Making a positive impact on playability and turf health at a golf course may be as simple as removing a few trees that shade key areas.

We hope everyone affected by Hurricane Dorian is safe and finds these golf course recovery considerations helpful.

Bunker sand consistency is a common source of golfer complaints. While some consistency issues can be addressed, or at least improved, there are many factors at play that are outside a superintendent’s control.

Afternoon pop-up thunderstorms are a part of living in the Southeast, but these short-lived storms can do severe damage to a golf course.

A lightning strike during the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open at the Country Club of Charleston reminds us of how serious the danger from thunderstorms can be.

With summer upon us, golf facilities in the Southeast are trimming trees and branches before the busy hurricane season arrives. This is beneficial for many reasons.

Deep-tine aeration is a commonly deferred maintenance practice, but this important cultivation practice is well worth the time and money to help keep golfers and turf happy.

Southern golf courses have a new option for rough turf - bahiagrass. Experience in the field and ongoing USGA-funded research suggest that this grass can help conserve resources in rough areas.

Poa annua continues to be among the most problematic weeds facing superintendents in the Southeast and a nationwide research project aims to find solutions. Researchers need your help.

Under the new Rules of Golf, many golfers are opting to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. Golfers should still use their hand to carefully remove the ball from the hole and should never use the flagstick as a tool to retrieve their ball.

Public golf courses face many challenges, but these strategies can help them keep the doors open for all golfers.

Spring is a time of rapid change for turfgrass. Understanding how growth potential changes can help you make on-course decisions.

As the growing season approaches, take the time to calibrate sand topdressing equipment with this novel method of measuring sand topdressing application rates.

The 2019 Turf Colorant and Winter Management Workshop provided new ideas for superintendents. 

While there are various reasons to renovate putting greens, these projects should always be performed with clear objectives and expectations.

Above-average rainfall has been a tough reminder of how important well-designed drainage systems are for turf health and good playing conditions.

The USGA Green Section invites you to attend the 7^th annual Turf Colorant and Winter Management Workshop. Sign up early for this exciting educational opportunity.

Leveraging the differences between turf varieties can improve playing conditions and aesthetics, but you may want to consider a simpler approach to collars.

Pine trees are especially susceptible to stress after hurricanes. Recognizing these signs of stress is important after damaging storms.

With winter right around the corner, now is the time to consider these ways to minimize the chance of winter injury on ultradwarf greens.

Even familiar products experience changes to their label from time to time. Knowing these changes is important, because after all the label is the law.

Beekeeping is a hobby with sweet rewards. Gene Scarborough, superintendent at Santee Cooper Resort, offers these helpful beekeeping tips to get you started.

Problems with low sunlight intensity from prolonged cloud cover or shade? Here’s what you can do to help your greens overcome these issues. 

Taking time to assess problem areas will help you allocate the appropriate resources to strengthen weak areas before fall.

USGA workshops provide additional information for superintendents to help improve course maintenance practices.

Valve boxes seem to find a way to vanish under overgrown turf, leaves or dirt no matter how many times you use them. Here’s a simple, cost-effective way to help you locate irrigation valves next time you need one.

We recognize the retirement and accomplishments of Dr. Bruce Martin, an individual who improved turf performance, disease control and the golf industry.

Winning the war against thatch takes a committed effort, especially during summer. Fortunately, the results are well worth the costs. 

Canada geese are a nuisance, but it seems a green laser emitter that can be positioned in aquatic habitats makes for an effective and durable device for frightening away Canada geese.

If you’re looking for a way to use fewer inputs and save some money, here’s how to analyze and simplify your spray program.

Warm weather has kick started bermudagrass, but it has also increased mole cricket activity. Understanding mole cricket biology will help you manage these pests.

While there are no perfect turfgrasses, some are better suited for a particular site than others. Before selecting one, it is important to understand the strengths, weaknesses and management implications of different turfgrass varieties.

Turf covers are very helpful for protecting ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens during cold winter weather. But taking some additional measures can further enhance your cold weather protection program.

