Agronomy Update - August 14, 2026

Bermuda Grass Program

This week, we completed our second application of Roundup and Fusilade to fairways, roughs, and bunkers, covering a total of 13 acres. Applications began on Tuesday and wrapped up on Wednesday.

To help ensure the herbicide remained in place and did not track into unintended areas, we kept all traffic off treated surfaces for 48 hours after application. By the end of that period, we were already seeing encouraging results: the bentgrass in treated areas had begun turning black, while the Bermuda grass was starting to yellow, a clear sign that the treatment is working as intended.

Bermuda turning yellow 48 hours after application.

We also used this opportunity to address small areas of Bermuda grass encroachment on the greens at holes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 18. While these spots were relatively minor, it made sense to address them now before they had the chance to spread further. Those areas will be repaired with sod from our green nursery on Hole 3.

Bermuda grass in 6 green after treatment. 

Course Operations

On Monday, several crew members started at 5:00 a.m. to get an early jump on aerifying the greens. Using two aerifiers, the team completed all 23 greens by 2:00 p.m. Cleanup took a bit longer, as the process also included removing plugs, topdressing, brushing, blowing, and rolling. The full operation was finished by 3:30 p.m., just ahead of the afternoon thunderstorm.

Santiago on 6 green at 5am. 

Aerification plugs on 14 green. 

Accuna blowing off 14 green.

We also had a special guest on Monday, as Head Golf Professional Riley Cronin joined the team to experience the green aerification process firsthand. He was a big help and we appreciated having him out with the crew.

In total, the team applied 38 tons of sand to the greens. The greens were mowed again on Wednesday, and after that first cut, our mechanics needed to grind nine of the greens mowers. Sand from aerification is especially hard on reels and bedknives, so that extra maintenance is a normal and necessary part of the process. As of Friday, we are back on our regular greens mowing schedule.

As a reminder, the greens tend to remain softer for a short period after aerification, which means approach shots and short-game shots can leave larger-than-normal ball marks. We appreciate everyone taking a moment to repair their ball marks - and any others they may see - to help the surfaces recover as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Beyond the greens work, the remainder of the week was focused on rough mowing and detail work across the course. Crews edged all cart paths on the front nine, trimmed around sprinkler heads, and continued cutting back tall grass areas that have become contaminated with weeds. In addition, 40 acres of rough received a preventive fungicide application this week.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Next Monday, we will be making spot applications of Roundup and Fusilade in a few fairway areas where we saw skips in coverage. These spots will be staked or roped off to keep traffic out and protect the treatment while it works.

Overall, it was a productive week, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we continue working through these important agronomic and course-improvement projects.