Sanding Divots

It must be too cold to sand divots this time of year.

This picture was taken from the Ball Drop on hole #15 at 8:45 am on Thursday 12/29/2011. I would like to explain the importance of sanding divots. I know there are a few misconceptions floating around on "why" we fill divots. The first is usually that there is seed in the sand mixture; at St Ives we have Bermuda fairways and Zoysia tee boxes, neither of these two grasses are propagated by seed.  We would also risk cross-contamination of the grasses if we did put seed in the sand containers. The second misconception, the sand will make the turf grow back faster. This would only work if we added fertilizer to the sand mixture.   

The reason for sanding divots is to provide the membership with uniform playing surfaces. When you properly fill and smooth a divot, your ball should come to rest on an even lie. When the new turf fills into a properly sanded divot, it creates a uniform surface. When you do not fill a divot and the turf fills in, it will create a depression. No one wants to hit their shot out of a “hole” in the middle of the fairway.  It is the player’s responsibility to leave the course in better condition than they found it; after all it is your course.  We have sand buckets located throughout the golf course and two sand bottles on all golf carts. Please help us fill divots as you play.

Thanks and enjoy your round.