North Course practice green sees extensive reconstruction

The practice green on the North Course is being reconstructed for several reasons, but mainly to double the size the of the putting surface, improve the drainage underground and replace the grass with a Bentgrass cultivar that is healthier and more consistent with what is on the golf course. The old green is over 30 years old and the size worked fine for the traffic back then but with increased use the wear patterns begin to emerge. We also anticipate that the newly remodeled green space will add an improved visual appeal to the entry to the course.

In order to obtain the best results it is necessary to remove the older and contaminated sand based soils with a greens mix that will match the USGA specifications and obtain the healthiest turf. Over time the old drainage system may not work properly and gets plugged, so new lines need to be installed. USGA specifications for building new greens call for a 4-inch layer of pea gravel at the very base, then at least 14 inches of 90 percent sand and 10 percent peat moss of specific granular size to ensure that water, nutrients and gases can penetrate to the root zone of the new turf. It is also important that the granular size of sand in the construction matches the sizes used to grow the sod that will be laid for the new green, otherwise some layering may occur that prevents the exchange of gases, water and nutrients.

How can we double the size of the putting area in the same footprint?

When the large tree on the east side of the practice green died that space is now available for putting surface expansion.

Will there still be room for chipping practice?

Yes, there will be an average of 12 feet of turf between the curb and the green surface for chipping of low flight chip shots. We have always discouraged players from hitting high or long chips onto the practice green as those shots create damage to the putting surface.

When will this project be completed?

If all goes as planned the entire project should be finished by the second week of October with all the sod installed. Players can expect to use the new putting surface sometime in early spring once the sod has extended its roots into the new root zone layer.

All of the material removed from the practice green is being used to build various mounds and add better soil to areas of the course. Mounds are added to give definition to fairways and stop errant shots from rolling too far off line.