Influence of Brushing and Mowing Frequency on Green Speed and Plant Health on a Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green.

Various cultural practices are utilized in an attempt to improve ball roll distance on golf course putting greens, especially in preparing for golf course tournaments. Brushing conducted during mowing operations is becoming a common cultural practice. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of brush type and frequency on ball roll distance on golf course greens during a short-term tournament preparation situation. A field study was conducted in 2016 at the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center located in University Park, PA. The trial was conducted for 14 days on a mature ‘A-4’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting green. Plots measured 1.2 x 2.7 m and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a 4x2 factorial treatment structure. Main factors included brush type (BRUSH) and frequency (FREQ). For the main effect of brush type, individual plots were brushed with a rotary brush, a stiff push brush, a soft push brush, or no brush. For the main effect of brushing frequency, individual plots were brushed and mowed either once or twice per day. Data collected included ball roll distance (BRD) using a 2x Stimpmeter, and visual ratings of quality and color to asses plant health. Results showed a BRUSH x FREQ interaction on one rating date while BRUSH and FREQ were significant on 8 and 10 of 12 rating dates, respectively. No brushing, rotary, soft, and stiff brush types resulted in the greatest BRD on 67%, 8%, 17% and 0% of the rating dates, respectively. Mowing/brushing twice produced the greatest BRD on 83% of the rating dates when compared to one mowing/brushing pass. Only brushing with the stiff bristled brush reduced quality and color during the trial. Results of this study indicated that brushing may reduce putting green speeds when conducted for short periods (i.e. < 2 weeks). More information is needed to determine if extended brushing durations would have a great impact on BRD as well as plant health.