Aerification of tees has been completed and approaches have begun. Fairways and rough are ongoing as well. Like so many things, the quality of a good turfgrass is more than "skin" deep. In fact, the condition of the turf has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to keep grass growing at low mowing heights you have to have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil, they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles.
Over time, the traffic and maintenance equipment tends to compact the soil under the surface - particularly when the soil contains a lot of clay like at Brays Island. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend are crushed, and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass plants will wither and die.
Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases, it's done by removing cores. On greens, the spaces are then filled with sand "topdressing" that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward. On other areas of the course, the holes are simply left open and air exchange is unimpeded for as long as the holes stay open. Other aerification techniques use machines like the Planet Aire with "tines" or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile.
The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice and we will always make every effort to minimize the disruption to Owners' golf experience at Brays Island. Keep in mind though that done properly, some of the best playing conditions and truest ball roll can be found immediately after aerification is completed. Don't let the visual appearance fool you.
