Coco Drag Mat for topdressing success
If players would understand the reason behind topdressing greens, it would be so much easier for the superintendent to deliver healthy, firm and quick greens. Using a coco fiber drag mat during the topdressing process can be a great ally for the superintendent to help make the greens more playable quicker, while helping the sand to do its job: eliminate thatch.
Have you walked onto a green and seen deep ball marks? Felt the ball was rolling slowly or the green had a soft or spongy feel while walking? If so, chances are the green has too much thatch.
Thatch is a layer of dead and living plant material just below the turf surface. A small amount of thatch helps putting greens receive shots and withstand traffic, but an excessive amount results in soft conditions, deep ball marks, foot printing, undesirable putting conditions and a host of agronomic issues.
USGA Green Section
Spreading sand on top of a green is a process called “topdressing.” Using sand in this matter helps to promote a healthy vibrant green by breaking up the organic matter and allowing more decomposition. A healthy green will be smoother, more firm and heals quicker because it will have less thatch. Having less thatch is obviously important.
This is where Standard Golf’s Coco Fiber Drag Mat comes in to play. After the sand is applied, dragging a coco mat will help to spread the sand evenly and into the soil as opposed to sitting on top of the grass. By spreading out the sand the green becomes more playable sooner after the topdressing is applied as there will be less loose sand sitting on the surface of the green.
The fibers on the Coco Mat are 1.25″ (3 cm) in length and are bonded to a vinyl-reinforced backing. The fibers have a soft, smooth touch on the green or fairway and are perfect for any playing surface.
Standard Golf’s Coco Drag Mat comes in two sizes: 4′ x 6′ (1.2 m x 1.8 m) and 3′ x 5′ (.9 m x 1.5 m). A 10′ (3 m) chain is attached to the mat and can be connected to any type of golf course maintenance vehicle to tow behind.
For more information, check out our Coco Fiber Drag Mat page.