2020 has been a remarkable year to say the least. We have gone from being worried if there would be any golf played this year, to record numbers of rounds through the summer! August saw just over 6700 rounds completed after 6900 in July! With these increases in play it is crucial that we complete cultural practices this year that will set the course up for success in 2021 and beyond.
Aerification
The process of aerification is critical for the long-term success of turf health. This year it is even more important than usual given the high number of rounds experienced this season and the increase in cart traffic. Please note the following schedule, weather conditions permitting.
- Fairways: September 28 – October 2
- Greens: October 5 – 9
- Tees: October 13 – 16
The aerification of the fairways will take place the week of September 28. Impact to the tee sheet has been reduced as much as possible; however, it is vital to undertake this task when conditions are dry. The plan is to complete the front 9 fairways on Monday, September 28. This will require some minor adjustments to the tee sheet and only allow play on the back 9 in the afternoon. Weather may delay the schedule until later in the week, depending on rain and dry conditions. These adjustments will be made prior to the tee time lottery to avoid any confusion. The remaining fairways can be completed each morning prior to the start of play.
Aerification on the fairways involves removing a core or soil plug from the fairway, allowing them to dry, breaking them apart and then dragging most of the material back into the soil. This practice both increases oxygen in the soil and reduces compaction, two essential aspects for turf health. Increasing oxygen also promotes deeper rooting and improved drainage over time. If the cores are not able to dry the process becomes quite messy and does not allow for effective cleanup.
With the increase in rounds played, some groups having three carts and an anticipated busy golf course through the remainder of the season, it is imperative that this process is completed to continue promoting healthy turf.
Greens aerification will be completed through the week of October 5. This will be covered in more detail towards the end of this month.
Course Etiquette
Beginning tomorrow when the lottery is completed and you are emailed your tee time confirmation, included with this notification will be a link to the updated Course Etiquette guide. Please take a moment to refamiliarize yourself with these items as some adjustments have been made under the current COVID guidelines. The large increase in rounds played this season has also increased the amount of ball marks and divots requiring repair.
Please note: The guide still lists our pace of play as 4 hours and 12 minutes, which is appropriate in a normal season with 10-minute tee time intervals. As a reminder, our expected pace of play in 2020 is under 4 hours.
Your input and care for the golf course and practice facilities is greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions about these items or anything else on the golf course please do not hesitate to contact me.
Chris Bouwers
Course and Property Manager