Monday, November 13, 2006 - 11:15 AM
68-14

An improved method for determining golf green uniformity.

Roch Gaussoin, 362 Plant Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dept. of Agronomy & Horticulture, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915, Charles Schmid, Dept. of Agron. & Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915, Bradley A. Mills, University of Nebraska, Agricultural Communications, Lincoln, NE 68583, and Robert Shearman, Department of Agron. & Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915.

The roll of a golf ball on the green represents a critical component of the greens surface capacity to test the accuracy and skill of the golf participant. Management inputs such as cultivar choice, weed and pest infestation and cultivation may affect the uniformity of the golf surface to the detriment of the participants. Previous methods to measure green uniformity range from a subjective visual assessment to complex de-acceleration measurements using complex, bulky and expensive apparatus.  A method of measuring surface uniformity of golf greens using readily available equipment (Stimpmeter, camcorder and video analysis software) was tested under varying green conditions in eastern Nebraska. The described system detected differences among plots that were footprinted, rolled or untreated better than the traditional Stimpmeter. Advantages and disadvantages of this technique will be discussed.