4/26/2026
The greens are currently being aerified with small, very deep tines. This will encourage rooting to go deeper into the profile of the greens while not leaving a large hole on the putting surface. Ideally, we would be using larger tines at this time of year, but, given the very cold forecast for later this week, we did not want to delay healing of the surfaces and allow poa any opportunity to invade.
As we prepare the golf course for opening, there are a few things that you should be aware of as you return to the club. We have been busy in the off season with some forestry management behind the new sixth green, this has further opened up a terrific view of the front 9 from the 7
th teeing ground. This has also provided significantly more sunlight for the sixth green and collar areas. We have also under brushed the forest between 8 tee and 9 fairway, this has long been a desire by our original architect Bob Cupp. This has opened up a terrific view of both the pond at #9 and the clubhouse from the cart path at 7 and the back tees at 8.
The Turf Type Tall fescue that has been installed around most of the bunkers has been slow to wake up from the winter season, it is more susceptible than Kentucky Bluegrass to the turf disease named snow mould. Given the length of snow cover we experienced this past winter, snow mould pressure was extremely high. These areas will be somewhat visible in the spring of the year, but as we progress into warmer temperatures this will be unnoticeable. Turf Type Tall Fescue is significantly more drought tolerant than Kentucky Bluegrass, this is why it was selected as the turf surrounding the bunker edges.
Our mandate for the 2026 season is two fold, we have 6 golf holes to finish as well as the driving range field from the irrigation project that began last season, we need to ensure that this project gets completed to the best of our ability, while still maintaining our old irrigation system as long as we will require it this spring season. Once the irrigation is complete, we plan to shift our focus to remediation and remain in that mode for the rest of the 2026 season. Our golf course basically underwent a major surgery, and our goal for 2026 is to put things back together, healing open wounds and mending any scars that likely will remain once the irrigation crew is off site. While the irrigation company will be responsible for settling and deficiencies, we will have areas to repair, our plan is to address most of these areas in the 2026 season.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great season at Mad River, see everyone out on the golf course.
Respectfully,
Chad Vibert
Golf Course Superintendent