For the past couple of seasons we have been working on tightening up and firming up our approaches. Through a number of cultivation procedures (aeration, verti-cutting, lower mowing heights and topdressing) we are seeing some results. This week we topdressed our approaches with a rather heavy application of straight sand. The theory with topdressing approaches is the same as with greens, we will dilute the thatch with sand and create a nice sand based playing surface. This will create an area in front of the greens that will be consistent, firm and tight. Here is a picture of Paul putting down some sand on the 4th hole.
Last fall we utilized a “new to us” method of revitilization for our practice tee. Our contractor TDS, fraize mowed the surface of the tee to remove organic matter as well at to aid in leveling. The tee was then aerified and seeded to a new variety of creeping rye grass. We chose this type of turf grass as research shows rapid recovery and a low growth habit. We were able to get some great growth in the fall, but the tee is still not ready for traffic and full use. The plan is to utilize the mats until growth has filled in some of the voids etc. We will then begin to slowly set up hitting areas on the grass tee. For a while we will alternate between grass and the mats with a 50/50 ratio of use. Once the grass tee is established and is in adequate recovery mode, the practice areas will be back to normal. As always our membership’s patience is appreciated as we try to improve these areas for use.
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