Our first step in the repair process is to remove and discard the suffering sod. As with the drainage areas we'll be working on later this year in the fairways, to simply re-seed or re-sod and then walk away would be treating the symptom instead of the disease. Removing the sod allows us access the true source of the problem.
Step 2: Excavate the Kiln Dried Sand Beneath
It is the installation of this unamended sand that has spelled doom for our expansions every year since. Once we have uncovered it, we remove it in it's entirety.
Step 3: Install New Growing Medium
Once the unamended sand is removed, we install our custom blended growing medium. This blend is made up predominantly of soil, with sand and a small amount organic matter. It was mixed specifically to match samples taken from our greens. This blend will be the biggest difference in the new expansions. It will help these areas avoid being saturated for days at a time when they receive heavy rainfall, and there for help the expansions to remain healthy through the years to come.
With the new medium in place we seed and fertilize the area. Finally we cover it with the green mats you've seen on the back of 7 green, and by now many others. This mat protects our seed from birds and other animals that may want to eat it, as well as from being washed away should they weather a heavy rainfall.
Step 5: We Wait!
Always the hardest part of any project! We will see germination (tender, small seedlings) at around 7 days. Beyond that it will be a matter of keeping them healthy, moist, and untrodden upon.
See you on the course!
Elliott Dowling
