Dunes Course Maintenance

Important Notice: Dunes Course Undergoing Essential Maintenance

Please be advised that the Dunes Course will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from Monday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 8. We understand that course closures can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your understanding as we undertake these vital procedures to ensure the continued health and exceptional quality of your golfing experience.

Groundskeeping Updates

This brief closure will allow our dedicated groundskeeping team to perform several crucial tasks, including:

  • Verticutting and aerification on all turf surfaces: This process involves creating small channels in the soil to relieve compaction, improve air and water movement, and encourage deeper root growth.
  • Sand topdressing on all turf surfaces: Following aerification, a layer of sand will be applied to help smooth the surface, improve drainage, and provide a firm, consistent playing surface.
  • Applying Gypsum to help flush sodium from the soil: This is a key step in maintaining the chemical balance of our soil, particularly important in our coastal environment, ensuring healthy turf growth.
  • Planting new turf (sprigs) in the thinnest areas of the fairways and along the cart paths: This targeted approach will help revitalize and thicken these high-traffic areas, improving both playability and aesthetics.

Repairing and sodding damaged bunker edges and noses: We’ll be focusing on restoring the integrity and visual appeal of our bunkers, ensuring they remain a challenging yet fair part of the course.

Why Is Aerification So Important?

You might be wondering why we need to close the course for these procedures. Aerifying golf course greens, and indeed all turf surfaces, is essential for maintaining healthy turf and optimal playing conditions. Think of it as a vital health check for our grass. This process of creating small holes in the soil offers a multitude of benefits:

  • Alleviates Soil Compaction: Over time, foot traffic and heavy equipment can compress the soil, making it difficult for roots to grow and access essential air and nutrients. Aerification loosens the soil, allowing for healthier root development.
  • Improves Air Circulation: Just like us, grass roots need oxygen to thrive. Aerification allows for better air exchange within the soil.
  • Enhances Water Infiltration: Compacted soil prevents water from soaking in effectively, leading to runoff and dry patches. Aerification creates pathways for water to reach the root zone.
  • Promotes Deeper Root Growth: With more space, air, and water available, roots can grow deeper and stronger, making the turf more resilient to stress and drought.
  • Reduces the Risk of Waterlogging and Diseases: Improved drainage minimizes the chances of waterlogged soil, which can create an environment conducive to turf diseases.
  • Contributes to Firmer, Faster Greens: Ultimately, aerification leads to a smoother, more consistent playing surface, enhancing your overall golfing experience.
 

We appreciate your patience during this brief closure. This proactive maintenance will ensure that the Dunes Course remains in top-notch condition for your enjoyment for months to come. We look forward to welcoming you back to a beautifully maintained course on Thursday, May 9th!