Gas Bubbles/Trapped Water/Floating Turf

[bkuehn1952]

I suspect many of us have run into the situation where the sod/turf separates from the earth beneath and traps either gas, air or water between the sod/turf and earth.  The visible surface is sort of uneven and moves as one walks over the surface.  We have a small course nearby where underground water collects and turns a fairly large area into almost a "Moon Walk" type surface.

As near as I can tell, one receives no relief from this situation unless there is water visible while taking one's stance.  I can almost picture a ball moving as one approaches the ball because of the heaving up & down of the turf (hasn't happened to me yet).

The best solution might be to chalk off the area as GUR.  In the absence of that, anyone have any other ideas?  (yes, don't hit it there - thanks)

[Rulesman]

Notify the green super. It will only get worse. He should mark it GUR and pierce the turf to let the water out before too much pressure lifts more turf.

[DrvFrShow]

I remember this in the northeast, but not on golf courses because I didn't play golf then.

Around here we're not reporting handicaps anymore. It's considered "off season" since scores really don't count for anything just drop somewhere that's not going to damage the course and report it to the super.

Our courses are a mess right now with the heavy rains. Hit the ball and you get a mud bath.

[boogielicious]

It happens a lot when we have a freeze followed by a thaw.  I've seen big sink holes in the middle of the fairway.  It is best to notify the pro shop as @Rulesman indicated.  I've seen some that are downright dangerous.