[Chris Munoz]

Just want to know what everyone thinks about Seashore Paspalum.  I have been hearing a lot good things about this turf grass.  How is it to establish?  To play golf off of? And how is it to maintain?  Mainly this grass is planted in the southern climates and in foregin countries.

Chris Munoz

[Anthony_Nysse]

Hey Chris,
  SP is a fantasic surface to play off. It's tight and dense and has very good color that holds on longer than bermuda in transition climates. Chris Johnson, Golf Course Superintendent at May River Golf Club near Hilton Head, SC does and amazing job with his SP. He has Champion on his greens and SP everywhere else.Send me an IM and I can give you his contact number if you need it.

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Long Cove Club
HHI, SC

[Neil_Crafter]

Just back from Vietnam where I saw SP at a course there. They are replacing the bermuda fairways with it (after only a couple of years) and the move appeared to be very successful. It is very much deeper green than the bermudas which were struggling in the low light conditions. Forms a nice dense sward and IMHO is the  warm season turfgrass of the future, especially in Asia. Can be irrigated with seawater if necessary , but soil needs regular flushing. Is susceptible to scalping damage and slow to recover. We will be using it on our new project in Vietnam which we are documenting at the present.
cheers Neil

[Mike_Sweeney]

I have not played it, but the new Steel course The Abaco Club in The Bahamas used SP on the greens tees and fairways, according to Paul Daley's book.

[Michael Whitaker]

The Ocean Point course at Fripp Island is totally paspalum from tee to green. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Resort has paspalum greens.

[Forrest Richardson]

We have planted Paspalum Dwarf wall-to-wall at The Links at Las Palomas, Sonora, Mexico. It is verrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow to grow, especially when you are pressed for water and decent quality water. Once established it is exceptional and will tolerate salts and drought. It is, without question, the salvation of golf in arid climates along seacoasts.

[texsport]

Seashore Paspalum is used on the Houston Astros baseball field, Minute Maid Park.

Their experience is that it is not very tolerant in high traffic areas. It must be replaced frequently in the outfield areas where the players stand most often.

They also keep the grass cut a little longer to accentuate it's green color.

[Micah Woods]

A seashore paspalum cultivar with good salt tolerance grows more than other grasses at increased salinity levels.

But bermuda has good salt and drought tolerance too. Seashore paspalum turf provides a much greener surface than does bermuda or zoysia. The salt tolerance and drought tolerance/recovery of seashore paspalum depends on the variety.

Turf racing at Hollywood Park was cancelled this fall because the seashore paspalum did not provide an acceptable surface:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9897599/from/RL.4/

At the upcoming Royal Trophy (Europe vs. Asia, January 5-8) in Bangkok, the entire course is seashore paspalum.

[PjW]

I am working on a development in Kauai, a Weiskopf design.  (www.kukuiula.com) Considering using sea dwarf (sprigs) on greens, maybe supreme (sprigs) or 2000 (sprigs) on tees and fairways.  I am trying some sea spray (seeded variety) on some small test plots, for the roughs and maybe tees and fairways also.   I would much rather seed than sprig.  Seashore paspalum is the 'in' turf in Hawaii today, having more pros than cons when compared to bermuda.  

Phil Wycoff
golf project manager

[Chris Munoz]

I just want to tell everyone thanks for all the information being given, regarding Paspalum.  The reason why I posted information, regarding paspalum, was because I have been recently hired as the assistant superintendent at the new Tom Fazio golf course being constructed at the Punta Cana Resort and Club, in Dominican Republic.  The course is Corales Golf Club.  There is a PB Dye course already there, La Cana Golf Club.  The course will have some specific kind of paspalum on it.


Chris Munoz

[Paul Carey]

Does anyone know the farthest North Seashore Paspalum has been grown and whether it was successful?  Thanks.

[Joe Perches]

Just back from Vietnam where I saw SP at a course there.

Which one?  Song Be?  Ocean Dunes?  I thought Ocean Dunes was bermuda that didn't work too well a couple of years ago, but the grass condition was at least acceptable.

bermudas were struggling in the low light conditions

Vietnam has low light conditions?

[Aidan Bradley]

The first time I came across Paspalum was two years ago when photographing Kuki' Golf Club on the Big Island. It is the greenest grass I have ever come across. However, I found it a little grabby to play off. Images of the course may be seen on my web site "golfcoursephotography.com".

Aidan.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Chris,
  Congrats on your new job! Don't be a stranger in posting some pics when you get a chance! Merry X-mas!

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Long Cove Club
HHI, SC

[Rick Baril]

Muni,

We are using Seashore Paspalum 'Salam' in Gran Canaria with good results.  Today, we have seven holes planted.   Three fairways have been planted for nearly one year.

We sprig heavy (from an on-site nursery) and grow-in within 90 days.

Good water conditions and fairly good soil conditions ("sandy" volcanic soils).

The course will be "hard edge" and the "slow creep" characteristic (compared to Bermuda) is proving beneficial.

We were unable to get everyone completely comfortable with Paspalum (SeaDwarf, SeaIsle 1 or 2000) on the greens.  We investigated a few courses with Paspalum greens and the surfaces were good.  But, in the end, the client was not convinced.  So, we will "start" with a bentgrass blend.  (I believe this will be converted in the future.)  

An issue, which will affect the "bentgrass" greens decision long term is; single source irrigation (entire course covered by one system).  And, we are using desalinated water.  With only a portion of the course under irrigation, it is possible to provide sufficient good quality water.  But, when the entire course is being irrigated, I suspect it will be difficult and costly to produce water (suitable for the bent) for the entire golf course.

