Fairway Core Aeration Update

Turf Care will begin fairway core aeration, cleanup and topdressing on Monday, September 14th. This procedure is necessary in order to keep modifying the root zone under the turf. It is not anywhere near what is required to keep maintaining high quality fairways especially during extremes in weather, be it drought or periods of excessive rainfall. This season has been a struggle for us even if you haven't noticed. Our cultural programs and the monthly light fairway sand applications we've  been performing for the past two seasons are only a start to what we hope will be much better conditions in a few years.

This is a tedious, long process that will take the better part of 5 to 10 days to finish. Nice dry weather will shorten the work. Rainfall and even cloudy cool weather will mean delays and unfortunately some messy conditions at times. There will be muddy shoes, pull cart wheels and dirty power carts to contend with if it gets too wet. Afterwards approximately 300 metric tonnes of sand will be spread on the fairways so expect some "different" conditions out there for the remainder of the golf season (no different than last September).

We are committed to removing excess thatch and changing our root zone from a heavier clay type to more of a sand based surface. Why? Better drainage, smoother surfaces and a healthier growth environment for the type of turf on our fairways. The same philosophy we live by for the greens, tees and approaches.

First step is core aeration.

We'll use the greens aerator to core the small area around sprinklers which is in dire need of aeration as evidenced by the dry summer. These areas have typically been neglected as the big aerator cannot get too close or potential sprinkler damage can and does occur.

2 sweepers will be used to remove the heavy soil cores. We want as much soil as possible removed and replaced with sand so that the profile modification can continue.

300 metric tonnes of sand is here for the topdressing that will follow cleanup.

• There may be some damage to the turf at times. Have no fear. Turf Care will deal with it.
• It will be muddy early in the day (and if it rains) so delays are to be expected at times.
• The tractors will not be stopping so we need everyone to get along out there. Exercise caution and patience please.
• Lets hope for some pleasant weather.