It appears the monsoon has finally decided to join us this summer, and while the added humidity may not be everyone's favorite part of August in Arizona, our bermudagrass certainly isn't complaining.

A Little Humidity Goes a Long Way

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed both courses really beginning to come into their own. The added monsoon moisture and humidity, combined with the work of our Golf Course Maintenance teams, have helped the bermudagrass fill in, strengthen and develop the dense summer turf we want heading into fall.

There is actually a little science behind what you're seeing and it is highly dependent on weather.

Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass and thrives during our summer heat. The challenge in Arizona is that our heat normally comes with exceptionally dry air. When temperatures are high, humidity is low and the wind is blowing, turf loses moisture very quickly. Once the monsoon arrives and moisture in the air increases, that environmental stress eases and conditions become much more favorable for vigorous summer growth.

That makes this time of year especially important.

We tend to think of summer as the "offseason" at the Club, but agronomically, it is anything but. Summer is when we rebuild our bermudagrass base. This is our opportunity to encourage strong roots, rhizomes and lateral growth, repair areas stressed during the previous season, and build the healthiest stand of Bermuda possible.

Why put so much effort into Bermuda when we're going to overseed it in October?

Because the Bermuda doesn't go away. We are essentially putting it to sleep underneath the winter ryegrass. The stronger and healthier we put that Bermuda to bed this fall, the better foundation we have when it wakes back up next spring.

So while the humidity may make your golf shirt stick a little more than we'd all prefer, there is at least one positive: the golf courses love it.

FY2027 Annual Dues Invoices & Member Website

Yesterday, we sent the FY2027 Annual Dues Invoice to our membership by email. If you don't see yours in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder. You may also access the dues invoice in the members section of the club website.

To help ensure Club emails reach you in the future, we recommend adding info@wbvgc.com to your contacts or safe-sender list. If you find one of our messages in your spam or junk folder, marking it as "Not Spam" or "Not Junk" will also help your email provider recognize future messages from the Club.

You may also notice some changes when logging into the Members section of our website. We have begun updating the member experience with a cleaner, more modern look and feel. This is a work in progress, and you will continue to see improvements and new updates appear as we get closer to the start of the new season.

It's Still Hot... So the Sale Continues!

The temperatures haven't given us a reason to rename it yet, so our It's Hot Sale continues through the rest of this weekend at the Golf Shops.

There are some excellent deals remaining! Stop by the shops and take a look while supplies last.

2nd Annual Links Grill Renovation Golf Tournament

The 2nd Annual Links Grill Renovation Golf Tournament is coming up on Saturday, September 5, with a 6:30 AM check-in and 8:00 AM tee off.

All proceeds benefit the Links Renovation Fund and will help support improvements to the Links facility. This year's projects include patio upgrades, new TVs, commercial umbrellas and a misting system.

The entry fee is $99 per person for a foursome ($396) or $125 for a single to be paired with other players. Entry includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, two bar drink tickets and five raffle tickets, along with Long Drive and Closest-to-the-Pin prizes.

To register, text 602-680-0512, call 623-561-1681, or email phil@thelinksgrill.com. All registration is done through the Links Grill.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Links and the improvements being made to the facility.

Looking Ahead

There is always a lot happening during an Arizona summer. Some of it happens out on the golf courses, some behind closed doors, and some underneath our feet or above our heads, in the case of that old popcorn ceiling (another email coming regarding those upgrades next week).

Over the next several weeks, our focus will remain on strengthening the golf courses, completing our summer projects and preparing the Club for another busy season.

In the meantime, enjoy the improving course conditions, take advantage of the Golf Shop sale this weekend, and perhaps appreciate the monsoon humidity just a little more the next time you step outside.

We look forward to seeing you around the Club.