Drainage Project on 14th Green

The few members that braved the colder temperatures this week had to deal with a temporary green on the 14th hole.  The green itself is in the process of having drainage lines installed.  The installation of these tiles will be a benefit in regards to playability and maintenance. 

The right side of the green has a slight depression that collects water after most rain events, making cup placement around the area difficult.  Members may have noticed that the approach to the green also collects water, making the area unplayable.  With the completion of these drainage tiles, members will enjoy a better playing surface after rain events.  The staff will appreciate the construction as well.  Standing water makes maintenance practices impossible, not to mention that disease pressure skyrockets during the summer months when an area of turf is completely saturated for extended periods of time.

The diagram above shows the general design and layout of the tiles.  Installation of a tile requires hard work and steady hands.  The sod is removed, the trench cut with a Ditch Witch and the spoils have to be hauled off-site.  Than the tile itself (2"drainage pipe) has to be laid and the trench back-filled with a special blend of soils.  The mix consists of 60% sand (for infiltration and firmness), 20% peat and 20% soil (for its water and nutrient holding capacity).  The mix has to be tamped down to ensure that the tile lines do not settle beneath the existing green surface.  Finally, using a masons trowel to smooth and level the soil at the top of the trench,the sod is replaced and tamped extensively to ensure a true putting surface. 

Over 1200 linear feet of tile will eventually be laid, requiring over 30 tons of mix to re-fill the trenches.  Any construction on a green requires a knowledgeable and attentive crew, so hat's off to the members of the staff participating in the project.  As always, we appreciate the members patience and we hope to have the green open soon.  Enjoy. 

Slide show of 14th Green Drainage Project

Fairway Topdressing

The fairways here at MCC consist namely of native soils (silt and clay for southeastern Michigan).  While this soil has greater water and nutrient holding capacity, they drain very poorly.  Because of advancements in irrigation and fertilization the focus on soil types is more geared towards drainage.  That's why certain fairways (3,4,14,17) are sand topdressed, the soil consistency needs to be altered. 
The practice of sand topdressing these fairways benefits both golfers and maintenance staff members.  As more sand accumulates, fairways become firmer and drier.  These two traits lead to less traffic restrictions (i.e. carts and equipment).  Drier fairways are also less prone to disease, such as brown patch and pythium.  These two fungal diseases require moist conditions to become active, which is less likely to occur in sand based soils. 
The cost of fairway topdressing varies based on the type of sand, equipment and labor hours.  It is definetly not cheap.  However, an arguement can be made that the price of topdressing is offset by a decline in the need for chemicals (fungicides) and an increase in cart fee's and overall rounds played (less restrictions on carts and course closings). 

Large precipitation events will always be a nightmare for general managers and superintendents, there will always be course closings.  But a fairway topdressing program could significantly decrease the longevity of a heavy rains negative effects.  Potentially, carts and large equipment could be out mere hours after a large storm with little danger of damaging the turf or sacrificing playbility.  The crew will be topdressing the previous mentioned fairways over the next couple of days, taking advantage of the nice weather.  For a more in-depth look at fairway topdressing / aerification, read this article by Stanley J. Zontek of the USGA:

Fairway Topdressing

Fairway Aerification

     Football is in full swing, the tree's are turning and golf course superintendents are hoping to aerify their fairways.  If possible, fall aerficiation is very beneficial in regards to alleviating compaction and removing/diluting thatch that has built up over the season. 
     Fall aerification is difficult to plan, the major factor being precipitation.  If the region hasn't seen any precipitation than the turfgrass roots will not be sufficient to hold the turf in place, resulting in lifting of the turf or general damage to the fairway.  If the soil is too moist (heavy rain events) than aerifying will result in a mud-bowl that would cause more harm than good.  The key is having your equipment and crew prepared for when that opportune time comes.

     For the duration of the week (Oct 3rd-7th) the crew will try to aerify as many fairways as possible.  Some, due to soil type and elevation changes, are difficult to aerify but the majority will be cored, processed, and cleaned.  This will pay huge dividends late into the season and coming out of winter.  We hope that members will be patient throughout this process and know that the crew will complete the job as efficiently as possible. 

16th Fairway