Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Practice Facility Divot Patterns

The most efficient way (in terms of range tee usage) for hitting practice balls and creating divots is to use a linear pattern.


The three patterns of divots in the picture above are traditionally seen on practice facilities. The scattered and concentrated patterns take up large amounts of space on the practice facility, allow for fewer and less efficient tee set up practices and requires a greater frequency in tee rotation. A consistent linear pattern, as suggested by the USGA, leads to a more effective use of the practice facility as well as quicker turf recovery.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Practice Facility Progress

DST Sports Turf construction has finished grading and re-grassing the chipping and putting green surrounds behind the half way house and we are looking forward to opening it in the near future. The tif-sport bermuda in this area was extremely weak. The area was regraded to allow for more efficient water runoff movement, and the practice bunker was restored back to its original shape. We replaced the Tif-Sport Bermudagrass with Celebration Bermudagrass, a heartier variety better suited for our practice facility.



The original practice area just before the construction and regrading began.


With the sod stripped, the surface was regraded and the bunker restored to its original design; the greens remained unchanged.


The sod has been laid out, and requires water, topdressing and time in order to become properly established.


The final step in the process consists of a heavy topdressing and brushing regiment in order for the turf to tighten up and become ready for play.