Arizona Golf Vacations

Fall in Scottsdale: Overseeding Comes Around Yet Again

By • Apr 6th, 2009

Pop quiz: It’s late September almost October, I’m excited to arrive at the golf course for my 8 a.m. tee time; looking forward relaxing day of golf. As I approach the first tee box, I immediately realize it’s not what I had expected. Stunned and disappointed, I ask a local staffer, “Where did the fairway go?” The local staffer replies, “Yep, that’s overseeding for you.” Confused, I wonder what exactly is this overseeding process and how does it affect the valley courses.

To avoid situations like this one, it’s important to understand the meaning of overseeding and how it affects the local golf courses. Because Arizona is mostly a warm climate with few months of cold weather, Bermuda grass is primary on most Arizona golf courses. During the colder months; this type of grass becomes dormant and let’s face it; no one wants to travel to Scottsdale in the winter to play a brown and dried up golf course. To avoid this terror courses will replace the existing grass with Rye for the colder season. In the fall, courses will close down for two weeks; scalp the fairways and place Rye grass seed on top of the existing Bermuda so that once the Bermuda is dormant, Rye grass will have grown in its place filling the courses with its rich green color and lush texture.

Arizona golf overseeding dates will vary for each golf course. When choosing a golf course during this time of year, remember to stay away from courses a few days before and after overseeding—course conditions will not be at their best.

Once a golf course reopens from overseeding expect cart path only conditions that may last anywhere from one or two months. Most courses will not allow handicap flags during this time. If you require handicap assistance, please contact the golf course for further instruction.