News

Turf Advisory Service

From the USGA

Eighteen turfgrass experts comprise the field staff within the USGA Green Section. Each agronomist conducts nearly 100 Turf Advisory Service visits each year. The goal of the service is to provide each course with an impartial yet concerned perspective on turfgrass growth requirements and playing conditions, along with the most current information on turfgrass research and management practices. The service includes:

On-site services, including all associated expenses (airfare, car rental, etc.).
A written report summarizing the main topics of discussion during the visit.
Agronomic articles and publications on a wide range of topics.
Consultations throughout the year by correspondence, email and telephone.

A unique advantage of the Turf Advisory Service visit is the opportunity to share information we gather during our travels and visits to several hundred golf courses. We are also in regular contact with university researchers and other colleagues throughout the country as an additional resource to help address your concerns.

The USGA Turf Advisory Service is not a “one size fits all” program It is designed to share a wealth of agronomic information to meet the individual needs of your course. The following is a sample of the various agendas and formats that can be addressed during a Turf Advisory Service visit.

General agronomic review – This is much like an annual check-up at the doctor. Along with the superintendent, key staff and committee members, we can review the condition of greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers and other aspects of your operation.
In-depth analysis of specific areas – Is your course considering remodeling bunkers? Rebuilding greens? Changing grasses on fairways? These can be very controversial and costly issues. An in-depth report-card style analysis can be preformed to identify the underlying causes of current problems so that they can be corrected for the best long-term results.
Water conservation programs – This is a major issue throughout the Southwest. The visit can focus on specific practices to maximize irrigation efficiency, improve water quality and soil properties, and develop drought contingency plans.
Overseeding and transition – An in- depth review of the various factors associated with winter overseeding, along with recommendations for successful summer transition.
Green committee orientation and board meetings – This is a good way to bring new committee members up-to-speed regarding the how and why of golf course maintenance activities and any special situations at your course.
Crew seminar – The visit can include a seminar for the maintenance staff to increase their understanding of their jobs and how it affects the condition and playing quality of the golf course on a daily basis.
Additional services – In addition to the on-site visit and written report, subscribing clubs will receive regional updates via the digital Green Section Record, published every Friday. On-line, webcast meetings also are scheduled quarterly, which can be viewed from the comfort of your office, and will highlight current trends throughout the region.