USGA WHITE SAND

The #60 White Silica Sand from Aggritek International Inc. was evaluated on July 17, 2017, to determine if it meets USGA recommendations for a topdressing sand. The condition of the sample as received was normal.

The Sand is a medium sand with 96.9% particles within the USGA range of 1.0 to 0.15 mm for a topdressing sand. This is a very high percentage of particles within this range with a majority of the particles (63.3%) in the medium sand fraction range. The USGA has recognized for many years that the medium sand fraction is the best sand fraction for a topdressing sand. This topdressing sand has only 1.1% particles larger than 1.0 mm and only 2.0% “fines” (1.3% very fine sand, 0.4% silt, and 0.3% clay). This Sand meets USGA particle size recommendations for a topdressing and rootzone mix (greensmix) sand.

The Sand is a silica sand with a soil water pH of 6.1.

The Sand had a high water permeability rate of 59.3 in/hr. when compacted by the USGA procedure ASTM F1815 to simulate a compacted golf green. This is a very adequate rate for a topdressing sand. A topdressing sand should have a rate >20 in/hr. to allow for adequate drainage.

Conclusion: According to USGA guidelines for selecting a topdressing sand, this is an excellent topdressing sand. This topdressing sand is very compatible with any green that meets USGA particle size recommendations and will greatly benefit those that do not. This is about as good as a topdressing sand gets. This Sand also meets USGA recommendations for a greensmix sand for golf green construction.