New look for #7

As reported in the Scorecard, a few months ago, the rough left of the cart path on the 7th hole is being converted to decomposed granite.  We'll also mix in some pine straw, some rocks, and some drought tolerant plants to dress things up.  Decomposed granite offers a lot of good benefits.  It is permeable, so rain passes through to tree roots and standing water is uncommon.  It compacts nicely and stays put without much maintenance.  Weeds can be controlled easily by hand removal, pre-emergent, and the occasional backpack of glyphosate.  You can drive on it, walk on it, and play on it.  It also is an attractive color that makes the grass on the other side (of the cart path) look greener.

Here are some photos of the project from the last few days:

The previous week, we sod cut and reused any turf that was worth saving.  The rest, mostly kikuyugrass and weeds was sprayed with herbicide.  The crew sod cut the dead turf and removed the spoils with a box blade and a front-end loader.  The area was graded by hand and was ready for the first load of DG.

This part went quick and we soon ran out of our stock of DG, just short of completing the prepped area.  More DG is on order and we will continue with the rest of the left rough.  Because we have many projects going on at the same time, it is much easier to work in stages than to knock out the whole assignment at once.  After all, we also have grass to grow.

The DG will be watered and rolled to produce a firm, smooth surface.  Most of this area slopes back to the turf, so shots from here will not be too common.  However, you do not get relief, so take your medicine and get the ball back to the fairway.  Happy golfing!!