USGA Green Section Record, May 3, 2019 Share: Like 0 Share Tweet Light And Frequent Topdressing Programs B y Brian Whitlark and Cole Thompson Sand topdressing is one of the most important practices for producing smooth putting surfaces and diluting thatch and organic matter. The consequences of an inadequate topdressing program may not be observed immediately, but eventually there will be significant negative impacts on playability and turf health. This article will provide recommendations on sand selection, topdressing rates and application frequency to help ensure that your topdressing program delivers the best results. Read More Multimedia Content Frequent Topdressing For Better Putting Conditions Infographic: What Is Topdressing? There are few things more frustrating than seeing a good putt bounce off line. Sand topdressing helps to eliminate imperfections and keep the ball rolling smoothly. Sand topdressing helps superintendents maintain putting surfaces that are smooth, firm and healthy. This infographic explains the process and details some of the key benefits. Watch Video View Infographic Research You Should Know Fore The Golfer Remove Or Recycle Cores? A Little Sand Goes A Long Way Topdressing sand can be very expensive and it may be difficult to find sand that matches the existing rootzone material. For these reasons, some courses are recycling their aeration cores by breaking them up and reincorporating the material into the aeration holes. Researchers at Iowa State University are studying this practice and have some interesting preliminary results. Frequent sand topdressing is an important part of maintaining topnotch putting greens. However, there can be some temporary disruption after sand is applied. Having some sand clinging to your ball in the morning dew can be a little annoying, but the benefits are more than worthwhile. Topdressing yields better playing conditions on a daily basis and less disruption in the long term. Read More Read More Regional Updates West Region Northeast Region Poa annua is often looked upon as an inferior putting green turf. However, in many locations it can create an exceptional playing experience. Poa annua seedhead production on golf courses varies from year to year, and this spring seems to be particularly bad for seedhead emergence. Read More Read More Central Region Southeast Region Can't wait to get out on the course this spring? Hungry ticks can't wait for you to arrive either. Spending a little time to protect yourself before a round and thoroughly checking for ticks after can help you avoid tick-borne diseases. Under the new Rules of Golf, many golfers are opting to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. Golfers should still use their hand to carefully remove the ball from the hole, and should not use the flagstick to retrieve their ball. Read More Read More Editorial Staff Adam Moeller Editor in Chief George Waters Associate Editor Matthew Patalona Creative Director Andrew Caron Art Director United States Golf Association 77 Liberty Corner Road Liberty Corner, NJ 07938 908.234.2300 Contact Us Stay Connected with the USGA ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Important Links USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Course Consulting Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) ©2019 by United States Golf Association® Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA®). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for Reuse policy. 2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language. 3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content. The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published twice monthly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association®. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/USGA-Green-Section-Record--May-3--2019.html?soid=1103157499740&aid=7JEPHYLZ5yI[5/7/2019 11:57:22 AM]