Summary
Highlights
Edging putting greens is done every one to two weeks, especially important for Bermuda grass varieties to prevent encroachment of one into the other.
Fairways are mowed with changing directions each time to reduce grain development. Circle mowing is highlighted as an effective tool for grain control.
Bunker banks are too severe for regular mowers, so a 'flymo' or hover mower is used. Clippings are then blown out to return the bunker to play.
In addition to core aeration, greens are periodically solid tined, sometimes in the dark due to shorter winter days, to improve health.
Light and heavy verticutting are important practices for Bermuda grass greens, with depth varying based on growth.
A stump grinder was rented to remove pesky volunteer palm trees from the course.
Top dressing greens is crucial for smooth, firm putting surfaces. A carpet drag is used to work sand into the canopy, reducing thatch and improving playability.
Each fall, the top one to two inches of bunker sand, contaminated by summer rains, is removed and replaced with fresh sand.
After cultural practices, heavy or smaller rollers are used to smooth surfaces and return them to a playable state.