We started our routine topdressing program today. We will be lightly topdressing greens every 2 weeks or so. I plan our topdressings when rainfall is imminent, allowing the rain will wash the sand into the turf canopy. Applying sand to USGA spec greens is done for one reason: to dilute the organic matter that is being produced under the surface. A good topdressing program is the reason our greens are so firm. A golf course that lacks a routine topdressing program will have soft, thatchy greens that are prone to turfgrass diseases and insects. Water-holding thatch is a perfect breeding ground for pathogens. Light topdressing also has another benefit: faster ball roll. This is because the sand effectively lowers the height of cut from the ground up and smooths the surface resulting in a decrease of friction. Although we did not today, we typically topdress in conjunction with some form of cultural practice like spiking or verticutting. These practices give the sand a channel to settle in, reducing mower damage the following days.
Our next topdressing will occur on Monday, June 30th when we vent greens with 1/4" tines.
