Walk path management on the golf course can be a tedious and frustrating task. Erosion, weed control and routine upkeep can make these areas a constant drain on staff time and a source of golfer complaints. Fortunately, modern materials can help ease some of these pains and improve the golfer experience.
Paths and walkways can be constructed from a range of materials, but three popular options are decomposed granite, StaLok and Kafka. Each offers different characteristics that work well with the demands of golf courses.
- Decomposed granite (DG) and its derivatives, like crushed concrete, have long been a golf course pathway staple. These materials crush and compact into a firm surface and are relatively easy to maintain. However, DG can wash away during heavy rains and tends to drift into adjacent turf, requiring cleanup.
- StaLok is a stabilized aggregate material that compacts tightly and holds together well over time. Its firm surface resists erosion and weed growth. Some creative superintendents have even used StaLok for patio bases and as an alternative bunker liner thanks to its stability and porous nature. Users have reported that StaLok can be vulnerable to persistent moisture, so it tends to work best in areas that don’t receive regular irrigation.
- Kafka is another option gaining popularity. It’s a wax-coated DG or crushed rock product. It compacts easily, doesn’t drift or wash away, and is nonporous.
All three materials offer durability, reduced maintenance and a more-consistent walking surface than natural soil or gravel. They also produce less bounce from a golf ball than concrete or asphalt. Choosing the right material depends on your goals, climate, traffic patterns, location on the course and availability in your area, but if walk paths are a headache at your course, moving to one of these options can definitely be an improvement.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, regional director, West Region – bwhitlark@usga.org
Ross Niewola, agronomist - rniewola@usga.org