Select a newer proven creeping bentgrass for use:
Greens: 777, 007, Flagstick, McKenzie or Tyee for high density, lowest cut putting surface.
Tees and Fairways: 777, 007, Flagstick or MacKenzie for improved disease resistance and most competitive against Poa annua.
Something to consider is use of Chewings fescue as a companion grass for seeding with bentgrass. Why?
Using Chewings fescue in conjunction with bentgrass (125 pounds for Chewings seeded with 20 pounds per acres for bentgrass) aids in quick establishment and lowers the seed cost per acre. Additionally, Chewings fescue is highly resistant to take-all patch disease compared to creeping bentgrass, which is very susceptible (when seeded in sandy soils with a high soil pH).
Basics for successful seeding of creeping bentgrass on a golf course
Best dates to seed:
New establishment: August – September is, by far, (For more northern climates i.e. Chicago and north, would schedule August, for transition climates i.e. Dallas, Texas, would be September), the most desirable time of the year to seed a new bentgrass turf. Important factors include warm soils, less problems from summer annual weeds, and two seasons of growth (fall and spring) prior to the heat stress of summer. A late summer seeding should be ready for play the following spring.
April – May is the second best time to seed a new bentgrass turf. A spring seeding has limited time to germinate and mature prior to the arrival of summer. An early spring seeding may be ready for play by September – October of the same year.
The above is a general recommendation for most cool season or transition climates. The exception would be for mountain high elevation sites with short cool summers. Under these conditions seeding should be scheduled as soon as possible in late spring / early summer.
Interseeding an existing turf:
Research conducted by Dr. Jim Murphy at Rutgers University has shown that June – July interseeding into a mixed Poa annua bentgrass turf may be the best time to incorporate bentgrass seed (with use of a spiker seeder). Repeated introduction of creeping bentgrass seed, at two – three week intervals during June - July, may be helpful.
Creeping bentgrass seeding rates:
Greens: Two pounds per 1,000 square feet
Tees: Two pounds per 1,000 square feet
Fairways: Eighty pounds per acre for interseeding existing turf, use twenty five percent of the above rates.
Germination and seed storage:
Expected germination: With a late summer seeding, under most conditions, creeping bentgrass will germinate in four to seven days after planting. For a spring, seeding germination will be slowed a few days by cool soil conditions.
New crop vs. old crop seed: If seed is stored under cool dry conditions bentgrass seed can be stored for up to four years and retain an acceptable germination rates. If provided a choice year old seed may be preferred to new crop seed due to potential after ripening dormancy (lower germination rate) that may be observed (in new crop seed).
Steps for success for seeding a new bentgrass putting green:
Seedbed preparation and floating a new green: Extreme care with surface leveling before seeding is very important. The process includes use of a sand pro after saturating the surface with water applied by a hose and showerhead. This procedure should be repeated numerous times prior to hand raking the finished grade for seeding. If a putting green surface is not level, it may take years of topdressing to improve the situation.
The shade environment: Trees and putting greens are not a good combination. If a putting green or tee site does not receive a minimum of four to five hours of direct sunlight per day one can expect issues with managing a bentgrass green. Morning sun is preferred to afternoon.
Keep in mind the angle of the sun changes with the seasons. Sufficient sunlight reaching a green or tee during June does not mean this same green or tee will receive sufficient direct sunlight during September – October.
Soil testing:
Physical testing (i.e., sand / silt / clay): Acceptable sand for use in building a new putting green should have approximately 50% (of the sand) as medium sized particles. Angular sand shape is preferred; sharp sand may cause excessive mechanical damage to plants. Round is the least desirable particle shape for putting green sands and will create an unstable surface. When reviewing the physical test, keep in mind that a maximum of 6% total silt and clay is acceptable.
Infiltration rate: From laboratory testing for water infiltration rate desirable sand should be in the range of between twelve (12) to fifteen (15) inches per hour. From this you can expect a 50% reduction in water infiltration rate two to three years after turf establishment.
Nutrients: Follow preplant and post establishment fertility recommendations based on soil testing from a qualified soil laboratory. Soil samples should be taken at four to six month intervals during the first two years of turf establishment.
Calcareous sands and high pH: Be wary of calcareous sands available for turf use that meet physical testing standards but are difficult to manage due to high soil pH (over pH 7.5). Bentgrasses are very susceptible to take-all patch disease, which is normally a problem when maintained in high pH soils.
The best recommendation for fertilization of a calcareous sand based growing medium is by foliar feed.
Water quality testing: Check irrigation water pH and take measures to adjust water to pH 6.0 – 6.5. Use of high pH water for irrigation may assist in causing take-all patch on bentgrass turf. Additionally, use of high pH (over 7.5) water for use with pesticide and fertilizer sprays may cause inefficiencies for product use. Check labels and manufacture recommendations for use under high pH.
