The aerification of greens and tees was completed as scheduled and the golf course is now back to normal playing conditions. The process that was used to aerify greens was not our usual technique. We used solid tines that pierce a hole in the turf but do not remove any material. This creates channels for the exchange of gases and allows air to get down to the roots. In addition, it allows for rapid growth of roots into these spaces. All of this helps the green to better withstand the stresses that the hot summer and traffic bring. Once we had finished aerating we topdressed lightly and rolled the greens. Normally, we would pull a core of material out a put a heavier topdressing down and brush the sand into the holes. This helps with drainage and to dilute any buildup of organic material. We were not able to use this method this spring due to the golf schedule but will return to this next aerification in August following the Club Championship.
This rainfall has also impacted green speed and ball roll. We typically use the greens roller to help compensate when speeds dip below our ideal range. This is not prudent when the soils are saturated. Damage can occur to the turf when the roller loses traction and spins causing damage to the surface. Damage occurs to the roots when you put excessive pressure on an unstable soil. The side pressure that happens when you roll can cause a shift in the soil that will shear roots and create a bumpy surface. This same thing happens when you drive a cart in the fairway or rough when it is overly saturated.
