Unsung heroes of DLF golfing greens

While the turf is imported from US, the course is constructed according to the United States Golf Association (USGA) regulations. This means standardised greens, tees, bunkers, drainage and irrigation system. ‘‘The grass varieties selected for the DLF golf course can tolerate extreme temperatures, have immunity against disease and also retain their pigmentation in all seasons,’’ says Kaul.

The course superintendent Shekhar Bhardwaj gets into the specifics of the most important ingredient of the course – the grass. ‘‘The Tiff Dwarf II variety of grass is used for the greens while Tiff Way 419 is used for the tees, fairways and roughs. Generally the courses avoid using these varieties as it requires experienced maintenance. However, these provide the best playing surfaces,’’ he adds.

The numerous machines that buzz the course not only pick up leaves but also ensure that each blade of grass is exactly of the standard height. Hydraulically operated machines like the TORO 5000 series are used on the fairways, tees, approaches, fairways and roughs. The mowers are equipped with attachments that groom, brush and comb the grass.

The irrigation system is controlled by a central computer which is connected to a network of weather station and 23 field satellites. There are 1700 electrically controlled sprinklers which release water taking in account the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.

Furthermore non-toxic fertilisers maintain the growth, colour and strength of the turf grass. All these ensure that the fairways are soft, the rough have the correct height and the greens roll smoothly and consistently.

According to Col Kaul after the taking pains for maintaining the course in initial years in due course it will take care of itself. ‘‘I feel that in another four years we will be able to provide members with the same green speed throughout the year,’’ he adds.