Turf
18 SEP 2026
Here’s an update on the work completed over the past week on our two courses.
This week we experienced our first ground freeze of the season. Fortunately, it didn’t affect play, as the sun allowed the turf to thaw quickly.
By the end of the season, however, morning frost delays will become part of our daily routine. We thank you in advance for your cooperation when these delays are necessary.
When the turf is frozen, the plant cells and the soil supporting them are much more fragile. Walking on a frozen surface or driving a golf cart over it can damage the turf’s tissue.
The damage isn’t always immediately visible. The blades of grass may appear intact at the time, but the damaged tissue may later turn yellow or brown, leaving weaker patches that will take time to recover.
A “frost delay” simply involves waiting until the turf has thawed sufficiently before allowing traffic. Waiting just a few dozen minutes in the morning can make a big difference in protecting the course’s quality and promoting healthy turf through the end of the season.
Aeration of fairway
As mentioned in the last newsletter, we have quietly begun aerating the fairway at Le Maître.
This first step also allowed us to thoroughly break in the equipment and prepare for the next phase of work. The machine will pick up the pace over the next week to continue aerating the various areas.
The goal is to improve air and water exchange within the soil profile, while gradually reducing compaction caused by foot traffic and various maintenance operations.
Verticutting tee
We also verticut at Le Maître all tees. This process removes some of the thatch and organic matter that accumulate at the base of the turf. When this layer becomes too thick, it can hinder water infiltration and limit the availability of nutrients to the roots.
Aeration therefore helps restore space for the turf, improve water and air exchange, and stimulate growth. The process also cuts some of the stolons and thins out vegetation that has become too dense.
Green Aeration
On the La Bête course, we aerated the greens using solid-core aerators. This practice is particularly beneficial at this time of year. It creates small channels in the soil to promote air and water exchange around the roots.
The goal is, in particular, to stimulate root activity and maintain good growing conditions as fall approaches.
The same procedure will be carried out on the greens at Le Maître over the next week.
New Advanced tee at La Bête
Work has also begun on the construction of the new advanced tee at La Bête.
The project will gradually take shape throughout September as work progresses. We will keep you updated on the project’s progress in upcoming newsletters.
Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding during this important period of fall maintenance. All of these efforts share the same goal: to prepare our courses for winter and ensure high-quality playing surfaces for the upcoming season.
Marc-André Doré, Golf Course Superintendent