Saturday, May 18, 2013

Range Divot Pattern


Did you know there is a preferred method for taking divots on the range?  In order to ensure that we have high quality turf to hit balls from late into the season, we need your help!!!  Below are two illustrations that effectively demonstrate how your divot pattern can effect the overall condition of the practice range.  In the first image, you see three methods of taking divots: strip, block and shotgun pattern.  The "strip" method on the left is far and away the preferred method for encouraging turf conservation and recovery.  The block image, while conserving turf, takes an enormous amount of time to recover.  The "shotgun" pattern simply disturbs too large an area at one time and chews up the practice range far too quickly.





As can be seen in the second picture below, when done correctly, the "strip" method uses far less overall turf.  These strip divots will fill quickly with lateral growth from the sides and an aggressively fertility program used specifically on the practice range to encourage rapid recovery.



PLEASE USE THE "STRIP" METHOD AND ENCOURAGE YOUR FELLOW PLAYERS TO DO THE SAME!!!


Authored by:  Bob McCurdy, Golf Course Superintendent