How to build a golf green (USGA) START to FINISH

How to build a golf green (USGA) from start to finish at an Irish Championship course
Get ready to learn everything you need to know about building a USGA golf green! In this comprehensive video, we take you on a journey through every step of the process, from start to finish. We follow the rebuild of an existing golf green at the 36-hole club, Clandeboye GC, located just outside Bangor, Northern Ireland, on the Dufferin course.
The old green was poorly drained and had a large slope, leading the club to decide to renew it. We show you how the old green was carefully removed and how it will be reused in the new green. You'll also learn about the construction process, including the challenges faced, the drainage system, and the materials used. From the laying of the sod to the final touches, you'll see how the new green was brought back to life, the problems with a new green and the disease.
To give you an in-depth understanding of the project, we take you on a visit to Irwin's Quality Aggregates to see how the USGA sand is made and learn about its standards. Finally, Course Manager Terry Crawford explains how they bring the new green back into play with topdressing. Get your clubs ready, because this video is a hole-in-one!
I would like to thank Clandeboye Golf Club, its members, Terry Crawford and his team for welcoming the channel down to film this project. It was a challenging project to film as it run over many months, especially over my own busy Autumn lawn renovation period. A lot of the video recorded was provided to me by Terry and another member whom I am very grateful for Andrew McKibbin.
I would also like to thank Alastair Harrison at Irwin's Quality Aggregates for his role in the video, that was a very interesting day. And lastly David Jones, the golf course designer, who designed the new green
www.cgc-ni.com
irwin-aggregates.com
www.davidjonesgolf.com
www.cliverichardsonltd.co.uk
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00:00 How to build a golf green
00:35 Why the work was done
01:24 Saving the old green
03:42 The biggest problem with the project
04:33 Drainage system
07:06 How the rootzone is made
10:00 The rootzone going in
12:14 The turf getting laid
13:14 The problems with disease
15:08 Unforeseen problems
17:35 The gully trap drainage system
19:11 Cutting heights
20:04 Why topdressing is important for the new green
If you have a question about the information shown in a video please post it in the comments section on KZbin and we will do our best to respond as soon as we can.
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[@Premier_lawns_official]

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more documentary-type content watch this video next. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

Honestly...I knew greens were a lot more complex than just putting a different type of grass down on a different type of soil but...I had NO idea there was this much involved. Absolutely incredible!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks, it was a big project to do for the club and i was lucky to be able to film it

[@Dreyno]

It’s very dependent on what sort of soil, subsoil, bedrock etc. and also the climate. Does it need serious drainage (in this case yes, it’s Ireland) or the ability retain some moisture and more irrigation provision (Arizona for example). It’s never inexpensive or simple but it’s varying degrees of expensive depending on so many factors.

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

True legends ! I tip my hat to you guys that make these short turf areas that bring millions enjoyment . Good on you guys and even though your hard work is not known by many ..... hold your heads up, you are legends :D

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@benjaminnevins5211]

It's amazing how short the roots are. Really makes you appreciate how much work they put into them. Ours have drain tiles, heat, water.... Some of them down south have air conditioning for the grass!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍

[@UpdogGolf]

This video is amazing. I started out looking at how greens were made looking for a quick and dirty explanation... im hooked. Do fair ways and tee boxes. Hell, i just like hearing these guys talk about things im too dumb to understand, they have real passion.

[@mdacheets]

Fascinating. What a well put together and informative video! Good to see volunteers getting involved and reusing the old turf.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks, if you enjoyed this, I think you will enjoy this too kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTZY5psfd6VptU

[@dsimpson9991]

Great insight to the professional green keepers work!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👌

[@brustar5152]

Boy; this brought back memories of my time working summers in the early 60's at Highlands Golf Course in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. The owner of property behind the course thought it would be a great idea to dump a strong de-folient into his pond to get rid of the weeds and of course that waterway was source water for course watering system. I spent all one summer trucking special soils with the old Toro Dump cart, chain link dragging, raking, raking and more raking. chain dragging

[@stephenmcdowell1932]

The whole team has done an amazing job, especially considering the weather conditions. Great video

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks for the comments 😊 The wettest October on record ⛈️

[@grahammacklam4736]

A really fantastic video. Full of information and nicely made. One of my favourites 😁

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Good videos are a team project 😉

[@OCDLawncare]

Great video Robbie. Story board and editing is fantastic. Look forward to this year’s videos throughout the season 👌👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks it was a good one to make, roll on the spring 🌱

