October Turf Update – RattleSnake Point
16 OCT 2025
October Turf Update – RattleSnake Point
As we move through the month of October, I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates on course conditions and some of the maintenance work currently underway.
At this time of year, frost becomes a regular part of our mornings, and it’s important to understand what it means for the golf course. When frost forms, the grass blades are frozen and extremely fragile. Walking or driving on frosted turf can cause the blades to break, leading to visible damage and long-term turf stress. By keeping golfers off the course until the frost has completely lifted, we’re protecting the health of the turf and ensuring that it continues to recover well through the remainder of the season. We appreciate everyone’s patience during these occasional morning delays — they truly make a difference in maintaining course quality.
We are now approaching the end of our tee deck aeration program, and we expect to complete fairway aeration in the coming days. You may notice that we occasionally flip the starting holes, beginning on the 10th instead of the 1st, to help our team stay ahead with this work while minimizing disruption to play. Aeration is a vital part of turf management, improving soil health and promoting stronger growth for next season.
This fall, we will not be aerating the greens, so you can expect the putting surfaces to remain in their current excellent condition through the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead, our on-course water lines will begin to be blown out starting October 27, which is an important step in preparing the irrigation system for winter and preventing damage from freezing temperatures.
On behalf of the entire turf team, I want to thank all our members for another great year at RattleSnake Point. Your continued support, understanding, and respect for the golf course make our work incredibly rewarding. We hope you continue to enjoy these last few weeks of play and appreciate the beauty of the course as the season winds down.
Sincerely,
Bill McAllister
Turf Superintendent
RattleSnake Point Golf Club