Michigan State University Extension
Turf Topics - 21295001
04/01/96
Authors Sayre, Gary D.
Affiliation CGCS at Overlake Golf & Country Club,
Medina, Washington
Journal Title Golf Course Management
Date Vol. 59, No. 7, July 1991, p. 30-32, 38
Pub. Info Lawrence, KS: Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America
Call No. SB 433 .A1 G5
Record: 21295
Keywords Golf fairways; Golf fairway renovation; Golf fairway surface; Golf fairway maintenance; Topdressing; Sand; Soil amendments; Costs; Maintenance costs; Maintenance scheduling; Low budget maintenance; Washington
Abstract Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina, Wash., was built in 1952. It is a level layout built on blue clay. There were at least 20 miles of drain pipe, but the course was still extremely wet for eight months of the year. To solve the soggy problem, we decided on a program of fairway topdres- sing. Describes a comprehensive, three- year program of sand topdressing which significantly improved the quality of play at Overlake Golf & Country Club, Medina, Washington. The key to a good sand topdressing program for Overlake's fairways was timing. The sand had to be applied often enough to match the growth rate of turfgrass. Using a ground-driven, two- behind unit that holds about one cubic yard of material, applications of sand were made once a month for three months. This was accomplished with only minor inconvenience to the playing members. At the same time, there was communication with the players about the management's intentions and goals for this activity. Cost was another important factor when planning the program. Overlake was able to purchase sand of acceptable quality for just $7.50 per ton. The only additional machinery required was two topdresser units. Selling the program to the members was also important. A bulletin board was set-up in the clubhouse with letters from the superintendent and three consultants. Special mailings were sent out to members and focused on how the topdressing program would answer some of their greatest concerns. After the first two years of implementing the program the members were beginning to see good results. After the third year, Overlake was able to mow the fairways year round which was quite uncommon for a course in the Seattle area. During the fourth year, more sand applications were made to the fairway. Now, there is a profile of approximately 4 inches of sand in the fairway areas of the golf course. This depth was just short of the goal they had set but they were satisfied with the results. Also included is a list of some of the problems Overlake encountered during the implementation of the fairway topdressing. If you have poor soil conditions or drainage problems on your course, you may want to consider fairway topdressing. There are many factors to weigh, and the results are not guaranteed. However, there have not been any superintendents who have not seen good results from the topdressing program at Overlake Golf & Country Club.
Notes Pictures, color; Lang: English; 0 Ref.