Our experience is consistent with what has been reported.  Dark green color.  Able to "stripe" fairways.  Water requirements 30 to 40% less than Bermuda.  So far, very little disease problem.  We have Bermuda infestation (which occured during a time we were switching superintendents) that should be fairly simple to remedy.  The turf is very dense or tight.  It has a "stiff" blade and the ball sits high.  We think Paspalum will require fairly extensive topdressing and grooming.  So, a good and reliable sand source may be a consideration.  (As a side note: one of the concerns for using Paspalum on the greens, was the "stiffness" of the leaf blade.  We were concerned this may affect the "roll" - causing some "wiggle" or drift.  The greens we tested rolled suprisingly true and consistent.)

We are testing to see if Paspalum may provide a good answer for "low maintenance or no mow" areas.  We are hoping it will voluntarily top out at +/- 4" and be dense enough - not to swallow a golf ball.

Hope this helps.

[Mike Vegis @ Kiawah]

The Ocean Point course at Fripp Island is totally paspalum from tee to green. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Resort has paspalum greens.

Actually, in addition to the greens, all of the tees are also paspalum.  Additionall, we have it tee to green on No. 1 and No. 14 as well as the first 1/3 of No. 2.  We're so happy with the surface, we plan to eventually convert the entire course to paspalum as the quality of our deep well water is so bad, it virtually works as a growth retardent on the bermuda...

[Chris Munoz]

Just wondering, what specific kinds of diseases appear with paspalum???And what products do u use for pre and post emergent applications.....I can see that light and freguent topdressing applications is a must to sustain a smooth ball rolling surfaces on both fairways and greens.....For Rick in Puerto Rico, what kind of bent are u using on the greens??

Chris Munoz

[Donnie Beck]

Dr. Ron Duncan of the University of Georgia has done a lot of work with Paspalum. He would be the 1st person I would contact with any questions.

[PjW]

Muni

RR Duncan and RN Carrow have written a book 'Seashore Paspalum, the Environmental Turfgrass'.  I would get that.  If you have the chance to go to the GCSAA conference enroll in Duncan's seminar on seashore paspalum.  I went to it last year, very informative seminar plus the one on one chance to talk to Dr. Duncan about your specific concerns.  

Phil

[Neil_Crafter]

Joe
The course in Vietnam was the Long Thanh course in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by Ronald Fream. They have now replaced most of the bermuda on their 2 year old 18 holes with paspalum as I was there again only a few weeks ago. The new nine just open was turfed with paspalum from the start. Song Be is bermuda and haven't been to Ocean Dunes yet.

By low light conditions I mean relatively few sunshine hours. Many countries in the tropics such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam etc have this climatic feature. Most days are overcast! Turf has to rely on lower light levels as a result (even though its still hot and humid) and I'm sure bermuda appreciates higher sun levels. The paspalum colour versus bermuda is chalk and cheese.
cheers Neil

[Mike Vegis @ Kiawah]

Just wondering, what specific kinds of diseases appear with paspalum???And what products do u use for pre and post emergent applications.....I can see that light and freguent topdressing applications is a must to sustain a smooth ball rolling surfaces on both fairways and greens.....For Rick in Puerto Rico, what kind of bent are u using on the greens??

Chris Munoz

I agree with your contacting Dr. Duncan.  He developed our strain (OC03) of paspalum.  As for overseeding, the first year we lightly overseeded the greens (prior to the 2003 World Cup in case we had an early frost) with bent.  However, we no longer overseed the greens and they roll just fine.  If you look at Ran's course review of The Ocean Course, you'll see pictures of the dormant green which have a slight purplish shade which makes for a good target!

[Chris Munoz]

It seems to me that paspalum grass is becoming the choice for the southern climates for golf courses, IF it is properly established and maintained.  I will contact Dr. Duncan and will most likely find some more information regarding paspalum.  Again thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread.  

Chris Munoz

[Steve Okula]

 We have Bermuda infestation (which occured during a time we were switching superintendents) that should be fairly simple to remedy.

If you please, what is the simple way to eliminate the bermuda in paspalum?

[PjW]

Steve:

Salt applied as a dry application directly on the bermuda, can set the paspalum back a little but wont kill it.

Phil

[Rick Baril]

For Rick in Puerto Rico, what kind of bent are u using on the greens??

Muni,
The course is in Gran Canaria (although there is a small town named Puerto Rico next to the golf course).
We are using a "tri-blend" of: A4, L93 and Seaside II - recommended by our Super (who we have worked with on several projects and trust implicitly).  His reasoning:  Moderate to high salt tolerance and good insect resistance. (Personally, I think his choice of a tri-blend, as opposed to a mono-stand, is a "definsive" one.)  

Steve, good to hear from you!  Hope you are doing well!
Re: "infestation that should be fairly simple to remedy" - (I suppose I should have said, "simple for me" anyway!)
This is our thinking:
First, the first nine holes won't open for 6 to 8 months, so we have time to take drastic measures without affecting play.
The plan:  Primo, concentration to be determined.  This option is awaiting some information related to a study presently being conducted.  I understand there is a pending "packaged" or recommended specification expected soon.  Most dramatic:  Round-up - as the course isn't open, we can do this, as stated before, without affecting play.
Lastly, the super is testing a various salt water concentration sprays applied with a back-pack sprayer. The idea is to exploit the different salt tolerance characteristics between Bermuda and Paspalum.

 You can probably detect, we are "feeling" our way through these issues, which is never comforting.  But, we are extremely happy with what we are seeing.

Don Roberts (with Mandalay) has been a great source of help for us.
 
Hope this helps.

[Tags:]

Tags:

[Tags:]

Tags:

Call to undefined function theme_linktree()