Enter Sandman…
Even though some extended weather forecasts were suggesting a slight increase in temperatures for Thanksgiving, the greens were closed for the season and the golf course has been setup for reverse play on Monday, November 21st. Those same forecasts were predicting rain, cold and potential snow immediately following Thanksgiving. The unpredictability of winter in Wisconsin is too much to gamble on. Properly preparing the golf course for winter can go a long ways in setting the stage for a successful 2012 season.In the closing days of the season, we were able to empty and blow out the irrigation. All snow mold protectants were applied to the greens, tees and fairways. And finally, all putting surfaces and approaches were covered with a heavy layer of topdressing sand. Applying this sand layer requires 75 tons of sand and 3 days to complete. To avoid addition winter damage, this sand application should be made prior to the ground and grass freeze.
So why put sand on the putting surfaces?
• Sand provides some protection against the turf drying (desiccating) from the dry winter winds.
• Sand interrupts the potential for the formation of a solid ice layer. The darker sand grains will absorb solar energy and warm disrupting the ice.
• Sand will warm the putting surfaces in the spring and help initiate growth.
• Finally, upon receiving a spring brushing, the sand will help smooth and firm the surface as spring arrives.
Jeff Muller, 2nd Assistant, winter topdressing #7 Green.
100% overlap produces the protective sand layer.
#8 Green. Sand topdressed applied and ready for winter.
