Top Ten Questions and Answers about Turf Grass Management

1.    Why are the greens verticut and top dressed with sand?

• Verticutting the greens helps eliminate thatch on the putting surface. Thatch is the remnants from cutting grass which can reduce water and fertilizer from being absorbed into the soil. Sanding the greens after verticutting helps to minimize thatch buildup and helps smooth the surface as well.

2.    Why do they have to aerate?

• Aeration helps to eliminate thatch on the surface so that water and nutrients can get to the roots. It also alleviatescompaction of the soil and rootsystemin order to better receive nutrients andoxygen in the soil.

3.    Why are there wet (bog) like areas on the course?

• Our natural soils consist mostly of clay. In many areas the grass and root systems set on top of the clay not allowing the water to drain into the soil and causing the grass and root system to float on top of the clay, hence the bog like areas.

4.    Why can’t we hit off the grass all the time on the driving range?

• During the early part of the season we like to allow the grass to begin to grow and fill in areas that did not grow during the fall. Again when the grass goes dormant in the fall we move to the mats in order to minimize the damage. All this is done so that when we are able to hit off the grass, you the golfer are getting the best possible conditions.

5.    Why aren’t the greens faster?

• Haymaker Golf Course uses penncross creeping bentgrass on the greens. This is a broad leaf grass which grows sideways rather than upright. This grass does not tolerate extremely low cuts. Due to the amount of play, we are not able to hand water the greens regularly, as a result we irrigate a little more than usual causing the greens to be a little softer causing them to be slower.

6.    Is it better to drive my golf car in the rough or on the  fairway?

• It is better to drive your golf car in the rough. Due to the shorter mowing heights on the fairway, golf car traffic causes more wear and tear on the fairways than they do to the rough.

7.    What are ESA’s and why can’t I go in them?

• Environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) are defined by red or yellow stakes with green tops. These areas have been identified as areas that are protected because of the wildlife which use the area. A ball entering these areas may not be searched for and the appropriate hazard drop must be taken. If you lie outside the ESA and it interferes with you stance, or intended swing you may take a nearest point of relief no nearer the hole without penalty.

8.    Am I allowed to play out of the native grass areas?

• If you are able to find your ball you may play it as it lies and ground your club.

9.    Where should I put the rake’s used in bunkers?

• Our maintenance staff asks that you place the rakes in the bunkers. This allows for easier mowing around the bunkers.

10.  How do I repair my divot on the green?

• Locate your pitch mark on the green. Use a ball mark repair tool to fix the divot. If you do not have a repair tool, Haymaker has them free of charge to our guests. Insert the ball repair tool into the outer edge of the ball divot, with the prongs angled at 45 degrees. Gently work the turf up and back into place by gently pushing up and forward. Repeat around the entire ball mark as necessary. Pat down the ball mark with a putter, until the mark is as smooth as the rest of the putting surface. You have successfully repaired your divot which will now heal in a matter of days instead of weeks. Thank you.