FALL TRANSITIONS September Turns to Cool-Season Practices

BY LOU SILVEIRA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

As we turn the calendar to September, we enter a transitional period on the golf course. With the intense summer heat beginning to ease, our focus shifts toward preparing the course for fall play and setting the stage for healthier turf going into winter. Here’s what you can expect to see this month and beyond:

Cool-Season Transition & Turf Recovery

• Our bermudagrass is strengthening after its summer peak, while areas of poa annua and ryegrass continue to show seasonal stress. This transition period will highlight some patchiness, but recovery will improve as temperatures moderate.

• We will also begin preparing select areas for fall overseeding to ensure better turf coverage and quality of play during the cooler months.

Cultural Practices on Greens

• September brings about aeration, an important cultural practice to maintain the health of our putting surfaces. Greens aeration is scheduled to begin September 22nd followed by tees, fairways and select areas of rough.

• Nutrient applications, soil amendments including foliar fertilizers and micronutrients, will be used to strengthen turf as we head into the fall season.

Weed and Pest Management

• Crabgrass and summer annual weeds continue to be a focus, with followup herbicide applications underway.

• Our team is also staying ahead of fall disease pressure with preventative fungicide programs, ensuring healthy and consistent playing conditions.

Looking Ahead to Fall (September–November)

• Overseeding of tees, including the driving range, and shaded fairways will take place, enhancing turf density and winter play conditions.

• Continued fertility programs on fairways will help sustain recovery from summer stress.

• Expect to see adjustments to irrigation schedules as cooler temperatures reduce water demand.

See you out on the course.