TPC Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Team has partnered with the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association (MGCSA) to perform on-site research determined by the members themselves. As part of this project, we conducted a study at TPC Twin Cities, Fox Hollow Golf Club, and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay. We examined the following research question: Is there is any benefit to late season application of plant growth regulators?

Paclobutrazol, prohexadione calcium, and trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) are plant growth regulators (PGRs) that inhibit the synthesis of the plant growth hormone gibberellin.  They can be used on golf greens to inhibit annual bluegrass (Poa annua) growth or to increase the plant health of desirable turfgrasses.

These products are not normally applied late in the season. We partnered with several MGCSA members to examine how various turfgrass species respond to fall applications and whether there is any benefit to late season application.

Research questions

By Sam Bauer

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer with the golf course maintenance team at the TPC Twin Cities for their Champions Tour event the 3M Championship.  In the year that marks the 20th anniversary for this tournament, organizers achieved an unprecedented goal of 20 million dollars donated to charity since the tournament inception.  The 3M Championship is great for golf in Minnesota and the charitable donations benefit the lives of many Minnesotans.  Volunteer opportunities are always available for turfgrass managers and students that are interested in gaining valuable tournament experience in a friendly atmosphere.