[@lewisdallas3895]

Amazing to see the work that goes into the greens, hopefully will get the chance to play clandeboye this year

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's a super course. The ava isn't to bad either

[@JB-qr3fs]

Very much enjoy listening to Terry, keep up these videos mate

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@bobgoodman2687]

Fascinating stuff, thanks for putting it out there. Great job!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Hey bob, if you enjoyed this video, check out the rest in the series :) kzbin.info/aero/PLV0W3KNEKSkJF8txug4xYkjWgEztcixRZ

[@ElectOfGod777]

The real heroes behind the PGA tour. Very informative video. I always wondered how this was done.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you enjoyed it, I think you might also enjoy this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eae5pZ2GjcybnaM

[@ElectOfGod777]

@@Premier_lawns_official Thanks. I will definitely check it out

[@darylkariniemi1627]

Love the detail!

[@Turnkey_BM]

Looking forward to this when it's all done!

[@gerrym4377]

I found that really interesting Robbie, great entertainment and amazing to see the process 👍👍👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Gerry if you enjoyed that video, here is another video I think you might like. Just watch it with an open mind and let me know what you think afterwards kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@myluresstuckinatree2111]

Thanks for this upload. Much appreciated. Great info

[@Premier_lawns_official]

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more documentary-type content watch this video next. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@Rhyswilliams878]

Great content. Would be great to see the next phase of prep as the open date approaches

[@fine9375]

Looks fantastic, it would be great to see once it's open in May! Excellent job by the greenkeepers

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I will have to call down for a follow up 👍😁👌

[@StimulationSimulated]

this was cool to watch and well produced good job sir

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It was a labor of love 🙂

[@alanryan5464]

Brilliant watch

[@Premier_lawns_official]

🙏🙏🙏

[@RandomFandom1]

It's amazing how a little rain will stop an excavation job, but I mowed in a deluge the other day. I once mowed snow. My blades were duller than butter knives by the end of the day

[@lvond555]

Thanks for sharing. As someone who installed my own USGA spec green in the backyard. This is great to see.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Does it compare to what you did

[@lvond555]

@@Premier_lawns_official Yes. I didn't see if you put a rootzone wicking barrier on the sidewalls or not, but other than that it was similar.

[@mcconaloguecharlie1]

Fantastic work lads

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍

[@aaronpeck51]

From England and played there in summer 22. Great course!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍

[@froot4409]

Great Insight 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Premier_lawns_official]

🙏👍 thanks

[@Premier_lawns_official]

See my other Golf course videos here - kzbin.info/aero/PLV0W3KNEKSkJF8txug4xYkjWgEztcixRZ

[@chosen1one930]

They didn't mention this but on top of the herringbone drain layout, they use a smile train around the entire green. It's usually only a smart part where water runs to, a sloped green pitched forward hence it's called a smile drain for a front, back or side of a green but they went above and beyond

[@guybrown1865]

Great video, that’s a lot of work.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks for stopping by, you might also like this video too kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@Martinistatzengeil]

amazing video, thanks for the insight

[@Premier_lawns_official]

🙏🙏🙏

[@patricksquires6348]

Very much enjoyed this vid. A+ thank you for creating and sharing. Definitely they should rename that green the “Root Layer”.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Patrick that's well put, looking at a green you wouldn't normally think of what is below it. ♥️

[@jennovices2170]

Guiness's all round on the 7th May then ... intense work just for a green, great job, nice video

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Star wars day

[@roadrun5060]

Might be better titled with how to rebuild a green. Solid video

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks 😊

[@alabinibop]

Big job!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yep!

[@kove]

I definitely enjoyed it,!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more documentary-type content watch this video next. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@viralworld2759]

Thanks sir❤

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍

[@shoegum7362]

This answers the question whether I can have a nice putting green in my backyard.

[@4u2nvme4ever]

Hoping to see an update on the 7th May! Very good video - so much work went into this

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yes, will update once the green is open. Thank you for your comments 😊

[@paulstaniford8622]

Great to see how they saved the original turf. Be interesting to see what it looks like come the opening weekend in May 2023. Imagine it will be better than it was before.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Keep an eye on my community page as I will be doing a catch up

[@keltiquewood]

2923? I imagine it will be fairly well established in 900 years ;-)

[@toulose2071]

Very interesting

[@Premier_lawns_official]

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more documentary-type content watch this video next. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvGmH6En7qkiKc

[@rudy1569]

Great video. Is there any reason why the field drains don’t get some wrapping/protection?

