Newport CC, Envu partner for 2024 U.S. Senior Open

Envu is the exclusive manufacturer sponsor of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and nematicides at the 2024 U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club.

Founded in 1893, the historic club depends on Envu products such as Stressgard brand fungicides, Banol fungicide and Indemnify nematicide to fortify turf above and below ground for more resilient, healthy turfgrass for optimal playability. In addition to supporting the volunteer program for the tournament, Envu will work to grow the green industry by holding an educational event for volunteers during the opening day of the U.S. Senior Open.

“While spectators focus on the golfers and the pristine turfgrass, our priority will be the volunteers,” said Dr. James Hempfling, Green Solutions Team specialist at Envu. “Investing in volunteer education is our way to give back, help turfgrass professionals advance in their career and strengthen the green industry, ensuring the continued growth of the game of golf.”

Newport Country Club is one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association. Redesigned by A. W. Tillinghast during the golden age of golf course architecture, its course presents unique turf management challenges. It does not have irrigated fairways, so the club relies primarily on nature for watering. Located on Rhode Island’s peninsula, the course experiences cooler ground temperatures and higher air salinity due to its proximity to the ocean. Golf course superintendent Chris Coen has spent decades overseeding with 25 percent bentgrass and 75 percent chewings fescue and using smart cultural practices to help the turf withstand the stressors of annual diseases (like snow mold), summer heat and heavy foot traffic during peak playing events.

“As courses manage stricter water restrictions, I think superintendents should be aware that Envu Stressgard portfolio products can help grow healthy turfgrass,” Coen said. “During the summertime, the grass will go heat dormant. But, after a rain shower, it perks right up and looks great. Stressgard is an ideal tool in the chest to manage heat stress — it helps the turf stand up from mowing, ball hitting and foot traffic.”

Because the course does not have irrigated fairways, the grounds crew relies on “lean” watering techniques and innovative products to retain moisture and manage potential stressors. Envu Stressgard brand fungicides reduce localized dry spots, help manage wilt and enable lower cutting heights because there is less stress on the turf itself. Tartan Stressgard fungicide has been a go-to product to manage gray leaf spot and heat stress on the perennial ryegrass fairways. Fiata Stressgard fungicide is used as a tank-mix partner to ensure Stressgard is part of other applications. And Interface Stressgard has been trusted for snow mold control. Indemnify has been a “game-changer” for the course for nematode management.

“The course is always prepared for championship play,” Coen said. “For our club, Envu products help us master the unpredictable. Now with Resilia, from the top of the leaf blade to the bottom of the root zone, we can keep the plant healthy year-round.”