Belmont Course Update & Playing Reminders ⛳ from Superintendent Brock Campbell

Dear Belmont Members,

It has been an eventful first year for our maintenance team at Belmont. August and early September have brought sunny days in the 80s and cool nights in the 50s, conditions that have provided much-needed relief to the turf despite limited rainfall. I’d like to share some updates on where things stand as we head into the fall season.

Friendly Reminders

A few small habits make a big difference in keeping the course healthy and enjoyable for all. Filling divots on fairways and repairing ball marks on greens go a long way toward maintaining good playing conditions. Collecting tees and trash on tee surfaces keeps those areas clean and presentable. As the weather remains dry and turf growth slows, it’s especially important to respect rope lines and Enter/Exit stakes—entering the fairway only after the “Enter” marker and returning to the path before the “Exit.” Following these practices helps us manage cart traffic and prevents unnecessary damage to already stressed areas of turf.

Weather Challenges

The stretch of extreme heat and humidity in June and July proved difficult for bentgrass. Nighttime lows rarely dropped below the mid-70s, and dew points hovered above 75. While many nearby courses received 8+ inches of rain, we saw only 3 inches in July. Though the lack of rainfall stressed turf in some spots, it was preferable to the saturated conditions that caused disease and wilt issues at other clubs. The return of cooler, drier weather in August has allowed us to stabilize and begin recovery.

Aerification

The course closure from August 11–13 allowed us to complete greens aerification. Rain prevented us from finishing the back nine tees, but those will be completed as conditions permit. Aerification is critical to reducing thatch, relieving compaction, and improving root health. Staying consistent with our twice-a-year program will strengthen greens over time.

Greens

Greens have performed well overall. Holes 1 and 4, along with some collars, received damage from dryness followed immediately by untimely storms. These greens are more vulnerable due to shade and poor airflow, which slow recovery. We have been plugging and seeding these areas and will continue until they fill in.

Tees

Tee surfaces faced challenges this summer, particularly between mid-June and mid-July when heat slowed divot recovery and goosegrass germinated in scars. We treated with pre- and post-emergent herbicides multiple times, resulting in most of these weeds dying out and allowing for the recovery of desirable turf in these areas as more moderate weather arrives.

Marker rotation during the week has helped spread wear, especially on blue and white tees, and we will continue that practice. The bentgrass range tee remains limited to Friday–Sunday and holidays, as that is all it can sustain. As fall progresses, we’ll prioritize maintaining coverage so it enters winter strong and is ready for early spring use.

Fairways

Fairways saw the most stress this season, largely from dryness. Noses on holes 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 thinned out. While not visually ideal, I prefer recovery from dryness over the long-term damage of overwatering. We are actively seeding these areas and have scheduled core aerification for mid-November.

Rough

Rough has remained healthy overall, with some weaker areas around bunkers. We’ll continue solid-tining and fertilizing to strengthen those spots and reduce weed encroachment.

Trees

In July, lightning struck a large white oak right of 9 fairway and a hackberry near the cemetery. The oak was removed during our course closure. We plan to plant two replacement trees in that area to restore both the aesthetics and the strategic challenge of the hole.

Looking Ahead

This year has tested the turf and the team, but I am encouraged by how well the course has held up through extreme conditions. With cooler weather, ongoing seeding, and fall cultural practices, we are on track for a strong finish to the season and solid preparation for next spring.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Brock Campbell

Golf Course Superintendent

brock.campbell@invitedclubs.com