Fly Pad Maintenance

[Rob Breckenridge]

This is our 1st winter season with our new Fly 18 tee pads. I am looking for feedback on maintenance for those of you out there who have have experience with this material. Specifically:
Does Salt cause corrosion, quicker breakdown of material?
I am guessing that Yak Traks or any other spiked shoes would not be good either? Any other concerns-issues I should be aware of?
Thanks Guys, here's to another season of winter disc.

[Doug Callaghan]

hey rob. we have alot of winter golfers that use yaktrax or microspikes and we havent noticed any damage. Just for safety, you really have to use them at devens when it gets icey, with the hills im sure otter brook will be similier. Not sure why there hasnt been damage, but there hasnt been any that ive seen and id say the majority of golfers use them in winter. We have used ice melt in the past. Not sure on salt. Bigger issues are just keeping them clear and drained. good luck.

[Rob Breckenridge]

Thanks Doug, good feedback, it might be that the material is porous enough that tracks don't tear it? OB can get downright treacherous in the winter, putting stairs in on the hills is yet another item on my endless to do list, maybe after the back 9 is done.

[Jim Bobka]

During TC at Webster a couple years back John Hollows used some blue material on the pads, it worked fine. Not sure the name of the product.

Can't wait to get to Otter again, a winter round is in my schedule....

[Steven Dakai]

The blue stuff is most likely a consumer ready product made mostly of calcium chloride. Its awesome for melting snow just be careful not to let it contact metal at all. You can get the 100% CaCl from most pool companies. Its white and gets very hot when it contacts water.
It is the best way to melt snow and ice on concrete pads and I doubt it would impact fly pads severely.

Use gloves! Dont touch your face until after you remove your gloves and WASH YOUR HANDS.

I pay about $20 for a 50# bag wholesale.

[Rob Breckenridge]

Thanks Guys, good info, Keene just got a lot of rain this past few days, I have not been out to the course but I am guessing the pads are not iced, am hoping to keep them that way!

[Rob Breckenridge]

During TC at Webster a couple years back John Hollows used some blue material on the pads, it worked fine. Not sure the name of the product.

Can't wait to get to Otter again, a winter round is in my schedule....

Jimbo, grab 2 buds and play in the winter solstice scramble, some really nice custom schwag and it will be a good time!

[Jim Bobka]

Rob it'll have to be next season; we're off to FLA next Friday! Driving down for two weeks for a much needed long vacation.

[Rob Breckenridge]

Have Fun, bring back some sunshine and hit me up anytime you want to play OB!