Note from our Superintendent
Here we are again, ready for another season. Last season was an unbelievably busy season and I anticipate this one to be just as busy. Our crew did an amazing job getting the course mowed each week trying to stay ahead of golfers in the morning and trying to stay out of their way later in the day.
I want to let you know what to expect this year as COVID-19 is still with us. We anticipate doing everything we did last year as the protocol to start this season. There will be no ball washers, benches, or rakes in the bunkers. We also ask that you leave the flag sticks in the cup also. We placed a piece of PVC in the cup to keep the ball from dropping to the bottom of the cup.
I would also like to explain why our tee times start the way they do. Currently we are starting at 10:00 AM. Our policy is temps need to be 38 degrees and warming before we allow play. This allows for the turf to be clear of frost and the greens to thaw out also. As morning temps warm up, tee times will be adjusted. There might be times where we have to wait an hour or more because of cold temps which means the early tee times may not get out. I would ask you to watch extended weather forecasts in planning tee times to avoid this situation. During the summer months our first tee time will be 7:00 AM. The maintenance staff starts at 6:00 AM. This allows us to start our work on the first hole and go in order through the 18th hole and stay ahead of golfers without much interference. This worked really great for us last year.
You will notice we have added a concrete pad with artificial turf mats this year. This will allow golfers to use the entire length of the driving range and not have “driver” restrictions. The mats will allow you to put a tee in them so you can use your drivers. Please do not tee up in front of the mats. There are some unforeseen problems with using tees as they do not stay on the mat but go great distances forward or backwards. We are purchasing rubber tees which will allow you to put a tee in them at the height that you like and keep them on the mat or closer to the mat area.
We are currently doing a lot of cleanup on the course leaf blowing, raking branches and pine cones and pine needles. We have cut down some rotting trees that have become a danger. We will continue this removal program throughout the season. We will also be resodding #14 and possibly #17 black tees.
I hope you all have a great season. We ask everyone to help us take care of your course by fixing ballmarks and replacing divots. If you would like to know how to fix a ballmark properly feel free to ask me and I will give you a quick tip.
Thank you,
Don Moss
Superintendent