The STRI Programme: Helping Hand

Over the past couple of years, STRI has been developing a new side to the Agronomy service, aimed at being more accurate with our assessment of the greens.  We are now using measurements of the playing qualities as well as the agronomic factors that affect them to form the basis of our assessment.  By taking these measurements, we build a good understanding of what is happening, which helps guide our maintenance advice towards achieving simple targets.  We have called this new method of assessment The STRI Programme.

The Programme visit

During the course of an STRI Programme visit we measure the speed, smoothness and firmness of the surfaces as well as moisture and organic matter contents of the soil profile.  This helps build a good picture of the green’s performance and condition.  We use the results to create a full understanding of the situation from which we can then develop a maintenance plan to resolve any identified weaknesses.

During the visit we can also advise on the results to help bring about early improvements, especially in the areas of speed and smoothness. With our measurements we can start identifying the impact of verticutting, rolling and mowing on the surface playing qualities.  By adapting the surface preparations and measuring the results, we can really start understanding what it takes to perfect the surfaces.

Much of this is only possible because of the development of the Trueness Meter™.  This scientific measuring tool was developed by Sheffield Hallam University and our own Research Department, with funding from The R&A.  Its development means that for the first time ever we can now accurately measure the smoothness and trueness of a putting surface.  This not only allows us to make an accurate overall assessment, but it also helps us understand what the individual surface preparation treatments actually do.

Smoothness/trueness

The Trueness Meter™ measures vertical deviation (smoothness) and lateral deviation (trueness) of a replica ball in mm/m.  The lower the numbers, the more smooth and true the surface:

Smoothness readings of 16-18 mm/m and 6-8 mm/m for trueness would be worthy of a major golf tournament.  The surface would be beautifully smooth and true with perhaps only a hint of chatter/snaking.  We are punching the air with joy when the greens are this good!

Smoothness readings of 19-23 mm/m and 8-10 mm/m for trueness are good for routine play.  The surface is predominately smooth with a couple of minor chatter events and some slight snaking.  These greens are pretty good but could be better.

Smoothness readings above 23 mm/m and 10 mm/m for trueness tend to be rather uneven.  Chatter dominates the roll and there is distinct snaking.  We need to do better than this, especially for main season play.

During the visit we will use the Stimpmeter and Trueness Meter™ on a single green to review the impact of various surface preparation techniques. We start with the initial results and look to improve them.  We may mow, roll, brush or verticut (for instance) to improve the surface speed or smoothness/trueness, and then take a measurement after each operation to review its impact.  Ultimately we are trying to show what is necessary to hit our target figures.

Case Study

This example is from a links course on the east of Scotland.  The sward is dominated by fescue with some browntop bent and perennial ryegrass.  The data were taken towards the end of August 2010 (a Monday) and the greens were being prepared for an important Foursomes competition at the weekend.  John Deere 220 hand mowers (set at 5 mm) were used to cut the greens before the visit.  The greens were performing well but we wanted to smooth them out and eliminate the ‘chatter’.  Lateral growth on the bent was an issue and we needed to refine the sward.  This is what we discovered.

We started with a light verticut operation using the Thatch Away units set at -1 mm, followed by hand mowing at 5 mm.  We measured the greens to see the result.  A small improvement in smoothness and trueness was achieved but we lost some speed.  Some progress was made, but we still had work to do if we wanted to smooth out the roll.

We then rolled the greens with the Turf Iron (Tru-Turf) and measured again.  This did the trick.  Smoothness and trueness were at the preferred end of our targets and the speed had improved.  We eliminated ‘chatter’ and increased speed.  The greens were better and the balls were rolling out.  We punched the air and everyone was happy.  The data guided our preparations and we hit our targets.

For further information regarding this article, please contact Sales & Marketing on 01274 518918