Superintendent News – September Course Update
August brought hot and dry conditions to Brickyard Golf Club. As September begins, the golf course maintenance team is turning its attention to fall preparations, including preemergent applications and plans to overseed selected playing areas.
September Course Highlights
- Fall and winter preemergent applications are underway across the golf course.
- The new practice putting green continues to progress and is being mowed and rolled regularly.
- The renovated tees on Holes #7 and #14 are now open.
- The driving range tee and par-3 tees are scheduled for overseeding in late September or early October.
- Greens mowing height was lowered to .135 inches as of September 1 and will continue to be adjusted as conditions require.
Fall Preemergent Program
Fall and winter preemergent treatments are among the most important maintenance practices completed at this time of year. Turf areas are treated before weed seeds germinate, with application rates adjusted for the needs of each area.
Greens receive lower rates and more frequent applications than other turf areas. The team is also rotating products this year to maintain effectiveness. Because Brickyard is located in the transition zone, poa annua can have a long germination period, making the timing and rotation of treatments especially important.
Putting Green and Tee Improvements
The practice putting green is progressing well. The team continues to mow and roll it regularly while gradually lowering the height of cut. At the time of the September update, the putting green was being maintained at .140 inches, with the goal of opening it within two to three weeks if conditions remain favorable.
The renovated tees on Holes #7 and #14 are open and performing well. Members can help the new turf recover by using the provided sand buckets to fill divots.
Overseeding Plans
The driving range tee and par-3 tees will be overseeded with a three-way perennial ryegrass blend. This work is planned for late September or early October, depending on temperature, rainfall and other weather conditions that affect seed germination.
Ongoing Maintenance
Additional work throughout the month will include blowing leaves, cleaning landscape beds and continuing the regular mowing schedule.
Thank you for helping care for the course by filling divots and repairing ball marks. We hope you enjoy your rounds at the Brickyard.
Rusty Hill
Golf Course Superintendent (GCS)