the Science Behind Championship Golf Course grass: Preparing for the KPMG women’s PGA Championship
Frisco, Texas – The meticulous planning and scientific approach required to prepare Fields Ranch East for a major championship.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is set to make its Texas debut at Fields Ranch East in Frisco from June 19-22. But what exactly goes into ensuring a golf course is primed and ready for a major championship? The answer lies in a combination of meticulous planning, scientific monitoring, and a dedicated team of turfgrass professionals.
The Architect of Excellence: Roger Meier’s Vision
Roger Meier, the Senior Director of Golf Maintenance Operations for the PGA of America and PGA Frisco, oversees the intricate process of maintaining the 600 acres at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort.According to Meier, planning is paramount.
As we ramp up towards the championship, we solicit volunteers from all across the country.We lean on other turfgrass professionals to assist us that week. Our team could grow as big as 95-100 depending on the time of year for the championship and what’s going on and expectations for conditioning.
Roger Meier, Senior Director of Golf Maintenance Operations, PGA of America and PGA Frisco
Did You Know?
The ideal mowing height for greens on a championship golf course is typically around 0.125 inches. This requires specialized equipment and meticulous attention to detail.
Forecasting the Unpredictable: Weather’s Pivotal Role
North Texas weather, known for its volatility, plays a notable role in the preparations. Meier and his team closely monitor weather patterns to adapt their maintenance strategies.
We’re looking every day at weather forecasts and trying to understand what’s happening because it dictates everything we do day in and day out.
Roger Meier, Senior Director of Golf Maintenance Operations, PGA of America and PGA Frisco
Beyond general forecasts, the team tracks moisture levels in the ground using advanced technology.
- Evapotranspiration Rates: Monitoring how quickly water evaporates from the soil.
- Moisture Meters: Measuring moisture content at various points on the course.
- Subsurface Sensors: Providing real-time data on underground moisture levels.
We look at evapotranspiration rates, how fast water’s leaving the ground. We collect so much data here onsite with our team. We’re looking at moisture meters, moisture sensors. We’ve got sensors in the ground monitoring different areas of the ground that are subsurface.
Roger Meier, Senior Director of Golf Maintenance Operations, PGA of America and PGA Frisco
Planning for the Worst: Severe Weather Preparedness
Preparation extends to managing the aftermath of severe weather events.The course’s design incorporates features that promote efficient drainage, minimizing disruption after heavy rainfall.
Pro Tip
Golf course superintendents often use wetting agents to help water penetrate the soil more evenly, especially in areas prone to drying out.
A Challenging Course Awaits
The course itself presents a unique challenge to golfers, with intricate green complexes and strategic design elements. Weather conditions, particularly wind, will further test the players’ skills.
It’s going to be a very challenging golf course from a design standpoint – green complexes are tricky.
Roger Meier, Senior Director of Golf maintenance Operations, PGA of America and PGA Frisco
It’s going to be the wind. I think if the wind is blowing, which it typically always does out here, it’s going to pose a challenge for the players.
Roger Meier, Senior Director of Golf Maintenance Operations, PGA of America and PGA Frisco
Don’t Miss the action
The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be held at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, June 19-22.Tickets are available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is evapotranspiration?
- It’s the process by which water transfers from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.
- Why is weather forecasting so important for golf course maintenance?
- Weather dictates irrigation schedules,fertilization plans,and other maintenance activities.
- How manny people are involved in maintaining the course for the championship?
- The team can grow to 95-100 people, including volunteers and turfgrass professionals.
