Research

Photo: USGA Green Section Record, 44:2

Understanding summer bentgrass decline: What the research reveals

August 5, 2026 By
Summer bentgrass decline on putting greens may have less to do with disease and more to do with energy. ...

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(Photo: Sapkota et al. via International Turfgrass Society Research Journal)

Precision irrigation on golf courses: Mapping soil moisture with turfRad

A study evaluated the turfRad Portable L-band Radiometer for mapping soil moisture across golf course fairways at Texas A&M University and UC Riverside. ...

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Figure 1. Soil cores from an annual bluegrass green were evaluated from the zone below the green leaf canopy to the distinct interface between the thatch and sand layer indicated by the red arrow. (Photo: Ruying Wang, James Hempfling, James Murphy)

History and new perspectives on topdressing

Sand topdressing has evolved from labor-intensive 19th-century origins into a science-based practice essential for modern golf course management. ...

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Logo: GCSAA

GCSAA to support two new agronomic research projects in 2026

March 9, 2026 By
Each project will receive up to $100,000 from a GCSAA Foundation block grant. ...

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Photo: Harrell's

Harrell’s new wetting agent SurfaceRx aims to improve turf playability under stress conditions

August 26, 2025 By
According to Harrell’s directors of agronomy, Dr. Jeff Atkinson and Dr. Raymond Snyder, the technology not only addresses water penetration and soil repellency but also supports the turf plant’s natural defenses during drought and stress conditions. ...

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Photo: CT757fan/E+/Getty Images

Off the Record: Milestones in USGA’s water history

May 19, 2025 By
In the 2000s, the industry recognized the importance of making every drop count on golf courses. ...

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