The work happening on course at this time of year might seem subtle, but it’s all carefully planned and deliberate.
Turf Management
Nutrition remains a priority, even in the cooler months. This time of year, we lean on slow-release fertilisers and favour products with a higher potassium content. This helps improve the turf’s ability to withstand cold, wet conditions. It’s all about strengthening what’s below the surface: a resilient root system is our best defence against winter stress.
Mowing
With growth slowing down, mowing becomes less frequent – but that doesn’t mean it’s less important. In fact, our mowing strategy becomes more considered.
We avoid tight turns on the mowers and pay close attention to where we’re driving to prevent wear in high-traffic areas. The risk of scalping is greater in winter, so we raise the height of cut if needed. It’s a simple change that goes a long way in protecting the turf through the colder months.
Irrigation
By this point in the season, irrigation systems are largely turned off. Aside from watering in fertilisers or herbicides, we don’t need supplemental water – and that gives us a window to carry out behind-the-scenes work.
With the system offline, our team can complete routine maintenance and repairs that would be difficult during peak watering months. These improvements now mean fewer surprises come spring.
Disease and Pest Management
Cool, damp conditions can create ideal environments for winter turf diseases. We stay ahead by monitoring vulnerable areas closely and applying treatments as needed.
Course Care
Managing traffic becomes a bigger part of our job in winter. Ropes and stakes are used more often to guide movement, especially near greens, tees, and common walk-off points.
Tee markers and pin locations are rotated regularly to spread wear and reduce the pressure on any one area. It’s a small detail, but one that plays a big role in maintaining surface quality.
Spiking and Weed Control
Throughout winter, we continue spiking greens and high-traffic zones. This process helps relieve surface compaction, improves drainage, and keeps air and nutrients moving through the soil.
We also apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds from germinating. The goal here is simple: start spring with a clean surface, rather than a battle to get back on top.
These cooler months are a key part of our turf management calendar. Every task completed now – whether it’s spiking or fertilising – helps ensure the course is in the best shape possible when spring returns.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we carry out this essential seasonal work.
— Nick Kinley, Golf Course Superintendent