[@UrbanDadLawnAndGarden]

Great video Robbie. I've worked on golf courses so I know just how hard it is.. 👊👊👊

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I worked here for a long time before starting up my business, I always enjoyed it. There was always something new to learn. Where did you work?

[@UrbanDadLawnAndGarden]

@@Premier_lawns_official I worked at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa many many many years ago, home of England Golf, and a couple over here in the US, just part time.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@UrbanDadLawnAndGarden what brought you to the states?

[@UrbanDadLawnAndGarden]

@@Premier_lawns_official a woman 😂😂😂

[@psbaker82]

Very interesting. I have one of those Groundsman turf cutters. It’s an amazing bit of kit

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It was very interesting to film too 👍👍👍

[@psbaker82]

I’ve learnt a lot watching it. Thank you

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@psbaker82 Thank you for the wonderful feedback!

[@Chris.Davies]

Here's how to build a disc golf green: 1) Dig a 600mm deep hole, 200mm wide 2) Insert basket sleeve with centre pole inside and two spirit levels attached to pole 3) Add 4 litres of water to the hole and 1 bag of quick set concrete - mix. 3) Add quick set concrete until it sits 100mm below ground level + 2 more litres of water 4) Insert 150mm long section of sewer pipe into concrete, level with the playing surface 5) Check for verticality then remove pole 6) Wait 15 minutes, and insert disc golf basket and padlock it to the locking tab 7) Trim any dangling branches below 2 metres inside the 10-metre circle to prevent eye injuries. Now it's time to play disc golf. 🥰

[@RandomFandom1]

You should such the sand out to reuse throughout the season. A mow with a strong vac, and dump it to be composted as amended top soil

[@MrHan93]

I know this is completely off topic, but listening the accents to me you can hear hints of Scouse in there....great video too! ✌️

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks 🙏👍

[@bigcok2169]

Would like a career in this looks interesting

[@jasonhewlett1283]

Wow a huge amount of work not helped by the wet climate. A hard won project. 👌

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Big job, that's for sure 😊

[@pierrederyckel9716]

Quite surprised to see that done in that time of the year... wouldnt start of march be the best time, to have the the turf in good spring growing conditions rather than heading into dormancy at start of winter? What's the theory behind that? Thanks

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's a very busy course and it would disrupt play. All golf courses do this type of thing in the cooler months Coupled with the fact they would have to bring in contractors to do it all as the staff would be busy with all the mowing.

[@DriveFarGolf]

Thanks, an interesting video for us golfers. Can you share an actual/approximate cost of doing this?

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It will depend on how much is done in house (by the green keeping team) or from outside contractors. Probably around 30-100k the more you rely on the contractors the higher the costs The club saved a lot of money re using the original green, but there was a lot of extra rock breaking than expected I can't tell you the cost as I was asked to leave that out of the video

[@daveweldon6830]

I worked this summer at a local golf course and discovered that most courses have a nursery green and collar for problem areas just cut out what you need and replace it

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍

[@RandomFandom1]

A 64 inch mower for the collar. Did the math myself.

[@chosen1one930]

It's not a choker layer, we call it a intermediate layer between the rootzone mix and drain layer so the rootzone would wash into the gravel. But with science testing we can make sure this won't happen between the sand and gravel....that's why we don't use the intermediate layer pr choker layer now

[@JB-qr3fs]

What causes fusarium and how did it grow with the turf not even on green?

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Great question! Fusarium is a type of fungus that can be found in the environment, including in the air. Fusarium spores are microscopic and can be carried by the wind or released into the air during activities such as mowing or topdressing. These spores can then settle onto plants, including green, and if the conditions are favorable, they can germinate and infect the plant. However, it's important to note that the mere presence of Fusarium spores in the air does not necessarily mean that a turfgrass disease outbreak will occur. Damp weather usually brings on Fusarium, or leaving dew on a green. This is why you will see a greenkeeper brush the dew off the greens each monring

[@littlegreenman.6197]

Fascinating video Robbie, completely surprised on how much work is needed for one green. I would like to see it on May 7th when it opens up, just to see the finished product. I did like the Robbie shuffle when they were leveling the green. Great video. 👍👽

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Haha yes the shuffle 😂

[@johntwemlow6089]

I'm attempting to put a lawn down on my property here in New Zealand. You wouldn't like to pop over and give us a hand would you?

