The 2025 golf season has been one of the best on record here at Innisfail Golf Club. With outstanding numbers in rounds played, vibrant participation in tournaments (both Club and Corporate), and a stretch of beautiful weather, this has been a year to remember. We want to sincerely thank all our members and guests for being part of it and helping make the season such a success.
Of course, the outstanding course conditions we’ve enjoyed all season are thanks to the hard work of Superintendent Erwin Alvarez and his entire Turf Care crew. Their dedication, along with the preparation done last fall, ensured we enjoyed top-quality conditions all summer long. Unfortunately, as the nights grow colder and the days shorter, the time has come to prepare the course for its long winter rest.
Final Day of Play
After careful consideration, we have finalized Sunday, October 12, as the last day of play for the 2025 season.
As much as we’d all like to hang on to golf a little longer, the timing of our winterization tasks is critical. Last year’s “perfect October forecast” quickly turned into snow the day after we closed, reminding us that Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.
Closing Tasks & Irrigation Blowout
Following the end of the season, our irrigation system will be blown out from Tuesday, October 14, to Friday, October 17. Prior to that, the Turf Care team requires a full day to apply essential chemical treatments across the course:
- 3 applications on greens
- 2 applications on tees
- 1 application on fairways
Once the irrigation system is winterized, the team will begin the lengthy process of tarping greens, removing signage, collecting garbage, and preparing nearly 200 acres of land for dormancy.
Deep-Tine Aeration Update
We’re pleased to share that our deep-tine aeration program has gone very well this year and is wrapping up shortly. Unlike traditional aeration, this process penetrates 8–9 inches into the soil profile, which:
- Improves oxygen exchange for stronger root growth
- Enhances drainage to reduce winter freeze or ice damage
- Promotes deeper roots for faster spring recovery
- Reduces thatch buildup to limit disease pressure
While you may notice slightly less-smooth greens during the recovery period, we follow this work with topdressing and rolling to help speed up healing. This critical practice ensures the long-term health of our putting surfaces.
What’s Next
As we shift to the fall schedule, we’ll be moving down to 18 holes for daily play, with all 27 holes reopening for the IGC Gauntlet (formerly the Ironman/Ironmaiden) on October 4. This challenging event is always a highlight before we officially close the season.
Thank You
We appreciate your understanding as these essential cultural practices take place. They are vital for maintaining the high standards of course conditioning that have become synonymous with IGC for more than 100 years.
Thank you again to our members, guests, and the entire IGC community for making the 2025 season one to remember. We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring to a course that’s healthy, resilient, and ready for another outstanding year of golf.