After chemical companies spend on average $30,000,000 to bring a product to the market, it still has one test.  How does the product work in the real world, on a golf course?  There is no way to simulate the stresses of golfers, golf balls, mowers, etc. in a laboratory, so the final tests are university trials.  This is where the cream rises to the top. Not only are the products tested on the course, they are tested side by side with the industry standards.  How the product does in these trials can make or break emerging companies as well as bring down the market shares of major companies. 

We are currently conducting two experiments here at Lake Forest along with Dr. Ken Hutto, of the University of Florida.  These two projects are taking place on the Lake 9.  The project that interests me most is trying to control algae, which is taking part on the sixth green.  We are looking at different rates along with the cost effectiveness of terracite and one other product that goes by a code.  The second experiment is taking place in front of the second tee on the lake nine on Virginia button weed control.  There are 6 different products and rates out there with one product not yet being on the market.  These projects are marked with orange dots if you want to take a look at them.

 What does all this mean for Lake Forest?  Well it keeps us up to date, on the cutting edge so to speak.  Plus we get to use some of the extra product in the surrounding areas for weed or algae control.  I am currently talking with them on a few other projects that they are beginning.  So be on the look out for more orange dots on the course and feel free to ask me questions, I will answer as best I can.

Derrick Sammons

Golf Course Superintendent