You can see the amount of material that is removed from the greens and blown across the surface to a point where it is picked up with shovels. Over the course of a year, the greens surface get sealed off as sand, pollen, dust and thatch clog valuable pore space that would otherwise be used for air and water movement (aka drainage). This is why it is so important to aerate regularly. For the green not to fail, channels need to be incorporated to keep the surface dry. During the past several days, the greens drained poorly on many because water couldn't break through the surface. Punching holes solves that problem and this will allow us to make to November with well draining greens.
Some Superintendents choose to use solid tines that don't pull a core. This is also effective but doesn't give the long lasting effects. I always felt that if I was going to punch holes, why not take something out as well to benefit the overall system. Sure, it requires more labor and a lot more work but it well worth it.