On Monday this week we took advantage of having no golf and tackled a very important task on the course. We needle tined (vented greens) and sand topdressed. These are vital cultural practices for these greens to maintain consistency and healthy turf for the season. Venting allows oxygen into the soil to increase microbial activity and reduce compaction. Greens speeds did not slow at all, in fact we find that greens can be faster after a topdress. Why? Sand contributes to a smooth surface.
We couldn't be happier with the development of the new putting green. Today we started grooming the green for the turf for the first time. The act of grooming consists of small vertical blades that help stand the turf plants up for a better cut. Putting green turf grows laterally and grooming helps to prevent plants from getting too long. We will groom for a few days prior to another sand topdress next week.
We couldn't be happier with the development of the new putting green. Today we started grooming the green for the turf for the first time. The act of grooming consists of small vertical blades that help stand the turf plants up for a better cut. Putting green turf grows laterally and grooming helps to prevent plants from getting too long. We will groom for a few days prior to another sand topdress next week.
Topdressing continues to help smooth out some areas of the new green such as the photo shown here. With the many slopes on the green, smoothing out the transitions can take a couple of seasons.
These areas around slopes can look a little funny after mows. Sand settles in the longer grass or dips in the green and eventually smooths out the area.
Once smoothness is achieved, speed follows.
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