While these practices affect playing conditions and the overall look of the course temporarily, they are essential for keeping the course firm, smooth and consistent. When we weren’t fighting floodwaters or cleaning up debris that washed onto the course, here are a few things we accomplished:

Greens Vented & Topdressed

We solid tine aerified the greens to improve airflow and relieve minor compaction in the upper soil layer. After aerifying, we applied a greensmix topdressing to smooth the surface and support healthier root development. This helps the greens manage moisture more effectively and maintain consistent firmness without having any short-term effects   on playing performance.

Tees & Approaches Aerated

Tees and approaches were aerated with hollow tines to pull small soil cores. This opens the root zone and reduces compaction from daily play and equipment traffic. Aeration gives the turf more space to grow stronger roots and improves the movement of air and water through the soil.

Topdressing on Tees & Approaches

Following aeration, we applied a topdressing blend of sand and organic material, dragging it in to fill the aeration holes and improve overall soil structure. This mix helps create firmer, smoother surfaces and supports better drainage, allowing these areas to hold up more effectively under regular use. 

Fairways Verticut & Sliced

Fairways were verticut to thin excess thatch and stand the grass upright, followed by slicing to create narrow channels that help water and air move deeper into the soil. These practices reduce surface softness, improve firmness, reduce disease pressure, and encourage healthier, more resilient turf.

What to Expect This Fall

As temperatures cool and growing conditions improve, the benefits of this work will become increasingly visible across the course. Greens will roll smoother with more consistent firmness and improved moisture control. Tees and approaches will develop deeper roots, recover more quickly from daily play, and maintain firmer, more uniform surfaces. Fairways will play firmer with better ball roll, fewer wet spots and stronger turf heading into winter dormancy. Overall, you can expect more consistent playing conditions, improved turf density and a stronger foundation as we move toward next spring.