The process involves spreading a thin layer of sand over the putting surface. The sand must then be allowed to dry sufficently on the surface before it can be rolled off the turf down to the base of the plant. Once the greens are rolled, most of the sand is cleared from the greens and the remainder gets watered in using overnight irrigation. The greens are mowed and rolled the next day to clean up any remaining sand and the result is a smooth, firmer putting surface. Thursday, September 5, 2013
Greens Topdressing
On Tuesday (9/3) the staff completed topdressing of all 20 greens on the golf course. The practice of sand topdressing has benefits for the player as well as the superintendent. For the player, the benefits of topdressing are that the greens will be smoother, firmer and hold shots better. For the superintendent, the benefit aside from smoother and firmer surfaces is the sand will help minimize the production of thatch, which is the layer of organic matter located just below the turf surface.
The process involves spreading a thin layer of sand over the putting surface. The sand must then be allowed to dry sufficently on the surface before it can be rolled off the turf down to the base of the plant. Once the greens are rolled, most of the sand is cleared from the greens and the remainder gets watered in using overnight irrigation. The greens are mowed and rolled the next day to clean up any remaining sand and the result is a smooth, firmer putting surface.
The process involves spreading a thin layer of sand over the putting surface. The sand must then be allowed to dry sufficently on the surface before it can be rolled off the turf down to the base of the plant. Once the greens are rolled, most of the sand is cleared from the greens and the remainder gets watered in using overnight irrigation. The greens are mowed and rolled the next day to clean up any remaining sand and the result is a smooth, firmer putting surface. 
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Introduction...
As the new Assistant Superintendent, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Pat Bastron and I come to Blackhawk following Assistant stints at clubs in Peoria Illinois and the North Shore of Chicago. I am incredibly excited to join Chad and the entire staff at Blackhawk. As a 2009 graduate of UW-Madison, the opportunity to return to Madison and become part of the Blackhawk Country Club team is indescribable.
I began working on a golf course in 2001 at age 15 for my father who was a Superintendent at Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan Illinois for 24 years. I learned the basics of turf management at Glen Flora all through high school until 2006. In 2007 I completed my first internship at Old Elm Club in Highland Park Illinois. At Old Elm I continued to perfect the skills I had learned and gain experience in new areas. Then in 2008 I had the exciting opportunity to intern at Interlachen Country Club in Edina Minnesota which hosted the Women’s U.S. Open that summer. Having the chance to be a part of a major Championship was very exhilarating! My final internship in 2009 took place at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest Illinois. Conway Farms hosted the Western Amateur Championship in 2009 and will host the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship this September. As I mentioned earlier, following graduation from UW-Madison I took a position as Assistant Superintendent at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria Illinois. Working in Central Illinois offered some unique opportunities and challenges that helped shape my career in turf management. After two seasons at Mt. Hawley, I took a position as Assistant Superintendent at Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield Illinois. I feel my diverse work experience has well prepared me for the challenges and rewards that Blackhawk Country club offers.
On a more personal note, I am an avid golfer with a 12 handicap. I enjoy bowling, fishing, hunting and watching Badger sports. Also, I have an identical twin brother named Phil. I look forward to meeting each one of you around the golf course and please be patient with me as I begin learning everyone’s names. Once again I wanted to say how excited I am to join the staff at Blackhawk Country Club, and look forward to finishing this golf season strong.
Pat Bastron
I began working on a golf course in 2001 at age 15 for my father who was a Superintendent at Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan Illinois for 24 years. I learned the basics of turf management at Glen Flora all through high school until 2006. In 2007 I completed my first internship at Old Elm Club in Highland Park Illinois. At Old Elm I continued to perfect the skills I had learned and gain experience in new areas. Then in 2008 I had the exciting opportunity to intern at Interlachen Country Club in Edina Minnesota which hosted the Women’s U.S. Open that summer. Having the chance to be a part of a major Championship was very exhilarating! My final internship in 2009 took place at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest Illinois. Conway Farms hosted the Western Amateur Championship in 2009 and will host the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship this September. As I mentioned earlier, following graduation from UW-Madison I took a position as Assistant Superintendent at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria Illinois. Working in Central Illinois offered some unique opportunities and challenges that helped shape my career in turf management. After two seasons at Mt. Hawley, I took a position as Assistant Superintendent at Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield Illinois. I feel my diverse work experience has well prepared me for the challenges and rewards that Blackhawk Country club offers.
On a more personal note, I am an avid golfer with a 12 handicap. I enjoy bowling, fishing, hunting and watching Badger sports. Also, I have an identical twin brother named Phil. I look forward to meeting each one of you around the golf course and please be patient with me as I begin learning everyone’s names. Once again I wanted to say how excited I am to join the staff at Blackhawk Country Club, and look forward to finishing this golf season strong.
Pat Bastron
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