Golf Course Maintenance Update: Pump Replacement and Aerification

Ben McBride, San Vicente Golf Course Superintendent • April 16, 2025

San Vicente Golf Course enhanced irrigation and turf health with a new pump installation, and comprehensive aerification was completed Monday–Wednesday, April 14–16.

Last week, our team successfully installed a rebuilt 75hp variable speed pump—an essential upgrade for our irrigation system. This pump, which had been out of service since October, was one of two 75hp units responsible for distributing water throughout the golf course.


Earlier this week, from Monday to Wednesday, the Golf Course Maintenance Team completed aerifying the greens, tees, fairways, and green surrounds. Aeration machines punched holes in the turf at approximately 2-inch spacing, and fresh sand was applied to fill the holes (top-dressing). This process relieved compacted soil beneath the surface, allowing more oxygen to reach the root zone. It also improved water infiltration.


Overall, these steps created healthier turf better equipped to handle summer stress, keeping the course in top shape for San Vicente Resort golfers.


Photos by Tiffany Pressler, taken seconds after the earthquake last Monday.

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