Insects and mites can be particularly challenging to manage, especially when they haven’t been very common in the past. Recently, these pests have been making a resurgence in the Southeast – do you know what to look for and how to react? 

Are you struggling with black algae on putting greens? This opportunistic occupier is not algae but in fact cyanobacteria that can considerably slow turf recovery. Control can be challenging but consider these management practices if cyanobacteria is a problem at your course.

Several chronic stress factors cause slow turf decline. But a slow decline can eventually lead to rapid turf loss when other stresses come into play. When it comes to evaluating turf stress, it helps to have another set of eyes. 

The sixth annual USGA Turfgrass Colorant Workshop was just held at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Some of the attendees have shared a few take-home messages they gleaned from the expert lineup of speakers. 

Turf at many golf courses barely went dormant last year, but this year has been quite the opposite. Fortunately, a cold winter isn’t all bad news. Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly of cold winter weather in the Southeast. 

Triplex mowers can improve maintenance productivity. Now, new tools are available to help superintendents evaluate the economic value of choosing triplex or walk mowers at their facility.

A water budget is a valuable tool that every golf course should have; one that offers numerous practical applications for golf course superintendents. Although creating one may seem like an intimidating undertaking, these resources will make it easy.

Aeration can certainly be frustrating, but it is extremely beneficial. Fortunately, injecting sand directly into putting green rootzones may be an effective supplement to ease the frustration of traditional core aeration.

Dr. Bruce Martin, an influential plant pathologist at Clemson University, will soon retire. In this interview with USGA Agronomist Patrick O’Brien, he reflects on his career and discusses areas for future research.

Explore recent golf course maintenance trends observed in the Southeast including native areas, utilizing mowers designed to improve efficiency and new spray boom improvements for turf colorant programs.

There are challenges and success stories each and every year; this update highlights a few on weed control challenges, forward tees and an alternative bunker raking method that is gaining popularity across the country. 

Tattered and worn, most golf courses that weathered Hurricane Irma have some bruising that will take months to heal. Fortunately, the experience and these resources can help prepare for future storms.

Remember the wise little pig that built a house out of bricks? The other two little pigs used straw and started with a weak foundation. Establishing a putting green with treated seeds provide a strong foundation, so why aren’t sprigs treated?

Golf courses purchase a variety of products to help provide and protect desirable playing conditions, but marketing tactics can be deceiving. Keep these things in mind when evaluating data that supports a product.

A soil profile sampler is a great way to see what is happening beneath the surface; but if you’re really curious about the depth and quality of turf roots, a hole cutter and a garden hose are the way to go.

Bahiagrass may not provide premium playing conditions, but here’s why it gets an A+ when it comes to sustainability in golf course roughs that seldom come into play.

When periods of rain impact mowing operations, roughs can become very unfriendly. Fortunately, these tools can significantly reduce mowing requirements while keeping rough playable even when regular mowing is temporarily disrupted. 

From drought to flooding, too little or too much rain can cause considerable problems with turf health and playability. These tips and techniques can help get you through tough times, but patience is still key.

When unsightly scalping marks unexpectedly appear on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens, ask yourself; is there a mower setup problem? Is there a height-of-cut issue? Or is the turf trying to tell me something?

Plant protectants are expensive, so consider this easy-to-use device to help you identify fungal pathogens and discern whether they are active. This affordable tool could save thousands of dollars and prevent fungicide resistance.

USGA-funded research at the University of Arkansas is providing valuable information for golf courses regarding the use of winter turf covers on bermudagrass greens.

Bermudagrass is sometimes called the world's worst weed because of its aggressive growth, hardiness and ability to outcompete other grasses. These same traits also make some bermudagrass varieties an excellent choice for golf courses.

Chipping areas can add challenge and interest to the game. They can also be extremely easy to create for golf courses with bermudagrass. Here are a few suggestions for successfully creating new chipping areas this spring.

Having trouble diagnosing an area of underperforming turf? Keep an eye out for this small pest. Although minuscule in size, these pests of bermudagrass are frequently showing up throughout the region.

