Smithco Tournament Ultra Lite

Due to its low weight, the Smithco Tournament Ultra Lite is ideal for users who place great importance on minimising soil compaction. At just 275 kg, it is lighter than comparable competitor models, yet its dual drive still provides very good traction.

Powered by a 6.7 kW (9 hp) Honda petrol engine and with a turning circle of only approx. 3 metres, this most affordable greens roller in the Smithco range offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio!

Why roll the greens?

In the 1990s, studies on the effects of rolling greens over an entire season, focusing on soil compaction, green speed and turf quality, were conducted at the renowned universities of North Carolina (NCSU), Pennsylvania State (PSU) and Michigan State (MSU). At PSU, greens with a USGA profile and a native soil profile were rolled never, once and twice a week. This rolling had no negative effects on soil water infiltration, turf quality or soil compaction.
Greens that were lightly top-dressed at regular intervals and rolled three times a
week with a light roller showed:

• no deterioration in grass colour or quality
• a 30 cm increase in green speed on the day of rolling
• a 15.24 cm increase in green speed on the day after rolling
• reduced susceptibility to Dollar Spot disease
• increased root growth in the top-dressed layers
• reduced susceptibility to dry patches
• less weed growth

The American golf course architect Dr. Walter S. Harban said back in 1922: "I cannot imagine achieving perfect putting surfaces without rolling the greens; this practice will be indispensable in the future!"