The putting greens are where a lot of green — as in mucho dinero — is invested in the golf course. The putting greens are also where golf course superintendents are often graded for their agronomic abilities.

"His greens play just perfect," is what a superintendent hopes Joe Golfer says about this course's putting surface.

Obviously, fertilizer applications play a major role in how putting greens play. So how does fertility influence a golfer's perception of putting surfaces? We posed that question to Mike Bandy, marketing manager of turf products for The Andersons.

"Golfers are looking for great greens — measured by rich color, high density and optimal green speed," Bandy says.

Fertilizer manufacturers agree that color remains a big issue because golfers seldom tolerate a tan or brown putting surface.

OK, now that we know that, what do superintendents want and need fertility-wise to give golfers those great greens?

"They want their nutrition programs to create and maintain turf that is healthy and consistent, despite high traffic and the limitations in irrigation, labor and other resources," Bandy says. "They also want products that are predictable, cost-effective, labor-effective, easy to apply, environmentally friendly and invisible to the golfer.

"That's a pretty long list," Bandy adds.

But not too long that Gary Grigg, an agronomist for Grigg Brothers, can't add a few more things to it. Superintendents also want fertilizer that improves soil structure, contains less salt, has controlled and long-lasting color response, and has no or low ash content. And Grigg says superintendents also desire products that won't stink up the place.

Obviously, fertilizer manufacturers have their work cut out for them to help superintendents appease golfers' demands for everything Bandy and Grigg have listed. Of course, that's what makes their jobs challenging.

As superintendents know, there are two ways to get nutrients into the plant — one is through the roots and the other is through the foliage. Despite which method superintendents prefer, they must keep some key things in mind when fertilizing their greens in their aim to provide the best putting surfaces possible.