Welcome Wing Point Members

This blog is intended to keep the members at Wing Point up to date on the course conditions, the challenges we face with weather, the day to day update on projects, and hopefully add some insight to your overall golf experience. The blog will be updated as much as possible. Information on things that may impact your golf experience such as sanding or aeration will be posted as well. Take time to read one of the polls on the side of the page. The results will help us make decisions on course maintenance practices and give us feedback on what you, the members are thinking.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

So, why do we sand topdress the greens every once in a while?

Research has shown that greens that are not topdressed have poorer turf quality than those that are topdressed as little as two times per year. Greens that are not topdressed become thatchy and puffy, and can result in scalping and shorter ball-roll distances. Topdressing has several benefits.
  • It produces a smooth, firm putting surface.
  • It reduces the thatch layer.
  • Allows reduced mowing heights.
  • Protects the crown.
  • Increases ball-roll distance.

For the first eight days, a ball loses up to 5 inches of roll with light topdressing and 9 inches with heavy topdressing. But after the topdressing material works itself into the canopy, ball roll increases 6 inches with light topdressing and 15 inches with heavy topdressing. For this reason, we apply topdressing material 10 to 12 days before we want the surface to achieve its best surface (for big events). This gives the topdressing material enough time to settle into the turf. Dry topdressing material will easily settle into the turf canopy with just a light brushing or light irrigation.


Is it worth the effort? Topdressing provides a better surface for ball roll because it creates a firm, smooth, uniform surface that exerts minimal resistance on the ball as it rolls across a green. Rather than applying topdressing material heavily at the beginning and end of the growing season and hoping that it provides an adequate surface throughout the golf season, light, frequent topdressing has been used to provide a better surface to putt on throughout the growing season.

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