Maintaining the aesthetics and playing conditions of a golf course to high standards is a matter of pride for greenkeepers, and one of the key factors in achieving these standards is using high quality top dressing materials. 

The 10th fairway at Tandragee Golf Course

Healthier and greener fairways were the result of trials using a new top dressing mix consisting of BSI PAS 102 processed sand, made from 100 per cent recycled glass, and BSI PAS 100 compost, manufactured from garden trimmings. 

Just weeks after spreading a 3mm mix, the look and playability of Tandragee Golf Course in Northern Ireland was vastly improved. Previously, the fairways had suffered from poor quality soil and bad drainage and the course was keen to trial a new product, which it hoped would improve the soil’s condition.
 
Green Covenor, Brian Fyffe, comments: “Since using the processed sand and compost mix the quality of the soil has increased, particularly underneath the divots.  We have been very pleased with the results and will make sure we spread the mix earlier in the autumn to maximise its potential further.”

Longer term results showed firmer underfoot conditions on the fairways over the winter months, as the mix improved the soil’s moisture retention.  The mix was also successful when used in the tee boxes, improving the turf quality significantly.

The recycled nature of the products was also an important factor for the course. Brian adds: “As an environmentally friendly course, we are keen to use recycled products wherever possible, especially as they have proven to be ideal for use on the golf course.”

WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) has helped bring high quality recycled products, such as processed sand and PAS 100 compost, to the golf industry.  Bronnie Allen, WRAP’s Material Development Manager (Glass), comments: “We are pleased to see that both these recycled products can be used together to offer greenkeepers a product that provides improved performance.
 
“There is great potential for using processed sand around the golf course in bunkers and divot repairs as well as top dressing.  Demand is steadily increasing and in response, it is now stocked by a number of top turf suppliers.”

In the case of the Tandragee Golf Course, local recycling company, Natural World Products supplied the mix.

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