Golf Course Aerification

Fall is near and for Arrowhead Golf Club that means green 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.

Awards

badge for best driving range by Chicago Golf Report Voted as one of the Best Driving Ranges in Chicago by Chicago Golf Report

Featured in Chicago District Golfer's "Chicago's Best 19 Holes"
"With its unique 27-hole layout, this nicely maintained course is sure to hold your interest."
- Val Russell, Chicagoland Golf
"Public golfers at Arrowhead Golf Club will discover it to be a captivating, challenging, thoughtful design."
- Phil Kosin, Chicagoland Golf
"Arrowhead has the feel of a private course that is well maintained. A beautiful facility in all respects. The course is a great layout, well spaced, nice challenge. We played on Tuesday 8/6/19 and played the South / East combination. A few of the greens looked to have been recently aerated, but they all rolled nicely. Definitely recommend."
- Scott T., Yelp
"This is our group’s favorite golf outing. If we only did one outing per year, this would be it."
- Ed Berndt, Prudential Spengel Realty
"...[one] of the top golf driving ranges and golf practice facilities in the Chicagoland area."
- Walter Lis, Chicago Golf Report

Memberships & Affiliations

Golf Pros
Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA)
LPGA Amateur Golf Association logo

Golf Course
National Golf Foundation (NGF)
Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA)
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System

Course Management
Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents (MAGCS)
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)