Traq Matz

Traffic wear has always been a problem on golf courses. Traffic from carts or walking can thin grass out very easily. Last week we initiated a test of a product designed to help the turf withstand repeated trampling.

Our first step was to lay the mats out in place to
determine the exact area we wanted to protect.

Especially since COVID, the increase in rounds has caused an increase in all types of traffic. Areas that used to withstand a season’s worth of golfers now gets worn out quickly. Areas that were bad when rounds were lower are now getting really thin. Often, rerouting traffic can alleviate the stress for long enough for the turf to recover. But sometimes there is no other route to take- golfers must walk on and off a tee or green in a certain location because of the design of the hole or other obstruction.

Next, we removed the old grass, aerated the area to help
the new sod grow, and then laid the new sod.

We are testing a product known as Traq Matz near 17 back tee. The walkway leading to this tee is a recurring problem because there is only one place to walk due to the pond on one side and a ditch on the other side. Every golfer headed back to the white, blue, or black tees must walk in this same location and the turf takes a beating. So, this particular walkway is a perfect place to test the mats.

This is not a new product, many courses have used this brand or other similar brands for years, but it is new to us. The particular brand we used, Traq Matz, is a rubber mat that is laid down on top of sod. In a few weeks the sod starts to grow through the openings in the mat. Then, as golfers walk across the area being protected, they walk on the very tops of grass blades and the mats, not the crown of the grass plant. The mats take the stress of traffic and keep it away from the turf.

After the new sod was laid, we then laid the mats back
on top of the new sod. The new grass grows up through
the mats but is protected from traffic.

We have several areas around the property, especially at tees, where the mats could prove useful. But we wanted to test it first and 17 tee was a good location. It won’t be a quick conclusion; we must wait for the turf to grow through the mats fully and then survive next season. However, if the results are positive, we could start to tackle one or two bad areas each season.

It is exciting to try a new solution to a problem. We hope that these mats will help us solve the thin grass in high traffic areas around the course.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please don’t stand in one place for an extended period of time to practice putting. Your footprints can be worn into the green.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org