Aeration in Scotland?

[adambommb29]

My buddies and I are heading to the St. Andrews region in mid-May and I just had a sinking thought...when do they aerate in Scotland? It would absolutely suck if they aerated right before we went. I understand the importance, but would still prefer to putt on greens that weren't recently aerated.

 

So does anyone know when the Old Course, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Elie, Crail Balcomie, Jubilee? Thanks in advance if anyone knows this info!

[davep043]

My buddies and I are heading to the St. Andrews region in mid-May and I just had a sinking thought...when do they aerate in Scotland? It would absolutely suck if they aerated right before we went. I understand the importance, but would still prefer to putt on greens that weren't recently aerated.

 

So does anyone know when the Old Course, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Elie, Crail Balcomie, Jubilee? Thanks in advance if anyone knows this info!

I was in Scotland in May a few years back, and don't remember seeing a single green that had been recently aerified. If you're really concerned, I suggest you email the courses and ask. In my experience, they've always been very helpful. On the other hand, if you've booked all of your rounds and airplanes and hotels, I wouldn't worry about it. You're going, you're committed, no need to be anxious over something that you can't control, and can't change.

[milesgiles]

Not sure I’ve ever seen aeration on a links, as they are sand based. Also, the major Scottish courses will go out to their way to avoid disruption, or at worst give you notice of any work.. they are depending on your $, Scotland doesn’t have much else going for it. (J/k..) if in doubt, they all have websites with planned works

[Matt J]

They recently aerated The Old Course. The greens still putted quite true, and I was very pleasantly surprised how many putts went in the hole. I doubt they punch them again before May and I wouldn't worry anyways. They used small tines and very little top dress and it was barely noticeable last week.

[TrueBlue4Lyfe]

Would also love more information on this. What time of year do courses in Scotland usually do it? You’d hope they’d give you a heads up on their booking calendar or when corresponding with the booking secretary.

[Shrinkwr4p]

I play at Murcar Links in Aberdeen (NE Scotland). From recollection hollow coring used to be done in the spring, but more recently, and I think fairly generallly around here, it's done over the summer now. (The rationale seems to be that the greens recover much quicker if it's done during the growing season. Last year they were back to normal within a week.)

I know from our club fixture list, which is open for anyone (not only members) to view online, that our main course will be closed for hollow coring on Mon/Tues 5th and 6th August. If other clubs don't make their fixture lists publically available on their websites the relevant dates should still be readily available through email inquiry to the club secretary.