As we prepare the golf course for opening I thought it would be appropriate to briefly discuss how XGD drainage is doing on #9 and #12 greens. Once the snow melted and the frost dissipated it became clear that those two greens were the greenest coming out of winter. The reason being is that the soil temperatures were 8-10, sometimes 12 degrees higher than the other non-XGD greens. Because of the efficient evacuation of water, it warmed these greens up, whereas the other greens are still over saturated which in turn keeps the turf, at this time of year, cooler. The reverse will happen in summer were #9 and #12 will be cooler than the other greens because water moves down and out of the soil quicker. Moderating the soil temperature and avoiding over saturation, which was all to common on these two greens, will be a big plus going forward to providing better putting surfaces. Even though we have had XGD drainage in for a short time, I am pleased with the results. It’s amazing when you can take 2 of your wettest greens and make them some of your driest. What an investment in the long-term future of these putting surfaces.
The pictures are laterals where the drainage was installed, the replaced sod has all but blended in to the green and is level. The small holes you see are from the deep-tine aeration that was performed late last November. The holes are spaced out and the ground is soft so after a few greens rollings they should start to disappear completely.