Fertility for a new putting green turf:
Pre plant: Follow soil test recommendations from a qualified soil laboratory.
After germination: Apply one half pound (.5) of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every three / four days on newly seeded putting greens. Follow this procedure until total (100%) bentgrass coverage of the surface is achieved. After the seedlings have matured and provided a complete stand of turf, then, back off the aggressive twice a week fertility program. At this point fertilize weekly, at the rate of .3 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Fertilizer applications should be made to a dry surface and water the fertilizer off the leaves immediately after application.
After four months from seeding a new putting green (or the next spring after a August – September seeding): Apply .3 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every seven days. During the first year after seeding a new green, it is not uncommon to apply ten to twelve pounds total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (applied with approximately twenty to twenty four individual half pound applications). Total nitrogen applied will depend on length of the growing season and appearance of the turf surface.
After one year from seeding a new putting green: Year two after establishment of a bentgrass putting green should receive approximately four to six pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during the growing season (with approximately eight to twelve applications).
After putting green maturity: It takes approximately three years for a new putting green to reach maturity. Maturity of the bentgrass plants and of the soil. New sand based putting greens are initially devoid of activity of soil organisms. It takes time for bacteria and fungi to colonize and develop a balanced biological system. Until this develops it is common to see greater activity of some turfgrass pathogens.
For best performance, a mature putting green seeded to 007, Mackenzie or Tyee bentgrass should receive four pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Total nitrogen applied will depend on length of growing season, thatch concerns, and appearance of the turf surface.
Do’s and don’ts when seeding a new bentgrass putting green:
Your checklist includes:
Variety selection is most important: Use of a variety known to have poor turf quality performance will limit turf performance potential. Would NOT consider use of Penntrio or Pennway for any use, at this time, on a golf course – there are much better options. Penntrio and Pennway are trademark blends of bentgrass seeds that include inferior varieties with varying percentages of ingredients.
Selecting varieties that are more susceptible to dollar spot will increase fungicide usage up to 50%, each year i.e. varieties such as Alpha, Penneagle II, T-1, or Independence. Use of these varieties will add significant costs for fungicide use to control dollar spot on fairways and tees (as a recurring expense, year after year).
Seeding rate targets: Two pounds per 1,000 square feet or 80 pounds per acre. A higher seeding rate may reduce time for establishment but may increase the probability of seedling diseases. A low seeding rate will delay establishment.
Seeding during June / July is not recommended: Summer seedings of creeping bentgrass are not recommended except for sites with a short summer season (i.e., high elevation locations in the mountains).
Irrigation to keep the surface damp: After seeding light frequent irrigation cycles is recommended (i.e., Ten AM, Noon, Two, Four, Six, PM).
Fungicides: If temperatures are above eighty degrees F apply a Pythium control product to the germinating bentgrass seedlings. Re-apply according to manufacture recommendations as needed.
Root Pythium and putting greens: Death of plants is due to a combination of mechanical injury from mowing stressed plants with dysfunctional root systems. After the plants are weakened, roots are infected by Pythium spp.
Use of mulch on new seedlings: First preference would not be to use mulch in conjunction with seeding a new bentgrass green. Do not want to use sawdust or freshly harvested wood mulch. Do not want to create a layer that will remain beyond seed germination and bentgrass establishment.
Rolling a new seeding: To firm the surface prior to mowing (for the first time) roll a green two or three times with a hand greens mower (with the blades off).
First mowing: Commonly three / four weeks after seeding a green the first mowing would be scheduled. The first mowing should be set at .300 of an inch, height of cut. From this point, lower the mowing height slightly, twice each week (Mondays and Thursdays), until the desired height of cut is achieved, i.e. to .275, then .250, next .225, next .200, .190, .180, .170, .160, .150, .145, .140, .135, .130, .125. Suggest not mowing lower than .125 height of cut for the first year after seeding.
Scalping bentgrass: Do not allow a new bentgrass seeding to grow more than one inch in height before mowing. Once mowing has been initiated, practice mowing greens a minimum of four times per week on putting greens and three times per week on fairways and tees.
Bentgrass bloat phenomenon: Some varieties are more prone to “Bentgrass Bloat” which may occur in June after high humidity / rainfall causes the thatch / crowns to elevate with subsequent mower scalping. Although possible with any creeping bentgrass, this phenomenon has been observed to do significant scalping damage to the creeping bentgrass variety Declaration. Spring aerification (May and early June), followed by topdressing, and verticutting on bentgrass fairways and tees will assist with adverting damage from “Bentgrass Bloat.”
Topdressing:
When: Start light topdressing every seven days after total bentgrass cover has been achieved on a green. Do not initiate topdressing prior to one hundred percent turf establishment (cover) on a newly seeded green or tee.
What not to do: Use the same sand (or closest match) as used for building the green. Do not use a topdressing material dissimilar to the existing growing medium. Be careful of abrasive sands and excessive mechanical damage that my occur on young bentgrass greens.
