Noteworthy News

Greens, Tees, & Fairway Aeration

September 2-4, 2026

Aeration is an essential part of maintaining the long-term health, quality, and playability of the golf course. Regular aeration improves water infiltration, air movement and gas exchange within the soil, and encourages deeper and healthier root development. It also helps dilute thatch and excessorganic matter that can restrict roots and compromise turf health.

Greens

The health of the greens root zone has improved significantly after only two hollow-core aeration events. We are already seeing several positive results:

• Improved water infiltration into the root zone.

• Deeper and healthier root growth.

• A significant reduction in black layer.

• Overall healthier and more resilient turf.

Tees

The tees have improved dramatically over the past two seasons following multiple solid-tine and core aeration events. Members will notice fewer dead and diseased areas across nearly all tee boxes.

Fairways

Fairway conditions have improved substantially following just one solid-tine aeration event in 2026.

We are already seeing:

• Fewer dead and diseased areas.

• Deeper root development.

• Healthier and more vigorous turf.

• Improved overall fairway condition compared with previous years.

The results we are seeing after a single aeration event are encouraging and reinforce the importance of continuing this work.
What to Expect When Returning After the Closure

Members should expect some short-term impacts to both playability and aesthetics immediately following the closure. These effects are a normal part of the aeration process and are necessary to achieve the longer-term improvements in turf health.

Fairways Impact

Fairways will likely look and feel somewhat bumpy immediately following aeration, with patches of sand still visible on the surface. Some areas may also appear to wilt temporarily while the turf recovers and the aeration holes heal.

Tees Impact

Some sand will likely remain visible on the tee surfaces following aeration. However, the aeration holes should be less noticeable than on other playing surfaces. Because tees are accustomed to regular aeration, they should recover relatively quickly.

Greens Impact

The greens will initially be bumpy and slower than normal following aeration. This is expected and temporary.

For this closure, the use of smaller hollow-core tines, spaced more closely together, will allow us to accomplish the necessary removal of material while reducing the size of the individual holes. The smaller holes should heal considerably faster, helping us return to smooth and fast greens within a couple of weeks.

What to Expect When Returning After the Closure

Members should expect some short-term impacts to both playability and aesthetics immediately following the closure. These effects are a normal part of the aeration process and are necessary to achieve the longer-term improvements in turf health.

Fairways Impact

Fairways will likely look and feel somewhat bumpy immediately following aeration, with patches of sand still visible on the surface. Some areas may also appear to wilt temporarily while the turf recovers and the aeration holes heal.

Tees Impact

Some sand will likely remain visible on the tee surfaces following aeration. However, the aeration holes should be less noticeable than on other playing surfaces. Because tees are accustomed to regular aeration, they should recover relatively quickly.

Greens Impact

The greens will initially be bumpy and slower than normal following aeration. This is expected and temporary.

For this closure, the use of smaller hollow-core tines, spaced more closely together, will allow us to accomplish the necessary removal of material while reducing the size of the individual holes. The smaller holes should heal considerably faster, helping us return to smooth and fast greens within a couple of weeks.

Looking Ahead

Aeration is not simply a short-term maintenance practice; it is an investment in the long-term health and playability of the golf course.

Although there will be some temporary disruption to playing conditions following the closure, the benefits are significant. Improved drainage and water infiltration, stronger and deeper root systems, reduced organic matter, and healthier turf all contribute to more resilient and consistent playing surfaces.

The improvements already visible on the greens, tees, and fairways demonstrate that these practices are producing meaningful results. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important work and invest in the continued health and quality of Kamloops Golf and Country Club.