these Open Championship Clubs choose to relief grind - Pitchcare

Technical
which is determined by the level of iron
oxide in the sand - brown sand has
approximately 1.5-2.5% iron whilst white
has less than 0.3%.
That said, colour is really only
important from the aesthetic point of
view. Most golf courses, for example,
look to blend sand into the landscape, so
often choose the light-brown option
because of its natural appearance.
Although inland courses find white or
brown agreeable, with the former giving
them a pleasant contrast, white sand has
developed something of a reputation,
which some find disconcerting.
This disrepute is founded on the idea
that white sand reflects sunlight and can,
therefore, burn the grass. Its angular
shape is also charged with nipping at the
grass. The truth is, white sand has a
number of admirable qualities,
particularly in bunkers, where the larger
particles and clusters of particles keep
the sand in the bunker rather than
blowing across the course.
Despite these virtues, there are some
who would find it difficult to tolerate
white sand, particularly on links courses.
The tradition of maintaining a natural
look often precludes the use of white
sand, despite its characteristics being well
suited for the extreme weather
conditions found on these courses. It
would appear that brown is the only
option.
Happily, this isn’t the case. Combining
brown and white sand in a special blend
offers the best of both worlds - the
drainage capabilities and natural look of
brown sand, joined by the ‘stayability’ of
white. This apparent match made in
heaven satisfies a number of
requirements and would seem to be the
perfect solution, if it wasn’t for a small
caveat.
Whilst the two sands possess different
qualities separately, and an alluring mix
when combined, the method of uniting
the sands will dictate the potency of the
blend. For instance, combining two
114 PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012
“Going large is
perhaps not
the best
option.
Unfortunately,
going small
can be equally
devastating”
stockpiles of sand using a loading shovel
will only create a segregated mixture that
is inconsistent and unpredictable. Once
applied to a green, for instance, these
irregularities will promote variances in
drainage. Areas with too much white
sand will retain water, whilst areas
dominated by brown will drain more
quickly. Instead of a uniform playing
surface, you will have a patchwork quilt
of growth and decline.
Reassuringly, sand blends produced at
industrial sites are created using
production processes that begin with
white rock being crushed and brown
sand being added via a separate feed
hopper. The two sands are washed
together and slowly become one as they
pass through a series of processes
designed to produce a consistent end
result.
Whether you opt for a brown sand, a
white sand, or a combination of the two,
it is important to recognise the
significance of this decision. After all,
sand is the lifeblood of sports turfs. It
can encourage fine grasses, improve the
quality of the sward and dilute organic
content. The apparently simple act of
applying it can do so much.
But, selecting the right sand is an
involved process. It rests upon properly
identifying the composition of your own
sand, and then matching it to an
appropriate sand product. Size, shape
and colour all have their part to play, as
does the condition of the turf and your
ambitions for it.
Sand can play a central role in
producing high-quality turf, so choose
wisely.
Based in Ayrshire, Hugh King & Co has
been supplying sand for over 150 years. The
family owned company is run by Graeme
King and supplies over 100 golf courses
with high-quality sand for topdressing,
bunkers and soil amelioration. It also
supplies sand to a variety of winter sports
pitches. For more information, please visit
www.golf.hughking.co.uk