Do’s and don’ts for successful bentgrass establishment, and maturity of a bentgrass turf?
Your checklist includes:
Black layer on new sand based putting greens: Black layer is a physical condition normally associated with high-sand based greens. Anaerobic conditions in soil are the cause of black layer. Black layer develops during periods of excessive rain or because of excessive irrigation, especially on greens with poor internal soil drainage or where soil water perches. The condition is frequently encountered where sand topdressing is layered over a thatch layer. Black layers also develop on sodded greens where the soil from the sod forms a layer effect. These situations cause water to become trapped in the upper layer, resulting in soil becoming anaerobic.
Fertility levels for creeping bentgrass: Many times slow establishment of a new creeping bentgrass green is due to insufficient fertility during the grow in period.
High water pH may predispose a turf to take-all patch: Check pH of the water source and take measures to modify if above 7.5.
Poor quality control / selection of sand based growing medium: Check each truckload of soil mix to make sure they meet specifications.
Poor surface preparation (i.e., not floating out the surface) may create an uneven putting surface: If a green surface is rushed to seeding without proper attention to attain a level surface it will take years of topdressing to correct the problem.
Abrasive topdressing may damage turfgrass plants: Care should be taken on young tender plants not to cause mechanical damage to plants resulting from a gritty sand topdressing.
Bentgrass collar decline: Death or decline of collars or greens approach is primarily due to mechanical injury. Injury is most severe where mowers turn, walk-on and walk-off areas, and areas adjacent to bunkers. Mowing young bentgrass on collars during rainy periods or whenever the turf is excessively wet or spongy cause severe damage in the summer. Would recommend not having a bentgrass collar for at least the first year after seeding – mow at green height of cut out to the interface of the bluegrass step cut.
Soil layering may cause serious turf issues: Topdress frequently, at regular intervals, throughout the season and select a topdressing material that is the same or closely resembles the sand used for constructing the putting green.
Mechanical damage: Caused by the bruising of grass plants as a result of mowers or other equipment turning sharply, on curved areas, driving over the same spot or continued use of a similar mower pattern. The turning and twisting grinds leaves and stems.
Bentgrass Bloat: May occur in June after high humidity / rainfall causes the thatch / crowns to elevate with subsequent mower scalping. Spring aerification (May and early June), followed by topdressing, and verticutting on bentgrass fairways and tees will assist with adverting damage from “Bentgrass Bloat.”
Shade and putting green turf: Trees must be thinned or removed to provide a minimum of four to five hours of sunlight per day (from April through October).
Play too early after seeding will delay turf maturity: Under most situations it is not recommended to open a new putting green before seven or eight months after seeding. Do not lower the mowing height of a new green below .125 of an inch during the first year after establishment.
Frequently asked questions?
Thatch management: One quarter to one half-inch thatch is good, provides a cushion, and should be maintained. One inch or more thatch is excessive and should be reduced by verticutting and aerification.
When will a new putting green be ready for play: August / September seeding should be ready for play by April / May / June of the following year. April / May seeding should be ready for play by September / October of the same year.
What will happen if a new green is open for play prematurely: May set back performance and putting surface quality for years.
When does a new sand based green become mature: Approximately three years after seeding.
What does a mature sand / soil-growing medium have to do with bentgrass performance: Less disease problems with a mature soil-growing medium.
When to aerify for the first time: Aerify for a purpose, compaction, or thatch management. Typically, new putting greens do not require aerification during the first year after seeding.
Poa annua, the plant: Poa annua contamination on a golf course results in a large supply of Poa seed to spread around the property. Individual plants are capable of producing 1,000 – 2,000 seeds per season. The seeds are viable in soil for over five years.
Poa annua control, can you win:
• Select dense aggressive bentgrasses that can effectively compete with Poa annua (e.g., 007, Tyee, or Mackenzie).
• After turf is established irrigate to a minimum; keep the turf as dry as possible.
• Collecting clippings removes Poa seed and reduces the spread of seed (one plant of Poa annua is capable of producing over two thousand seeds per year).
• Solve drainage problems as needed.
• Hand pick, cut out small Poa plants on greens each day / week of the growing season.
• Schedule to plug out larger patches of Poa annua on greens as required.
• Resod collars, tees, and fairway bentgrass areas infested with more than 15 – 25 % Poa annua. Never let Poa annua become established in large patches or areas of greens, tees, or fairways.
• Institute a chemical control program and commit to timely applications (PGR’s such as the product Trimmit chemically know as Paclobutrazol).
Apply most of the Nitrogen fertilizer to bentgrass during the heat of summer: Bentgrass grows best when “summer heat” arrives. Poa annua grows best during the cool spring and fall months. Applying Nitrogen during cool weather provides the advantage to Poa annua. For bentgrass greens, applying one third to one half pound of Nitrogen, at ten-day intervals, during June, July, and August.
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