A Comparison of Two Devices Used to Measure Golf Course Putting Green Speed

Abstract

The Stimpmeter and Pelzmeter are two devices commonly used to measure putting green speed. The Stimpmeter was released in 1978 and the Pelzmeter followed approximately 25 years later. The Pelzmeter uses various technologies to potentially reduce measurement variability. However, it is unclear how similar these meters compare for measuring putting green speed. The objective of this research was to compare the measurement variability between the two devices when measuring putting green speed and to determine if they give similar results on the same putting surface. This study was conducted at four sites: the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR); the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN); the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT); and Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI). At each site, three evaluators used each device to measure putting green speed on plots with varying green speeds. There was a strong linear, one‐to‐one relationship between the Pelzmeter and the Stimpmeter when measuring putting green speed on the same turf. Measurement repeatability (as measured by standard deviation) among different evaluators was improved with the Pelzmeter at one of the four sites. There were no differences in measurement repeatability between the devices when a single evaluator repeatedly measured the same turf with the same device.

Measuring Canopy Anomaly Influence on Golf Putt Kinematics: Errors Associated with Simulated Putt Devices

“…Higher imprecision with the Stimpmeter can possibly be attributed to an inconsistent ball release mechanism, random wobble of golf balls rolling down the ramp, and ball bounce on ball exit from the device (Pelz, 2002; Pelz Golf Institute, 2004; Richards et al, 2009; USGA, 2012). The same researchers also commented that legacy effects from repeated ball rolls on the same track of turf could increase inconsistencies; however, in the current study, legacy effects of repeated ball rolls were minimized by brushing the putting surface between every roll.…”

“…The Pelzmeter incorporates a spirit‐level system to ensure that the ball is released from a consistent height, a curvilinear ramp that releases the ball horizontally onto the green to minimize ball bounce, and three side‐by‐side grooves that help minimize legacy effects of previously rolled balls (Pelz, 2002; Pelz Golf Institute, 2004). However, Richards et al (2009) reported no differences between the Pelzmeter and Stimpmeter in putting green speed measurement.…”

Trinexapac‐ethyl applications and lightweight rolling on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens

“…Three golf balls were rolled in opposite directions lengthwise in the plot and the mean of each direction was adjusted via the Brede equation to get a single BRD value for each experimental unit (Brede, 1991). Ball roll distance data generated via the Pelzmeter and Stimpmeter are highly correlated (Richards, Karcher, Nikolai, Henderson, & Sorochan, 2009).…”

“…Three golf balls were rolled in opposite directions lengthwise in the plot and the mean of each direction was adjusted via the Brede equation to get a single BRD value for each experimental unit (Brede, 1991). Ball roll distance data generated via the Pelzmeter and Stimpmeter are highly correlated (Richards, Karcher, Nikolai, Henderson, & Sorochan, 2009). Turfgrass quality was visually assessed 10 times throughout the trial period on a 1 (i.e., brown or dead turfgrass) to 9 (i.e., dark green, dense, healthy turfgrass) scale, with ratings of ≥6 being acceptable (Horst, Engelke, & Meyers, 1984).…”

Effects of Behind Center Distance on Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) Putting Greens

“…Green speed was measured according to standard procedures using a Pelzmeter (Pelz Golf Institute, Spicewood, TX) at HTRC and a Stimpmeter (USGA, Far Hills, NJ) at ETREC. These devices were found to produce highly similar GS values (Richards et al, 2009); therefore, comparisons could be made between locations. Clipping yields were collected weekly, and were measured on a dry weight basis after being oven-dried for 48 h at 160°F.…”