Keeping a Putting Green Rolling True

Keep it clean

Leaves, seed pods, and dust change how a ball rolls and, left to mat, hold moisture that grows algae in the low spots. Blow or lightly sweep the surface weekly, and rinse it every few weeks. A clean green is most of a true-rolling green.

Brush and re-level the infill

Traffic pushes the sand infill toward the fringe and packs it in the walk-on lanes, so those areas speed up or slow down relative to the rest. Every few months, brush the surface against the nap with a stiff broom and redistribute or top up the infill so the depth is even end to end.

Check the cups and edges

Cups take abuse — reset any that have lifted or gone out of round, and make sure the collar sits flush so putts drop cleanly. Along the perimeter, keep an eye on the seam where putting turf meets fringe; catch a lifting edge early with a few fasteners before it becomes a trip and a tear.