Earlier this spring, an equipment issue led to a stripe of fertilizer on some tees. Since then, a few people have seen the lush green grass, and asked why we don't have the whole golf course looking like that.
The answer to this question really has two parts: What's best for the plant (and often more importantly), what's best for golf. On the course, it definitely isn't a "one size fits all" approach, as we have different fertility programs in place for greens, tees, fairways, primary rough, secondary rough, as well as the practice facility.
In the case of tees, one of the goals is developing firmer surfaces. Additional fertility can lead to organic matter accumulation, and puffier conditions. This is neither good for turf health, nor for firmer playing conditions.
Even when it comes to individual tees, we customize the plan. The par 3 tees receive additional fertilization to aid in divot recovery, and our divot mix is spiked to get the seedlings and surrounding Bentgrass to fill in more quickly.
Not just longer grass blades, but also wider grass blades from too much fertility can create more friction on greens--a shag carpet does not make for a great putting surface. As you can see below, additional fertilizer (courtesy of a bird) may lead to a greener green, but this wouldn't make for a better green.
Generally speaking, the course will play better when the turf more closely resembles a lean marathon runner, than a sumo wrestler. The balancing act is that we do need to make sure the plants have enough available nutrition to handle the stresses which are inflicted upon them by Mother Nature, mowers, rollers and golf carts.
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