Performance Testing

Performance Testing

•         The R&A and STRI developed a system for measuring the performance of greens and playing surfaces.

•         A system which would deliver a consistent means of measuring performance on all types of surfaces in order to set specific standards.

•         These measurements could be used to adapt management practices to correct any discrepancies in the performance of the playing surfaces.

•         The system set-out to enable the development of an easy to interpret and clearly understandable set of performance data that correlates with the management practices that influence their performance.

•         Taking measurements of the playing qualities enables the accurate description of the standards being set and a method to compare the results against performance levels.

•         The fundamental aims of Performance Testing:

•         To produce a set of greens that receive approach shots correctly

•         To provide smooth/true and well paced surfaces for putting.

•         And to keep management practices focused and in line with our objectives.

Organic Matter Testing

•         Organic Matter (OM) refers to the amount of fibre build-up at the base of the grass plant.

•         This organic matter consists of dead and decaying plant tissues and root growth.

•         Too much OM and the surfaces become soft and spongy with a tendency to hold water.

•         Too little OM and the surfaces become unstable and prone to erosion.

•         Enville’s target - between 4% and 7% in the top 4cm

To calculate the amount of OM we do the following:

•         9 cores are taken from each green to be tested (6 on each course).

•         These cores are taken randomly from around the green.

•         These samples are sent for testing at the STRI.

•         This process is completed once each year normally during the growing season.

Moisture Content

•         The moisture content of the soil profile has a significant impact on the playing qualities of the greens and the health of the turf.

•         Too much moisture and the surfaces become soft and the turf health will suffer.

•         Too low and the consistency and uniformity of the turf will become compromised.

•         At Enville - this is why we aim to keep the moisture between 15% and 25%, so the turf and surface firmness are optimal. Obviously there are going to be times during prolonged periods of rain or drought when readings will fall out side of the guidelines.

Firmness

•         The firmness of the greens is measured using a Clegg Impact Hammer.

•         At Enville the aim is to create firm surfaces that place a real premium on true and accurate ball striking when playing into greens.

•         Achieved from our target firmness range - between 80 and100 gravities regardless of weather conditions.

•         At these firmness levels, balls from well struck shots taken from tight fairway lies will impact, release, check and quickly stop.

•         Improperly struck shots or those taken from the rough, offer far less control and will roll off putting surfaces and finish further away from the greens.

Smoothness

•         The smoothness and trueness is measured with the Trueness Meter™

•         This device is not regularly available to Enville due to its cost and rarity:

•         Only 10 of these devices currently available worldwide as they are hand built at Hallam University.

•         Since 2009,  the Trueness Mater has been used at The Open Venues to manage the performance of the putting surfaces.

•         At Enville - on a regular basis we use a table to visually assess the trueness and smoothness of the putting surface.

Smoothness table

STRI Smoothness Scale
Scale	Description of smoothness/trueness
10	No chatter or snaking. Perfect roll.
9
8	Smooth, isolated chatter and insignificant snaking.
7
6	Chatter, isolated bobble and occasional snaking.
5
4	Distinct bobbling with some snaking.
3
2	Bobbling and snaking.
1
Chatter  = Distinct vertical vibrations discernable but ball does not leave ground. Snaking =  Lateral deflection from intended path. Bobble = Distinct vertical movement where ball leaves the ground.

Green Speed

•         The speed of greens is measured using a Stimpmeter™.

•         The speed is expressed as the average distance rolled by three golf balls delivered from the stimpmeter ramp, on a flat area of the green in two opposite directions. This is repeated on three areas of the green to obtain a good average.

•         At Enville - target speeds aimed for are between from 7ft in the winter months and 9ft 6in during an average summer course set up. Tournament set up aims for speeds of 9ft 5in up to 10ft 5in.

•         There is ongoing research on green speed - already know: Club golfers of a good handicap expect to hole out from six feet, a club pro from 9 feet and tour players from 12 feet.

Benefits of Performance Testing

•         Implementing long-term management plans to improve and maintain the targets and standards we are achieving.

•         Greater specific environment management.

•         Improved grass composition.

•         Continuing R&A research which will put greater emphasis on the best surfaces to achieve the best performance.