Plans for recovering from level III damage may involve regrassing entire putting greens. Such extensive work provides an opportunity to address other deficiencies in a green complex, so consider including drainage projects, green expansions, surface restorations, regrading work or even complete green reconstruction in recovery plans. At the very least, remember to plan adequate time and resources for sod removal, surface preparation and sod installation should level III damage occur. Also, make sure to establish in your plan an appropriate timeline for plugging and patching work that identifies who will be responsible for completing the work. Plans for large-scale regrassing projects should also consider the potential scope of any work that may need to be done. The plan should provide guidelines for determining what can be accomplished in-house and what is best achieved using a contractor.
Putting Green Closure and Traffic Management
Deciding to close a putting green or control traffic can cause controversy, but these decisions are important components of any recovery plan. Ultimately, the level of damage and the recovery method employed will help dictate decisions about putting green closures and traffic-management measures. Unfortunately, unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult to define recovery periods. Anticipate a minimum of 60 to 80 days before a severely damaged surface is mature enough to tolerate traffic when seeding. Although variable, expect approximately four to five weeks before sod repairs can be subjected to normal traffic.
Pressure will mount to reopen putting greens as they begin to show signs of recovery. In your recovery plan, provide some basic guidelines that establish when damaged greens can be reopened and how traffic should be managed over newly sodded or seeded surfaces to minimize the risk of further injury. Consider the number of rounds to allow on recovering greens and establish plans to proactively close putting greens if the recovering turf show signs of decline or stressful weather occurs. Traffic problems associated with prematurely opening recovering putting greens are common causes of delays and failures. Clearly identify who will be given the authority to make decisions about opening and closing putting greens in your recovery plan.
Communication
Arguably, the most important component of a successful recovery is communicating before and during the recovery process. Putting green closures are never desired, but clearly defining the purpose behind closures will help facility managers communicate their occasional need to golfers. During the recovery process, weekly memos to golfers can help update them on the recovery progress and when to expect recovering greens to be reopened. Remember, there will always be pressure to open greens as early as possible. However, stay strong and focused on completing the recovery program. Avoid prematurely opening greens to ensure the best-quality and most durable playing surfaces going forward. Recovery is one time when patience truly is a virtue.
Tips for Recovery Success
- Evaluate and categorize the level of damage on each putting green as early as possible.
- Determine which recovery methods are most practical for each putting green.
- Secure seed, sod, covers, seeding and cultivation equipment or other materials as early as possible.
- Work some level of flexibility into the recovery plan for poor weather and other unforeseeable events.
- Try to establish quality temporary greens and establish guidelines to determine when and how to reopen putting greens.
- Include post-establishment management procedures for juvenile turf established from seed or sod in the recovery plan.
- Provide regular updates on the recovery progress.
- Try to make a positive out of a negative situation by using the recovery process to address other issues that contribute to poor putting green performance. Doing so will provide long-lasting benefits.
Conclusion