Aerification Season

KLEPCINSKI

Get prepared for it. Those superintendents are going to punch those goofy holes in all the putting surfaces around the area.

As a golfer, I can relate to how most of you feel about such nonsense.

• Why take a perfectly good putting surface and deface it like that?

• You can't possible tell me that my golf ball will roll as well on the aerified green.

• You mean if we didn't aerify the greens, they would die? Be serious.

As a golf professional, I understand the reasons for this necessary evil on the course.

• Aerating in the spring prepares the greens for the onset of the golf season.

• Aerating in the fall relieves the greens from compaction from daily rounds.

• The process introduces air and water into the soil profile as well as prevents thatch buildup. All essential ingredients in keeping the putting surfaces healthy.

The key to playing greens that have just been punched is preparing for it. When you make a scheduled tee time between now and the end of September, ask about the club's aerification schedule. The fact that there is some work going on around the course should not prevent you from playing, rather give you knowledge prior to arriving on property. There is nothing worse than hitting an approach into the first hole and finding a minefield of tiny holes between you and the cup. Instant disappointment followed by a three putt. Having prior knowledge is important to your mindset.

Understand the ball will not always react like it should on an aerified green. The ball should not stop as quickly upon approach, and your putts should break a little less on the top-dressing. If you hit good putts that miss, so be it. Don't let it destroy your entire round.

Play well.