Fall 2026 at Swope Memorial

As you are likely aware, Swope Memorial has moved to Cart Path Only for the remainder of the season. I want to take a moment to explain our reasoning behind this decision and outline the positive impact it will have on our course conditions moving forward.

To provide a bit of background, our seeding process began in late fall 2025. While much of the seed took hold, areas seeded later struggled and required reseeding this past spring. Spring seeding always presents a challenge, and despite our efforts, heavy rains, fluctuating temperatures, high-clay soils, and weed pressure kept the rough from establishing to the standard we expected for opening day.

As you’ve likely noticed, certain areas along paths and in the rough remained thin, requiring another round of seeding this fall. We recently drilled in an additional 4,000 lbs of fescue, and we are very pleased with the results so far. Ideal fall weather has allowed much of the seed to germinate and begin to fill in nicely.

However, because our youngest and most fragile turf is concentrated along path edges and between cart paths and fairways—where traffic is heaviest—we made the proactive decision to move to Cart Path Only a bit earlier this season.

This decision delivers two major long-term benefits:

• Young Fescue Protection: It gives our new cool-season turf the best possible chance to establish strong root systems and survive the upcoming winter.

• Zoysia Health: Removing cart traffic from fairways during their fall transition allows the zoysia to enter dormancy stress-free, ensuring it bounces back healthier and faster in the spring.

Our priority at Swope Memorial is always to deliver outstanding playing conditions and a great overall experience. Heading into winter, plant health across our greens, tees, fairways, and rough is paramount so we can hit the ground running next spring with the quality product you expect and deserve.

I truly appreciate your understanding and support. I firmly believe this
adjustment will pay major dividends for the condition of our course next season and beyond.