What goes into replacing a green? – Greens Replacement Program
Published on 18th March 2025This project aimed to eliminate foreign couch grass from the 18th green’s putting surface and address problematic tree roots on the 10th green. These works are part of the club’s ongoing greens replacement program, which began in 2018. So far, 13 of the 18 main course greens and one of the three practice greens have been successfully replaced.
Last year, we established a 2,000m² nursery to facilitate the turfing of greens rather than seeding them. Turfing allows greens to be back in play in approximately 5-6 weeks, whereas seeded greens typically require 13-14 weeks to establish, as a general guideline.
This year’s green replacement process was supported by the engagement of a contractor. Before commencing earthworks, we conducted a survey of the existing levels to replicate them as closely as possible. The Board of Directors provided a directive to restore the greens to their original design as closely as possible.
The soil on the 18th and 10th greens was replaced to fully remove couch grass and tree roots and to ensure consistent performance with previously rebuilt greens. This consistency supports uniform playability, watering needs, and fertilizer requirements.
The process began with removing the existing grass using a turf cutter, followed by contractors excavating the soil to a depth of 300mm and staking the ground for new soil. A specialised sand, selected for optimal drainage and root development, was then added to the base. The contractors applied 300mm of this sand and provided an initial rough leveling of the green. We then mixed our sand to improve nutrient and water retention, rotary hoeing it into the soil to a depth of 200mm. The contractors returned with a bunker bike for the final leveling of the greens.
Once the levels were confirmed, we measured the area and cut the required turf from the nursery the day before. The turf was sliced every 1 meter for even rolls, taking 3.5 hours to cut. When laying the turf, we used boards to preserve the levels and protect the new turf. Careful attention was given to rolling, transporting, and re-laying the turf, which took 10 staff a full 8-hour day.
After the turf is laid, the sprinklers water it for 15 minutes. Two days later, a plate compactor is used to smooth the surface and ensure good contact between the turf and soil. A heavy top-dress is applied to fill any gaps. The green is fertilized every two weeks for eight weeks to support turf establishment.
The initial cutting height is set to 6mm, and it is gradually reduced by 1mm every 2-3 weeks until the desired mowing height of 3mm is achieved.