Dr. Thomas Nikolai is known worldwide as the ‘Doctor of Green Speed’ due to his extensive research into the golf course putting green mechanical and cultural practices that increase turfgrass health and player satisfaction.
Here, Thom shares his best advice for golf course superintendents to optimize the health of their putting greens
How can golf courses maximize customer satisfaction whilst saving money?
Dr. Thomas Nikolai shares his expert insights into the equipment and technology golf courses should have in place and the secret art of rolling for consistently smooth greens to increase player satisfaction as a result:
- Deploy a TDR moisture probe to monitor soil moisture levels
- Regularly use a stimpmeter to measure daily green speeds to ensure your watering your greens efficiently
- Roll your greens at least every other day, and up to twice daily, to improve smoothness and playability
"If you take daily green speed measurements and you know what your target is, you can save a lot of money"
What Syngenta thinks...
At the heart of Dr. Nikolai’s advice is the importance of data and measurement. Data is fundamental to decision-making and especially where it applies to such a prized asset as your property’s greens.
The appearance, quality and smoothness of your greens can make or break a customer’s experience and are often the topic of conversation in the clubhouse or in online reviews. So taking the time and data to truly understand what is happening, when and why, along with engaging in practices Dr. Nikolai describes, is critical to achieving consistent, resilient greens.
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