Sodding has begun on the 15th green and conditions could not be better, in reference to the weather. The entire week looks clear of rain and offers cool but comfortable temperatures. The alteration of any turf stand managed at green conditions is a nerve racking and slow process. 15 green, as many know, was hit hard by the typical Michigan winter we endured. Any time a thaw happens in January or February, superintendents become worried. The middle of the green suffered the worst damage, an area of more than a third of the total square footage. To replace this area, the current grass had to be stripped, the grade beneath it smoothed and the edges kept at the same height. After this is accomplished, the nursery sod was cut at the same height and than carefully rolled onto PVC piping. Each of these rolls weighs in between 150 and 200 pounds, making the placement and removal of the nursery sod a labor-intensive process. The crew, an experienced and veteran group, has to carefully place the new sod strips perpendicular across the green, leaving little to no evidence of seams. Over 2000 square feet of sod is being placed on 15 but the end result is worth it. It is a quick and effective way of making the green playable and aesthetically pleasing.
Brian Hilfinger
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