Although the USGA’s Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction are very specific when it comes to particle size distribution, porosity, and other technical details, there are many different building techniques that can be used during the construction process itself. Those who have made their living building greens have developed many tips for success to make the process easier and more efficient without sacrificing quality. The USGA’s publication Building the USGA Green — Tips for Success details many of these tips and is available from the USGA Order Department (800-336-4446) or can be downloaded from the USGA Web site (http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/articles_and_resources.html).

Here are three more tips that will prove helpful on your next green construction project.

Paint lines on the floor of the green cavity to show the trencher operator where to dig. At the point where the lateral lines connect into the main line, it is important to set the trenches at the proper angle. Failure to do so will result in a great deal of additional hand digging at each connection, since the pipe will not match up with the fitting. To make these connections, 45-degree fittings are most commonly used. To be sure everything lines up properly, simply attach a fitting on each end of a length of 4-inch pipe. A 3-foot-long section of pipe works well. Place your new tool on the main line at the point where your laterals are going to connect. Attach a section of rope to an old golf club shaft and insert the shaft into the subgrade at the connection point. Stretch the rope on a line extending from the fitting opening and paint over the rope. Once the ditches are dug, everything will line up perfectly.

Here is another green construction tip. The point at which the main drain line exits the green is critical. If the drainage pipe is damaged here, the drainage for the entire green can be adversely affected. Although flexible drainage pipe is fine for most of the system, it is a good idea to use rigid pipe at the point where the main line and the “smile” drains connect. (Note: The “extra” PVC pipe is an irrigation pipe in the same area.)

The third tip involves settling the new rootzone mixture as quickly as possible. A vibratory packer can be used on the mix even during the spreading process. This step helps com-pact the mix to a settled depth, making it easy to see where additional mix is needed. It also helps speed up the process of making the mix firm enough to be planted.

James F. Moore offers plenty of tips as director of the USGA’s construction education program.