RAFAEL JUAN ALFREDO M. LUZ (JANUARY 2011)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Golf putting greens are the most important area of a golf course. Much time is invested in the management of the turf grass. Such management methods are employed in order to maintain a green speed that meets the requirements set by the United States Golf Association and the expectations of golfers for fast green speeds. This study is conducted to determine the effects of the management method, particularly the irrigation on the mean green speed. This study focuses on the effects of surface moisture levels on the Ball Roll Distance of the putting green. A flat section practice green in Bacolod City Golf and Country Club served as the area to conduct the study. Five different moisture levels were applied to the green. A golf ball was then rolled onto the green with the use of a stimpmeter. Ball Roll Distance was recorded and the process was repeated for a total of five trials per moisture level before computing for the mean. A significant decrease in Ball Roll Distance was observed in higher levels of moisture levels as compared to dry conditions. Analysis of the data with One-Way ANOVA shows that majority of the results are insignificant. It is concluded that while there are decreases in Ball Roll Distance, the effects of moisture on the game play are not significant as compared to other management methods. The results imply that golfers can rely on their own judgment to adjust their putts accordingly.