Greens update/approach changes and collar repairs

The weather of the last few days has been a welcomed relief for our greens.  What once appeared to be turf that was beyond recovery has now led to little small green leaves beginning to emerge from weakened and damage spots all over the course.  We placed a granular fertilizer on the greens this morning to encourage and assist with the recovery.

Years ago, false fronts consisting of bentgrass were placed on the approaches of our greens.  This was a trend that many private courses in the St. Louis area implemented.  Over the years, some of these areas have been reduced by the staff here at Glen Echo.  The USGA has recommended during their site visits that these expanded bentgrass approaches be eliminated.  We experienced some significant damage to the collar/approach on #3 over the past few weeks.  In an effort to make repairs to #3 collar as well as to the practice green, we reduced the size of #11 bentgrass approach and replaced it with zoysia.  We also eliminated in total the bentgrass approach of #3.

There are a number of reasons why we are eliminating the bentgrass approaches.

1. The playability is not consistent with the fairway grass which is zoysia.  The bentgrass will not allow a ball to release onto the green as easily as if they were zoysia.  '
2. The bentgrass on the approaches must be treated with chemicals along with the greens on a regular basis.  
3. The bentgrass approaches have to be walk mowed which takes more time for our staff.  Zoysia grass approaches would be mowed with a riding unit. 
4. Additional water required by bentgrass making the approach soft and not allowing a ball to release.

The removal of the sod including the damaged area on the front collar/approach of #3.

Jeff, Demarcus, and Nick picking up the sod on #3

The finished product on #11 4-5 strips of zoysia sod replacing the bentgrass.

#3 approach and new collar sod added.

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