Grass Gossip | June 9th, 2024

We are well past time for a golf course update from the Agronomic team. It has been a very busy 30 days for the crew, and I’m thankful for the three new additions we were able to add in the beginning of May. We are working with a healthy number of guys that are learning the ropes quickly and contributing to the consistency of conditions in a very positive way. Aside from being able to mow the greens, tees, fairways and roughs on a more regular basis, we have been able to complete additional projects, specifically related to the drainage on 11 and the sod on the driving range. Thus far we have laid out over 6,000 square feet of Bermuda grass so far, and will be laying out another 7,000 in this upcoming week on hole 5, the white tee on 1 as well as the blue tee on hole 7. The differences are noticeable and we are appreciative of management being proactive in their approach to course improvements. Also, I want to thank the membership for understanding the importance of closing hole 6 for two weeks. I’d like to humbly document the work I personally have been putting in to help improve the green condition from thin and vulnerable to healthy and dense.

There are several keys to re-establishing thin turf, regardless of the cause. Creating better airflow into the rootzone, removing stress factors (compaction, golfers 😊 and low mowing height), and increasing fertility are surefire ways to improve plant health, and stimulate recovery. Once we identified that the green needed special attention about 6 weeks ago we did not hesitate to aerify and topdress with sand. Two days prior to the aerification I applied a nitrogen based fertilizer to begin stimulating growth, I have continued that pattern of application once every 3 weeks since. To reap the full benefits of the fertilizer we have reduced the mowing frequency and raised the height of cut to achieve better overall turf coverage and density. The green is now at the point where the surface resembles that of all the other greens, compare to how it has always been noticeably thinner and weaker looking. The final step to recovery was to install sod patches on the right side of the green, that has always struggled to grow turf due to foot traffic and poor grading. I’m documenting the steps in the process below.

There are several challenges to laying sod on a putting green, simply identifying which areas to sod can be first challenge. Secondly, it is extremely important to make sure the new turf gets placed to the same level as the existing putting surface so that the ball can roll smoothly across the new patches. Once the old areas are cut and the new patches are laid, we use a weight tamp to help level the sod and prevent it from sinking over time, after that step we use sand to topdress and help level out and little dips in the turf. The sand is then brushed in with a broom to begin working it into the soil and turf canopy. It can be a tedious process but it is important so that the turf can be mowed and begin to play like the existing surface as quickly as possible.

The health of the green has improved dramatically in the past two weeks, especially, and we look forward to reopening soon with greatly improved playing conditions. We appreciate your patience and as we continue the hard work in making daily and weekly progress.

Cheers,

Andy