April 10, 2026

May Course Closures

We are only a few weeks away where each course will close down for 1 week to perform essential cultural practices. The following is what the golf maintenance team will be working on during the closures.

• Solid tine aerification of greens, tees, collars, and fairways.
• Fairway topdressing at 15 to 20 tons of sand per acre.
• Bunker sand replacement in select bunkers.
• Drainage improvements in select areas.
• Transition sodding where needed.

Spring Cultural Practices

With the warmer temperatures the golf maintenance team has picked up on their cultural activities. The team will perform these tasks as time allows and to not interfere with any events. This is to ensure we continue to have good water and air infiltration into the soil profile to produce healthy turf. These practices also help to relieve soil compaction from traffic. These practices will include:

• Needle Tine Aerification of Greens: this is a very small, solid tine that will have minimal impact to the putting surface. Will help relieve compaction and help with water and air infiltration.
• Solid Tine Aerification of Tees: these tines are bigger than what will be used on the greens. You will notice a bunch of small holes on the tees to promote air and water infiltration.
• Fairways Slicing:  you will notice slices throughout the fairway to promote water and air infiltration, while also relieving compaction.
• Vertical Mowing of Over-seeded areas: this is done to mechanically thin out the Rye grass and allow more light down into the turf canopy to help wake up the Bermuda grass.

Practice Facility Update

Remember To Do Your Part

We are in the busiest time of year for the golf courses. With all the rounds being played, keep in mind to leave the golf course as you would like to find it. This includes fixing ball marks, filling divots, and using the practice areas correctly. We will be putting out some reminders in emails and around the golf courses over the next couple of months.

Do Divot Patterns Effect Practice Area Recovery?

You may have wondered at one time or another if the way your taking divots on the practice areas effects the recovery of the turf. As we are getting into the busy time of year for the golf courses, please take into consideration the effect you are having on the practices areas and the time it takes for them to recover. The USGA has done studies to determine the least amount of impact of taking divots on practice areas is to hit them in a linear line. Below is a link to a USGA article with some tips on how you can better protect you practice areas.

Divot Mix Update

All Courses Open to Regular Cart Traffic

Cart Traffic Update

• Some holes will remain closed to regular cart traffic but will allow access for Medical Flag Carts.
• Some holes maybe closed to all cart traffic including Medical Flag Carts.
• All carts driving on the fairways must use the "Gate System"
• All cart restriction decisions are based on playability and turf conditions.

Gate System Reminders

• The carts driving on the fairways must use the "Gate System" including Medical Flag Carts.
• Keep the cart on the path until reaching the "Entry Gate" to the fairway.
• Avoid the temptation to drive straight to the first ball and enter through the "Entry Gate"
• Carts should remain on the over-seeded fairway until reaching the "Exit Gate."
• Only Medical Flag Carts have access to the rough.
• Only 2 Carts allowed on the fairways. (Pair Up)
• Only Medical Flag Carts have the ability to switch throughout the hole.
• Keep the cart on the path after using the "Exit Gate"
• Follow all posted cart signs.

No Cart Zone Reminders

Example of "No Cart Zone" on Catalina #1

"No Cart Zones" are in effect on all courses open to cart traffic 

All cart traffic is restricted in these areas. These areas will provide a visual yellow line that should not be crossed by any golf cart, including "Medical Flag Carts". This system will improve course safety and course conditioning.

Reminders:

• A yellow line will designate the "NO CART ZONE" on each hole

• The gates must still be used by all carts.

• Fairway cart signs should still be used as the proper location to exit the fairway and return to the cart path.

• Sad #2, Cat #5, Cat #6, and Cat #8 will not have lines due to limited space and/or steep slopes. All carts should remain on the path when around these specific green complexes or holes if it is a par 3.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve golf course safety and enhance course conditioning.

Golf Shop | 520-825-2505

proshop@saddlebrooke.org

Spring Golf Shop Hours: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Tee Times Start @ 7:30 AM