PA-PLAYA at what spacing? You can't be precise like that. Double punching would tear the shit out of a green. In 30 yrs of doing this shit, never heard of that.

      LBlack14

      Me neither. But that's what they did. I asked why... told them I'd never heard of such an extreme practice. "To help remove thatch" they said. So... they'd do 'em once, then go back over and do them again in another go-round. They annihilated em. That's why it would take two months for them to recover.

      I left for a reason.

      PS - one year they aerated in November! We're in f**king Northeast PA... how much growing weather do we have in November through May? LOL... Those greens wouldn't be playable until June.

      Hellacious operation they had going there. I think they've since hired a new Super and are actually doing very well. The Super they had prior was an alcoholic who was basically allowed to do whatever he damned well wanted.

      You get what you pay for.

          PA-PLAYA
          I've punched and then verticut, but NEVER heard of dbl punch. I think someone may have been misinformed. To double punch would cause more damage than benefit.

              mikeintopeka nope, all good though, as the course it beautiful and one of the best I've played for pure fun. Aeration should be noted when making a tee time, whether it be online or call in....at least then a golfer can opt out and be spared some irritation. We only paid 27 to ride.

                  There seems to be some difference in the machines used..my home course is one that the punch marks are close together, so there are tons of holes....I've seen some where they are spaced out more, maybe every 4 inches or so and not so close together....this is what I'm used too-

                  Assuming there could be a difference in the size/diameter of the punch too, but ??

                    ode space can be adjusted and speed makes a difference too. Yes, tine sizes vary.

                    • ode likes this.

                      LBlack14

                      Truth. I dealt with their stupidity for two years. Then finally said screw it, you guys have no idea wtf you're doing.

                      I mean, yeah... thatch can be a problem. But nuking your greens to remove thatch should never be a considered option.

                      Again, the head greenskeeper at the time was more Carl Spackler than anything else. I'm actually surprised he didn't use C4 as part of the aeration process.

                          PA-PLAYA
                          And I can't even get an asst's job with 30 yrs exp, but no piece of paper. Truth.

                            DGreen Since we don't want to quit playing (as long as the weather allows), we just do the automatic
                            two putt rule.

                              I had to play in a four ball match on the aerated greens and we ended up doing pretty much what you guys suggested ............ anything under three feet was given, Frustrating playing a match under those conditions though.

                              Appreciate the suggestions guys!

                              I completely lose interest if I have to putt on aerated greens, which is why I call pretty much every March to October before I want to play a course! I keep a log of local courses to refer to. I understand it needs to be done so do it and I'll check out your course later.

                              I was in Ocean City for a few days recently and just about every aerated two weeks before, and I saw some premium prices. I think courses are becoming more transparent about this, but I still get a few courses saying the aeration was already done when I call. When I ask them when sometimes I'll get a last week response. Okay, thanks LOL

                              This thread needs to note the contribution of www.Greenskeeper.org

                              The guy that runs the site actually calls courses regularly to get aeration/maintenance schedules, and all of those are posted on the website. So here in SoCal we can just look there and see what courses to avoid. Big thumbs up.

                              I had a tee time set up for a group of 4... three guys from my club had never played this course, which was private several years ago. Since then they've been sold and was subsequently turned public.

                              Nice short course... fun short course. Tough greens, lots of tricky greens. Tee shots have to be at a premium to setup the approach shots. I think it's like 6300 yards.

                              And the greens have always been immaculate. So I was excited to get a few fellow members here to enjoy a change of scenery.

                              So I make a call, get a reservation. I ask if they aerated, they said that they aerated earlier in the spring, and that the fall aeration would be a month later following our scheduled round there.

                              Then the greens staff decided that they needed to do a small-tine aeration, because they were hosting a Pro-Am event two weeks later. They called me 5 days out. I was absolutely shocked to hear from them, because so many courses these days seem to keep their aeration schedules more private than public. And they're certainly not gonna call someone ahead of time to inform them that they aerated their greens.

                              Except this course.

                              "Mr. France - just called to inform you that we are aerating tomorrow, and that you and your guest will obviously be dealing with punched greens next week. While we would enjoy your business - we also appreciate you wanting to play your round of golf here in good conditions. Please contact us should you wish to cancel. "

                              I returned the call, and brought 8 guys up there three weeks later to enjoy the golf, the nice course that it is, and it was was great condition three weeks later.

                              Not that I expect a golf course to call me personally to inform me of maintenance that might influence me to go elsewhere, but when it happens - I make sure I reward that course later on when the conditions are better.

                              And I feel obligated to give the details of the name of the course: Mahoning Valley Country Club (which is public - anyone can make a time here). It's a very challenging course because of the greens (which are generally perfect) and a fun little course to play.

                              Still hard to believe that some courses still find it important enough to let their customers know what to expect, even if it ends up costing them business. But then again - I brought them more business.

                              So if you find yourself in Northeast PA and wanting an enjoyable challenge at a nice course check out Mahoning Valley Country Club.

                              They usually have the best greens in the region.

                              All healed up were they? If done right, they should be after 3 weeks. Also depending on what equipment you have available.

                              7 months later

                              mikeintopeka I thought it was interesting the golf village I frequent in Arkansas with my posse sent their aeration schedule for all 6 courses AND are offering discounted fees for the first few days after the work is done. I give them an A++ for this policy change.

                                Martee I plan on taking two weeks off or find a course that hasn't been aerated.

                                Oh, so you don't support your normal course when they have to do maintenance? Shame on you! LOL

                                    Sparky My first choice is to avoid those courses until they heal.

                                    Oh, no another guy who wants something for nothing - doesn't finance the course's maintenance fees.

                                        LBlack14 That automatic 2 putt sounds like the lazy old geezers that play at our place.

                                        Wow, even that adjustment to accommodate unpleasant conditions isn't sufficient.