There seem to be an increasing amount of products available in different combinations, with different names and from different companies. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this ongoing product evolution?

Has spring arrived at your golf course? The calendar says no, but a streak of 70-degree days has golfers saying yes. Superintendents know spring is near when these questions arise. 

The weather can change at the drop of a hat, but don’t be quick to assume that the weather is just being used as an excuse when turf conditions decline.

Trying to protect bermudagrass greens from cold winter weather? Although turf covers alone may be effective, this simple strategy can enhance their efficacy during periods of extreme cold temperatures.

Looking for a way to enhance turf color during winter without overseeding? The upcoming USGA Turf Colorant Workshop will provide information about colorants and how to apply them to fairways – here’s how to attend. 

Reviewing past accomplishments provides opportunity to reflect on performance and contemplate ways to improve. An important part of the process is developing goals and objectives for the coming year.

It was another memorable year in the Southeast Region. These 10 amazing highlights are sure to be remembered for many years to come.

Cities like Birmingham, Alabama are dealing with record-breaking streaks of days without rain. What does that mean for golf courses in these areas?

Mention fungi and people tend to cringe, especially golf course superintendents. However, not all fungi are bad; most aren’t even pathogenic. These fungi can even help suppress turfgrass pathogens.

If your golf course is located along the southeastern coast of the United States, it may have suffered saltwater damage from Hurricane Matthew’s storm surge.

Looking for alternatives to overseeding that are less expensive yet still provide appealing aesthetics? Consider turf colorants, they help make the game of golf fun and sustainable.

Many golfers understand that the intent of core aeration is to produce better playing surfaces. However, they may not understand the tactics used by golf course superintendents to perform this task each fall.

Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is an increasingly difficult task for many golf courses. Here are a few tips that may help your facility.

The stress of a hot, dry summer is a reminder of the value of rainfall. However, as mild temperatures and rainfall return, rapidly growing turf may face a threat from these opportunistic pests.

Looking for a way to attract more birds? These tips will help you create a bird-feeding station for any golf course.

Water levels are dropping daily in irrigation ponds across the Southeast. This simple tip can help golf courses stretch a dwindling water supply.

Turfgrass field days are a great opportunity to learn and collaborate with colleagues and university experts.

Drainage projects are a common part of golf course maintenance. Wet weather provides a great opportunity to identify areas that need supplemental drainage.

A newly released bermudagrass  has been demonstrating exciting agronomic qualities including significantly improved drought tolerance.

Is your practice tee a field of dreams? If not, get your practice tee back on track with these three tips.

 In today's economic climate, efficiency and resource management are not only admirable – they are necessary for long-term sustainability. 

Forward tees are making quite a splash these days, but sometimes there are misunderstandings about why courses are installing them.

Nobody likes core aeration or the bumpy greens it creates. Fortunately,  innovative aeration techniques may be able to dilute organic matter with fewer aeration events each summer.

While millions of basketball fans are busy filling out their brackets, golf course superintendents are preparing for the madness that marks the beginning of the growing season.

Addressing problems that became apparent during winter while they are still fresh in the minds of golfers presents a window of opportunity. Shade issues, turfgrass losss, drainage issues and more are best rectified earlier rather than later.

The environmental impacts of turf colorants are noteworthy. Turf colorants can produce green fairways during the winter months while using less fertilizer, water, labor and pesticides compared to overseeding.

As El Niño continues to impact golf courses in the south, it is important to communicate with golfers, document problem areas and make plans to address problem areas during the coming summer.

Weather forecasters have predicted a strong El Niño. While many of us in the Southeast Region had hoped that the predictions were wrong, El Niño is here and is causing some concerns.

Do you get discouraged when you see sand topdressing on the putting greens at your course? Sand topdressing is an often misunderstood practice, but it is a practice that has profound positive impacts on putting green performance.

Turf reduction reduces the consumption of valuable resources and provides a striking contrast to highly maintained turfgrass areas. The result is a better defined and more attractive golf course.

