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Friday, 09-May-2008 16:52:58 BST |
Many golf courses were constructed about 100 years ago when irrigation systems were not available. As a result, greens were designed to retain water and were often slightly saucer shaped. This often leads to a build up of thatch and makes greens unplayable in winter.
In July 2005 the members of Northenden voted by a large majority to rebuild all 18 greens to the United States Golf Association specification. The work, which commenced in September 2005, was completed in February 2006.
The architect did a fantastic job in making the greens far more interesting with lots of subtle and not so subtle slopes and borrows. If you end up in the wrong place you may have difficulty getting down in two!
Many greens are larger than previously, giving more options for pin placement. New bunkers, particularly on the shorter par fours, means more care will be required with shot and club selection.
Finally, and most importantly, the wonderful new drainage system beneath the greens and fairways means that we will be the only local club able to play on proper greens, in good condition, throughout the year.
To read in-depth articles about the construction of USGA greens, please visit the USGA Turf and Course Construction websites.
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A USGA green consists of the following layers:
- A gravel bed
- A drainage system
- An intermediate layer
- A rootzone mix
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