As the days get shorter and the temperatures dip, golf at Densons Creek Golf Course in Troy, NC,
might slow down a bit—but our work is just getting started behind the scenes. While the course
takes a break from the intense play of summer, the winter months are a crucial time for
maintenance. Our team is busy making sure that when spring rolls around, Densons Creek will be
in top shape for another great season of golf.

From aeration to frost delays, we put a lot of work into keeping the course healthy during the
colder months. Here’s a closer look at what goes into winterizing the course and why it’s so
important.

1. Aeration: Helping the Grass Breathe
One of the key tasks we tackle as we move into the winter is aerating the greens. Aeration might
seem like a hassle for golfers in the short term, but it’s absolutely essential for the long-term
health of the course. We use machines to punch small holes in the turf, which helps relieve
compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.

Aeration also helps prepare the course for the colder months. It gives the grass a chance to
recover and promotes better root growth as the season transitions. The timing of this is
important—fall aeration is done before the cold really sets in, so the grass can bounce back and
stay strong through the winter. While it can leave the greens looking a little rough for a few days,
it’s a vital step to ensure the course is ready to thrive once the weather warms up. We aerated the
greens this fall at Densons Creek so that the course will look its best for you come springtime.

2. Grass Choices for Winter Play
At Denson’s Creek, we use Bent grass for the greens and Common Bermuda for the fairways.
Common Bermuda is known for its drought tolerance and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.

As temperatures drop, both grasses naturally slow down and can go dormant, turning brown or
yellow. To maintain the course’s appearance and playability during the winter months, we
overseed select areas with cool-season grasses. This process not only helps keep the course green
but also protects the soil, ensuring the course remains in good condition and playable throughout
the colder season.

3. Frost Delays: Why We Wait
One of the most common winter challenges we deal with is frost. The reason we have to
implement frost delays is because frost can damage the course, and it can be unsafe for players
as well.

When frost is present, the grass is fragile and brittle. Walking or driving on frosted grass can leave
lasting damage, as it can crush or break the delicate blades of grass. Beyond the turf, it’s also a
safety concern—frost creates slippery conditions that increase the risk of slips and falls.

So, when we have a frost delay we’re looking out for the long-term health of the grass and the
safety of our players. Once the sun comes out and the frost melts, it’s business as usual. In the
meantime, we ask for your patience as we wait for those ideal conditions to resume play.

4. Winter Maintenance Beyond Grass Care
Winter isn’t just about taking care of the grass. It’s also when we do a lot of behind-the-scenes
work to ensure everything else on the course is in good shape. This includes winterizing our
irrigation systems, servicing our equipment, and taking care of any needed repairs.

Irrigation systems are critical for the course’s health year-round, but during the winter, we make
sure they’re properly winterized. We drain the pipes and turn o the water to prevent freezing. It’s
also the time when we perform maintenance on our mowers, carts, and other equipment, so
they’re in peak condition when the season picks up again.

Winter also gives us the chance to focus on any course improvements. Whether it’s repairing
bunkers, patching up worn spots, or making changes to improve playability, we use this
downtime to make sure Densons Creek is ready for an even better spring.

5. Looking Ahead to Spring
Although it might feel like the course is hibernating during the winter months, it’s really just
taking a break to recharge. All of the work we do in the colder months is designed to make sure
that when the grass wakes up in the spring, it’s in top form.

Regardless of the slower pace, our course is still open for play. Luckily in Troy, North Carolina we
are blessed with mild winters that allow us to still have golfers on the course. We thank you for
your patience as we do regular maintenance around our winter players.

The goal is simple: provide golfers with a beautiful, healthy course to enjoy, season after season.
While winter play at Densons Creek might be a little quieter, it’s also when we lay the groundwork
for a great year ahead. So, when the rest warm days of spring arrive, we’ll be ready for you to tee off.

 

In the meantime, we hope you’ll stay warm and safe, and we look forward to seeing you out on
the course soon.