Golf Course Aerification

Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the game of golf as temperatures begin to cool, days get shorter, and fall colors adorn the trees.

We will begin to aerate greens in mid-September and the process will continue through early November. Remember, aeration is a short term disruption with long term benefits.

1. We aerate to improve, not annoy
   Putting greens receive more traffic than any other playing surface. The aeration process helps relieve the compaction caused by all that traffic. It also helps create a firm, smooth putting surface by controlling thatch and promoting healthy turf roots.
2. Scratch the thatch
   Thatch is a layer of old plant material that accumulates at the soil surface. If thatch on putting greens is not diluted by aeration and topdressing, it will act like a sponge, holding water near the surface. Excessive thatch creates soft playing conditions, inconsistent green speeds and increases the risk of disease.
3. Timing is everything
   Do you ever wonder why aeration is commonly performed when putting greens are playing their best? Aerating when grass is healthy and actively growing minimizes damage and allows for a quick return to optimal playing conditions. Aerating at other times may be more convenient for the golf schedule, but it lengthens recovery times, increases the risk of an invasion of weeds and could cause lasting damage.
4. It’s not as bad as you think
   It may seem like there are more holes than grass on the putting greens right after they’ve been aerated, but this is an illusion. Typically, aeration affects less than 10 percent of a putting surface.
5. Sand is part of the plan
   A heavy application of topdressing sand following aeration may appear to make putting greens less playable. However, filling aeration holes with sand actually helps create a smoother surface. Sand also creates channels for water and air movement, dilutes thatch, and helps putting greens recover from aeration more quickly.

The aeration schedule for 2020 will be adhered to as much as possible but is weather dependent:

September 14-30
West course # 1, 5 and 8
South course #1 and 3
East course #13 and 15

October 6-8
Remaining holes on East course

October 19-22
Remaining holes on the South course

November 2-5
Remaining holes on West course

We will do our best to limit exposure to freshly aerated greens, but all players should expect to encounter at least a couple during their round if they play after September 14, 2020.