As I sit and write this, we have finished up with our putting surface organic removal aerification and the aeration of the fairways. Due to the heavy topdressing of the putting surfaces, we allowed the sand to incorporate into the profile though the weekend before we started mowing the greens. Our first cut was implemented Monday. Following is a breakdown of the process:
- Pull cores with machine from soil profile.
- Remove the cores from the surface.
- Add new kiln dried sand and incorporate into holes. (Approximately 60 tons of sand.)
The majority of this work happened Monday, then we interseeded new Bentgrass seed and added more sand to the surface for seed/soil contact. Once this procedure was completed, we fertilized the surfaces to replenish the removed nutrients and help with recovery.
In addition to greens, we aerified the fairway surfaces. We finished the 25 acres of fairways on Friday. Following is breakdown of the process.
- Topdress fairway with sand. (Approximately 130 tons of sand).
- Pull cores from soil profile with machine.
- Drag the cores to break up and mix back into profile.
- Blow debris to center of fairway and sweep up.
- Overseed with perennial ryegrass and drag in.
- Fertilize fairways final step.
The latest update on the power infrastructure has a mid-October PG&E energization schedule. As I indicated in the August newsletter, we started this journey back in September of 2025 working with PG&E on the initial engineering. It has been a long process with them, but we are finally reaching the finish line. During the process we have heard from new home construction crews of a 1 year waiting period to get a meter and energized. Another club a few hours south of us had to wait 18 months and make a call to their state senator to get a new service provided. All of our involved contractors provided and applied for the necessary needs in a timely fashion. While it has been frustrating, we are confident the journey is nearing an end.
As always, please feel free to email me or wave me down on the course with any questions.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 