As we near the end of the summer stress period I would like to comment on a topic that is discussed at many TAS visits throughout the year - closing the golf course for maintenance.

It is easy to take it for granted that golf courses require continual maintenance, especially when we play on golf courses each week with carpet-like conditions. Unlike carpet, golf course turf is growing. New leaves and stems are constantly produced, growing in size and requiring continual mowing. If the turf is not routinely mowed, it becomes shaggy and unkempt. Greens and tees can be mowed prior to daily play at most courses and mowing of fairways and roughs (not to mention maintenance of bunkers, landscape beds, and other areas of the golf course) often occurs amongst play.

There are other cultural practices that must take place on the golf course requiring additional time. Such practices include core aeration, vertical mowing, and sand topdressing. It is sometimes difficult to appreciate the benefit of these practices but they are just as important as daily mowing. It is necessary to allow these practices to occur by closing the golf course to play and providing the necessary time for the golf course staff to complete them efficiently. Many golf courses in our region verticut and sand topdress their putting greens every 7 to 14 days. While it is inconvenient to close the golf course to allow these practices to occur, it is an excellent investment for improving playing conditions.

The summer season is a slow period for most Florida golf courses and course closure is generally not a major concern. We find most courses close one day each week for maintenance. Closing the golf course occasionally during the winter golfing season on-the-other-hand is much more difficult. However, the most successful golf courses allow necessary cultural practices to occur throughout the winter season as well. Cultivation practices are less severe during the winter season and less time is required for course closure but it is beneficial to allow practices like light sand topdressing and solid-tine aeration periodically throughout the peak season as well. It is not necessary to close the golf course for an entire day, but it is recommended to provide a block of time through delayed starts or closed afternoons for these practices to occur.

Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625