[@Premier_lawns_official]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@scottellwoodgardening287]

Some work and money gone into that Robbie. You can see why a lot of golf courses struggle when you look at the investment they need.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yes absolutely. Something like this costs a hell of a lot. It also takes a huge amount of time too

[@alabinibop]

What grass is the green made of?

[@Premier_lawns_official]

The green are a mix of bent gras, fescue and poa

[@alabinibop]

@@Premier_lawns_official I was curious as the turf was cut thinly, I used to work on a golf course that was mainly fescue greens, or so they desired? and the root zone was really deep! Thanks.

[@martinberry1540]

Very interesting. However, dumper drives should not remain sat in their seats when the dumper is being loaded, risk of serious injury or broken legs from the bucket of falling load.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks for the feedback 🙂

[@wallendegen1]

😲!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

💪💪💪

[@mattranum5231]

Next time number the side in a grid

[@chosen1one930]

No, the peat is added to the sand to hold water, nothing more. Ot gives just the right amount of water so greens can be dry but healthy and last a week without rain unless it's hot. The sand can hold nutrients on its own just not for a long time, the peat doesn't change that either, that's why we always checking the pH each year and adding nutrients

[@Premier_lawns_official]

As you have worked your way through the golf course videos, I think you will enjoy this one. It isn't listed on my channel and can only be found with this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoGkZ51orbl1iZI

[@rickfromboston]

You call it a “nice boarder for the green”, I call it golf ball hell .

[@bogboy90210]

That must have cost a lot of moolah.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

💰💰💰💰💰

[@katherinerunte]

Thanks for the upload!!! This channel desperately needs S M Zeus!

[@chosen1one930]

In America, its always 90% to 95% sand 5% to 10% peat and no soil.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍

[@MC-nb6jx]

Far better to use PAS100/2005 certified compost than peat.. Far better for the environment and helps with nutrient content of the RootZone..

[@RandomFandom1]

They should have brought an excavator with a plow. Could have dumped a pile, backed over it, and pushed it in one swipe. People give me the keys to heavy machinery, and walk away. Never had a training course, just touch things until I learn

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

The absolute blind bias of laying a green on a golf course in Ulster to hot climate specification from the USA. I assure you that Ireland doesn’t need to worry about lack of water.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I don't understand your comment

[@outfoxthefox]

A lot of fus for someone to knock a ball in a hole.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

😂😂😂

[@alanread4763]

Michael, with respect, if it's not to your liking, I would recommend you move along!

[@outfoxthefox]

@@alanread4763 Premier Lawns got the joke. I like the effort & knowledge to get the required result.

[@bigjmal]

Isn’t it glorious.

[@thesmartestmanintheworld2653]

Could say the same about your conception.

[@paulmccaugherty]

I get that its a complicated process. But my god. Golfers complaining that the green was to hard to read. Eh no. How about you get better at putting instead of blaming the green

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Something to show your four ball ⛳

[@Dreyno]

They wouldn’t enjoy some of the links courses. Greens look the Great War was fought on them.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@Dreyno I think you will enjoy this video too kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTZY5psfd6VptU

[@Redskies453]

There was too much drop from the back of the green to the front, so we dug the front down another 18 inches and put a false front in to piss everyone off. Hopefully this together with the taller rough and the increase in fees to fund the works will remind the members to stop bitching about the greens.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yep, that's about the height of it haha

[@ericfermin8347]

Hard to understand without closed captions. Very thick accents and slang used throughout the video. Beware for ESL watchers.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

There are subtitles on all my videos, you need to turn them on your side

[@golfingbuddy1]

If your going to bury that black junk pipe that won’t last. You might as well not put anything at at all.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I don't understand your comment, can you explain that a bit more?

[@pigslefats]

What happened to all that black plastic once finished

[@Premier_lawns_official]

At a guess, recycled Hard to do it without it. The carbon footprint of growing new turf would be much higher

[@cTHATSme71]

Love these videos. Thats a great team they have working there!! top notch work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌🏻🏌️‍♂️

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍👍

[@RandomFandom1]

A 64 inch mower for the collar. Did the math myself.

[@RandomFandom1]

They should have brought an excavator with a plow. Could have dumped a pile, backed over it, and pushed it in one swipe. People give me the keys to heavy machinery, and walk away. Never had a training course, just touch things until I learn