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RattleSnake Point Golf Club ~ Turf Newsletter

Managing Cart Traffic to Protect the Course

Dear Members and Guests,

As we continue to enjoy the summer golf season, we have seen a steady flow of our members out on course as we have had a dry and hot couple of weeks. Let's hope the weather continues until the end of fall! Fingers crossed.

I want to take a moment to address a key area of course care: golf cart traffic and its impact on turf health, particularly during periods of bluegrass dormancy and in relation to our fescue areas.

Driving on Primary Rough & Dormant Bluegrass

With the intense heat and limited rainfall, we’ve experienced this summer, much of our Kentucky bluegrass rough has entered a natural state of dormancy. While this is a normal and temporary protective response by the turf, it does leave the grass more susceptible to wear and damage—especially from repeated cart traffic.

We kindly ask that all carts avoid unnecessary travel across large patches of brown or thinning turf. Where permitted, stay to the edge of the primary rough or on the fairway cut lines, and always follow cart path signage and roped-off areas. Rotating cart traffic helps us avoid compacted soil and permanent turf loss as we await cooler weather and turf recovery.

Absolutely No Driving in Fescue

It is important to reiterate one critical rule: under no circumstances should carts be driven into or through fescue areas. These long native grasses are not maintained for regular play or traffic and do not recover from wheel damage the way-maintained turf does. Driving through fescue causes long-term injury to the plant material and disrupts the naturalized aesthetic that defines so much of RattleSnake Point’s character.

Please respect all stakes, ropes, and directional signage, which are in place to guide traffic flow and protect the health of the course.

Quick Reminders:

• Use cart paths whenever possible, especially near tees and greens.

• Obey directional signs and roped-off zones.

• Avoid brown or stressed turf, especially during dormancy.

• Never enter fescue areas with carts or push/pull carts.

Your cooperation and awareness are beyond appreciated as it helps us keep our golf courses pristine all year round. I look forward to seeing all on course soon. Thank you for your continued support and care.

Sincerely,
Bill McAllister
Golf Course Superintendent
RattleSnake Point Golf Club