Turf Letter - Fall Update
03 SEP 2025
As the summer winds down and we transition into the fall season, our team is busy preparing the golf course for the months ahead. Fall is one of the most important times of the year for turf management, and the work we do now ensures not only healthy playing conditions for the remainder of the season, but also sets the foundation for strong growth next spring. I’d like to share some updates on what you can expect to see around the golf course in the coming weeks.
Tee Deck Aeration
Beginning next week, we will be aerating all tee decks. Aeration is a vital cultural practice that helps relieve soil compaction from heavy use over the summer. By opening up the surface, we allow air, water, and nutrients to move more freely into the root zone, which strengthens the turf and helps it recover from the stresses of the season. While you may notice the temporary disruption in appearance, the long-term benefit is healthier, more resilient tees that will withstand both fall play and the challenges of winter.
Bunker Sand Top-Up
You may also notice that many of our bunkers have been topped up with new sand. This is part of our ongoing effort to keep playing conditions consistent throughout the property. Fresh sand tends to play softer initially, which means bunker shots may react a little differently than you are used to. With time, rain, and regular play, the sand will settle and compact, returning the bunkers to firmer, more uniform conditions. We appreciate your patience during this adjustment period and are confident these improvements will enhance your overall experience.
Fescue and Naturalized Areas
Another project currently underway is the cutting down of our fescue and naturalized areas. While these areas provide beauty and strategic value during the playing season, it is important to manage them properly before winter arrives. Cutting them down helps prevent thatch and debris from building up, reduces the risk of rodent activity over the colder months, and promotes healthier regrowth when the fescue comes back in the spring. This practice also allows us to better control invasive weeds and ensures that these areas continue to provide the intended contrast and character to the golf course.
These projects are a regular part of our fall maintenance program and are essential to keeping RattleSnake Point in top condition year after year. Our team takes great pride in preparing the golf course for each season, and we appreciate your understanding as we carry out this work. While some of these practices may cause temporary changes to conditions, they are all focused on long-term health and improvement.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you on the course this fall.
Sincerely,
Bill McAllister
Golf Course Superintendent
RattleSnake Point Golf Club