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THE HEAT IS ON — THE COURSE August is Demanding Month for Golf Maintenance
BY LOU SILVEIRA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
As we move through the peak of summer, the Agronomy Team is focused on navigating one of the most challenging stretches of the year for course conditioning. August presents intense heat, long days, and high humidity, all of which can put immense stress on our turf and plant health. This month is a true test of both our maintenance practices and the resilience of our playing surfaces.

Heat Stress: A Delicate Balancing Act
With afternoon temperatures regularly reaching the upper 90s and occasionally pushing into triple digits, turfgrass— especially cool-season varieties on greens and tees—is highly susceptible to heat stress. These conditions not only impact turf health but also increase disease pressure and reduce recovery time from daily play. To counter this, we adjust irrigation daily, applying water only where and when it's needed.
Cultural Practices & Prevention
Preventative fungicide programs are being maintained to guard against summer patch, anthracnose, and other heat-fueled diseases. Our team is also foliar-feeding greens and surrounding areas to provide essential nutrients without overloading the root zone. We are scheduled to vent the greens this month—a light, non-invasive aerification that relieves soil compaction, improves gas exchange, and helps greens breathe better during the hottest part of the year.
Course Fans & Microclimate Management
You may have noticed fans installed on select greens in the Vineyard nine. These are not for comfort—they are vital tools that move air across low-lying or poorly circulated greens, reducing humidity, increasing transpiration, and limiting disease development. They're especially helpful in areas where shade and still air can trap heat and moisture.
Member Partnerships Matter
As always, our team works hard behind the scenes, but we rely on your partnership to help preserve the course during the summer grind. Please continue to repair ball marks, replace or fill divots, and follow cart traffic guidelines. Even small actions can help reduce turf stress and allow for quicker recovery after each day of play.
August is a demanding month for the golf course, but with continued care and attention, we’ll guide it through the heat and into the early signs of fall in great shape. Thank you for your support, patience, and respect for the hard work of our team.
See you out on the course.