Do record-setting king tides have you heading for the hills? They also can be affecting the turf conditions at your golf course. Saltwater intrusion and localized flooding potentially can have serious impacts that should be considered.

The Aussie method of bunker raking is becoming increasingly popular and one course in the Southeast Region is using a creative way to make the process even easier. Also, learn more about managing the pesky fairy rings that may have appeared after the extended wet conditions.

While preparations for winter are full force in the Southeast Region, an El Niño could begin affecting weather patterns. Whether dealing with unusual weather or a surge in insect pest activity, USGA Agronomists offer tips for a successful fall and winter.

From observations at the 2015 USGA Women’s State Team Championship to preparations for another busy winter golf season in Florida, the Southeast Region is abuzz with activity.

Have you ever putted on bermudagrass greens and noticed that one side of the hole looks ragged? There wasn’t anything wrong with how the hole was cut, but understanding why this phenomenon occurs just might improve your putting.

Summer cultivation is occurring at several courses and one growing trend may improve your efforts to control thatch. Also, discover some ideas shared by superintendents that may help you deal with difficulties recruiting employees.

This week’s regional update highlights many of the ideas and best management practices shared during a recent bermudagrass fairway- and rough-management field day in Florida where emphasis was placed on managing Celebration bermudagrass.

Are you interested in improving the playing quality of your ultradwarf bermudagrass putting surfaces? Consider attending the annual Ultradwarf Surface Management Workshop, organized by USGA Green Section agronomists, for a unique learning experience.

The USGA Green Section Internship Program offers students from around the country with the unique opportunity to travel with USGA Green Section agronomists as they conduct Course Consulting Service visits. Learn about the experiences shared by the interns in the Southeast Region in this week’s regional update.

Lightning is not something to take chances with, as Chris Hartwiger’s report on his recent experiences emphasizes. Almost as unpopular with golfers is the need for cultivation practices – a topic Todd Lowe discusses in this update.

Do you still struggle with spring transition, or did extended cold temperatures damage your bermudagrass last winter? Learn how to alleviate some of the transition pains and discover what one North Carolina course is doing to combat winter-injury issues in this week’s regional update.

Water use is an important issue for all golf courses and every facility should do its part to ensure water is used as efficiently as possible. This week's regional update features five techniques to improve irrigation efficiency without replacing the entire irrigation system.

Recently, the agronomists in the Southeast Region had the chance to collaborate and review items of interest occurring in the region. Their comments are shared in this update.

Warm-season grasses are emerging from dormancy in much of the Southeast Region. However, winter annual weeds also are flourishing. Developing a well-planned weed management program will improve weed control and minimize the risk of developing herbicide resistant weed populations.

From dealing with localized dry spots and plant parasitic nematodes to managing plant growth regulator programs, spring can be a challenging season in the Southeast. The USGA agronomists offer some advice that can help you deal with springtime challenges.

Just like your game may not be in perfect shape by early spring,neither are golf courses in the Southeast Region as warm-season turfgrass emerge from dormancy. Fortunately, like your golf game, turf conditions will improve with a little practice and a healthy dose of patience.

While traffic issues are of concern at some courses where record breaking rounds of golf have been played, other courses recently have experienced record-setting cold temperatures. The agronomists from the Southeast Region discuss these concerns and more in this week's regional update.

Maintaining putting surfaces on bermudagrass greens can be challenging during the winter. The agronomists from the Southeast Region offer seven tips to help you maintain smoother bermudagrass putting greens during winter.

From leaf spot disease and traffic concerns to turfgrass colorants and educational conferences, the agronomists from the Southeast region highlight some common themes from recent travels in this week's regional update.

Current weather patterns have increased disease pressure at courses throughout the region. Even if your course isn't experiencing disease pressure, this regional update provides valuable information in case future conditions encourage disease development at your facility

As we ring in the new year, the USGA agronomists from the Southeast Region share some of their most prominent agronomic memories from 2014 and some upcoming educational opportunities that can help prepare you for a successful 2015.