Turf Relocation

As we continue to push toward a pure stand of bermudagrass, we are finding many locations that have very little desirable turf.  Years of overseeding have taken a toll and thinned any bermudagrass that we had.  The surrounds of fairway bunkers are especially poor because they were double overseeded and mowed a bit higher which favored ryegrass.

To fill in these areas as quickly as possible we are going the route of sod for instant green.  Over the past four weeks, the staff has installed over 10 pallets of hybrid bermuda throughout the course.  In addition to the sod we've purchased, we've also been removing good turf from out-of-play areas to use in busier locations.

To the left and below is the fairway bunker on the 8th hole.  Not only did this location have little to no bermudagrass, it is also receives a lot of play and way too much traffic from carts circling the bunker.  It is always best to keep the carts on the short stuff; enter the fairway and stay in the fairway.  Driving on the rough mats down the grass and thins it out quickly.

Our main source of on-course sod, and perhaps our new bermuda nursery is right of the tee box on the par-3 12th hole.  This location has long been a waste of water and labor and serves no purpose to playability.  However, it has certainly been serving a purpose lately, supplying the course with over 2000 sq feet of thick, healthy turf.  There is easily another 3000 sq feet yet to harvest and hopes of up to 10,000 square feet a year.

As we remove the sod, we are filling in the void with good topsoil and allowing the bermuda to push back to the top.  Next summer, we will have another crop to harvest as we continue to fill in any thin area around the course.