Why Sand is Important

This picture shows why putting a lot of sand on the greens is important during the off season months.  When we keep the greens open during the winter months, the grass does not grow.  Soft spikes, while an improvement from the old metal spikes are beginning to wreak havoc on the quality of putting surfaces due to their aggressive nature, especially in the afternoon after a good amount of play has gone through.  The dimples you see in the sand above would be into the grass and crown of the plants had we not topdressed them, possibly injuring the plants.  Constant foot traffic all winter could effect the putting surfaces come spring and next summer, which is why we always put a good amount of sand on them to protect them from traffic and weather conditions.  The sand also helps dilute thatch and firm up the greens.