Surface Playability Results

On Wimg_3040ednesday Nov. 16th the HCS 3370 Sports Turf Management class measured playing quality at the OTF Research Facility. Students measured green speed, surface firmness, hardness and soil moisture (at 3 inch depth) on a putting greens (USGA sand), a sports turf area (perennial ryegrass on sand:soil blend) and artificial turf.

A stimpeter and soccer ball roll apparatus measured speed (ball roll). The Clegg Impact Hammer (Clegg) tested hardness (Gmax) of the turf. Firmness was tested with the Firmness Meter. Soil moisture was tested by the TDR 300 Soil Moisture Meter.

The results are summarized below.

playabilityresults_2016

In the comment section below, answer the following questions:

  1. Which surface was “fastest?
  2. How do you think speed affects ball performance in games like golf & soccer? Give an opinion as to why soccer players may prefer natural grass over synthetic/artificial.
  3. Which surface was “hardest”?
  4. How does soil moisture affect surface hardness?

You can answer these Qs for an extra bonus point!