Turf Opening Update
30 APR 2026
Happy New Year!
The weather leading into opening has been somewhat uncooperative. Cold temperatures and light showers almost daily have prevented our courses from drying out as we would like. While our cool-season grasses (bent and bluegrass) thrive in these conditions, it creates a challenging combination. With so much moisture and rapid growth, clipping control becomes difficult. There are areas we simply cannot cut yet due to how wet they are, and even when we do, clipping dispersal is minimal.
Ideally, we would be cutting fairways and primary rough in dry, sunny, and breezy conditions—but that would often put us right in the middle of peak play, which isn’t ideal for either golfers or our maintenance team.
That said, we are making every effort to blow clippings after mowing and stay ahead of play each morning.
All playing surfaces have come through the winter very well and are in excellent health. This time of year is critical as we begin preparing the courses for the summer ahead. Our focus is on maintaining plant health, encouraging root growth through strategic fertilization, and applying preventative fungicides. Once we achieve the conditions we’re looking for, we can begin transitioning to the firm and fast playing surfaces we all enjoy.
Our bunkers also wintered extremely well. To date, we have added over 20 tons of sand, with more to come over the next month. Depth checks will follow later in the summer. You may notice some bunkers playing softer than others—this is due to the addition of new sand, which will firm up over time as it settles into our naturally firm base.
Next on our list is our weed control program and testing all irrigation heads. Dandelions are beginning to flower, and we aim to address them before they go to seed.
Spring is always a busy time for the turf team, with spraying, irrigation work, staff training, and course preparation all underway.
We are also completing three major projects over the next couple of weeks. New irrigation satellites (control systems) are being installed, which will significantly improve communication issues we’ve experienced in recent years. The armor stone wall on Hole 6 (Sidewinder) is receiving topsoil and will be sodded shortly. Additionally, we have approximately 1,000 m² of asphalt work remaining. We were able to complete about half prior to opening, but recent rain has delayed progress until conditions improve. Smaller sod projects around the property are also being prepped and will be completed next week—taking advantage of the current weather to assist with establishment.
It’s been great seeing so many members back at the club. Thank you for all the positive feedback—it means a lot. Our turf crew has done an excellent job to start the season, and I make sure to pass along your kind words.