Wiley: The Superintendent's Guide to Controlling Putting Green Speed

Overview

Thomas Nikolai, a renowned turfgrass expert and green speed specialist, guides readers through the science and craft of establishing and maintaining the ideal putting green speeds for your course. Drawing on years of research at Michigan State and practical work with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, this guide distills complex factors into approachable, actionable insights.

From playability to environmental and weather considerations, the book examines how speed is shaped by mowing height, turfgrass species, soil moisture, and surface texture. Instead of prescribing one universal speed, it explains how to evaluate conditions and tailor maintenance decisions to your course's unique profile.

What you'll learn

• How different turfgrass species respond to traffic, growth cycles, and weather, and what that means for speed consistency
• Techniques to measure speed reliably using widely available tools like the Stimpmeter
• How mowing practices, irrigation, and fertility influence ball roll and speed over time
• Strategies to address common speed-related challenges, such as speed variation across pins or days with changing humidity
• Guidance on choosing the right equipment, technology, and management approaches for your greens

The author translates research into practical, non-technical language, making the content accessible whether you supervise a course or are studying turf science. Real-world scenarios illustrate how adjustments in routine tasks can influence speed without sacrificing playability.

Practical takeaways

• Environmental awareness: how temperature, humidity, and soil moisture can alter speed and roll length
• Maintenance tuning: balancing mowing height, frequency, and rolling to reach preferred speeds
• Species selection: choosing grasses that align with your local climate and desired play feel
• Technology use: applying current tools, including the Stimpmeter, to monitor progress and inform decisions

Whether you manage a public layout or a private club, the guide offers possible directions to help you calibrate greens to your goals. It emphasizes measurement, observation, and gradual adjustments rather than quick fixes. Order your copy today to explore how these ideas could fit your course’s rhythm and style.