Air movement is critical for turf health during hot, stressful weather because as air moves across the leaf surface, a thin film of water evaporates and cools the turf. Many facilities – including some of the best in the world – have invested in fans to improve air movement near putting greens when Mother Nature does not supply a nice breeze or if a green is located where air movement is limited. The beneficial cooling effect of fans is well documented, but some golfers would prefer to not hear the background noise while putting.
A remote-controlled programmable timer is one way to temporarily turn a fan off while golfers are putting. These timers are often used to control gated entrances that open with a remote as someone approaches and then automatically close after a certain amount of time has passed.
The operation switch must be positioned in a convenient place, such as along a cart path or in the rough near where golfers park at the green. As golfers approach a green, the button can be pressed if they would prefer to putt without the fan operating. After the programmed time has elapsed, the fan will automatically turn back on to continue the cooling process.
Take note of how oppressive it feels during a hot, humid day without a breeze and remember that turf experiences similar stress. Golfers can escape these conditions, but turf is exposed to the heat and humidity all day. Air movement generated by a fan is critical for maintaining healthy turf and using a remote operation switch could be a great way to keep golfers and turf happy.
Central Region Agronomists:
Bob Vavrek, regional director – bvavrek@usga.org
John Daniels, agronomist – jdaniels@usga.org
Zach Nicoludis, agronomist – znicoludis@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
