As putting greens age, there is a phenomenon that can develop known as collar dams. This occurs when sand slowly builds up on the collar and raises the ground over time, thus creating a dam that prevents water from getting off of the green. There are times when it is necessary to strip the sod and lower the area on the collar that has this issue. Water that is trapped on the green always creates an area of poor quality turf that is shallow rooted and thin in terms of density. The front of #2, just beyond the green-side bunker started to behave this way. Today, we removed the sod and lowered the ground level to the point of establishing positive surface flow/drainage. This will really help the front of the 2nd green. Now, we just need some sunlight to reach #2!