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.