Brown = Green

Last week was a busy week for the Isla Del Sol grounds maintenance department. The course was closed September 2nd thru 5th to allow for the 2nd and final Aerification of the year. During the closure the greens were aggressively aerified along with tees and walk-up areas to tees and greens. Tees and fairways were verticut to remove thatch and stems. Much of the course has a brown tint to it resulting from the aggressive cultural practices performed. Unfortunately, these practices are a necessary evil required to provide healthy grass and a beautiful golf course the remainder of the year.

This link refers to an USGA article explaining the processes involved. Brown Now Will Bring In The New Green

Click on the following link to watch a video of the Isla Del Sol grounds crew in action aerifying greens.  Watch The Crew in Action

In the video you will see the following steps performed:
1- 1st coat of sand applied to the greens
2- 2nd coat of sand applied to the greens
3- 1st direction of aerification. The holes being punched are 5/8" in diameter spaced every 2"x 2". The cores are dragged to the edge of the green leaving the sand behind.
4- 2nd direction of aerification
5- Blowers are used to redistribute the sand and work it into the open holes. The sand helps to maintain hole integrity allowing for long-term benefits of aeration.
6- The greens are really soft and bumpy following the significant aeration work performed. A large roller is used to help smooth the surface.

Finished Product

Please be patient while the greens recover. As you can see they have been through a lot! Ultimately, they will be better for having gone through the process and will soon return to the same beautiful greens we have become accustomed to here at Isla.

Fairway After Being Verticut

18 Tee and Walk-up to 17 Green Following Aefification