Spring Course Update for the Season Ahead
From: Aaron McMaster, Golf Course Superintendent
Course: Orchard Lake Country Club, Detroit, MI
Date: March 26, 2026
Dear Members,
It's great to see the course waking up as spring finally starts to take hold. The turf came through winter in excellent shape, which gives us a strong starting point for the season ahead.
The cooler weather we've had lately has kept things moving a bit slower than usual. The grass is taking its time coming out of dormancy, so growth and recovery are progressing at a steady, measured pace. Warmer days are on the way, though, and once temperatures even out, you'll notice improvements across the course in color, density, and overall playability.
Our team has been busy getting everything ready, clearing winter debris, pruning trees, and fine-tuning playing surfaces. The greens are already off to a great start; we've given them two mowings and three rolls so far, and we're seeing healthy progress. As always, our goal this time of year is to find that balance between turf health and the firm, fast conditions we all enjoy.
Fairways and tees are also shaping up nicely. After the first mow, we'll do a light aeration to relieve surface compaction and help air and water move more freely through the soil. It's a quick process with long-term benefits, helping the turf stay strong and making our fairy ring treatments even more effective.
You'll also see us spending time around the bunkers checking sand depths, redistributing where needed for consistency, and trimming back fescue edges to bring back sharp definition. These small adjustments really enhance both the look and playability of the course.
We've made a few targeted drainage improvements as well, including fixing an old collapsed pipe in front of one fairway and connecting the left fairway bunker on 17 to the new drain pump we installed last year. These updates should make a noticeable difference once the season gets underway.
If the weather cooperates, we're aiming for an early April opening. This time of year, is always exciting and important it sets the tone for everything that follows. Thanks for your patience as we put the finishing touches on things, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to the course soon.
Sincerely,
Aaron McMaster Golf Course Superintendent Orchard Lake Country Club