Turf Talk By: Geoff Sheffield

Fall Greens Aerification — September 16 & 17

Our annual fall greens aerification is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17, 2026.

We know aerification is not every golfer’s favourite couple of days on the calendar, especially when the greens have been rolling well. However, it remains one of the most important cultural practices we perform each year to maintain healthy turf and quality playing conditions.

Throughout the golf season, traffic from golfers and maintenance equipment gradually compacts the soil beneath the greens. Aerification helps relieve that compaction and allows additional air, water and nutrients to reach the root zone. It also gives us an opportunity to introduce fresh sand into the soil profile through topdressing.

Think of it as some short-term disruption for a considerable long-term benefit.

Once the greens have been aerified, they will be topdressed and worked to move sand into the aeration holes. The maintenance team will then concentrate on getting the surfaces healed and back to normal as quickly as growing conditions allow.

September is an important time for us to complete this work. The turf is still actively growing, while cooler temperatures give the plant an opportunity to recover and strengthen heading into the winter months.

Golfers should expect the greens to be temporarily slower and somewhat uneven immediately following aerification. Conditions will improve steadily as the holes close and the sand settles into the surface.

We appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete this important work. These practices may create a little inconvenience for a few days, but they play a significant role in keeping Highland Pacific’s greens healthy throughout the year.

Thank you from the entire maintenance team, and good golfing!

— Geoff Sheffield, Golf Course Superintendent