November 2015
November brings the official start to Season. The transition seems to be a little more
subtle this year, our summertime numbers felt a little like “Season”. All
cultural practices were accomplished and the course is responding well. Our team worked extremely hard this summer to
provide great playing conditions for all of our members and guests. As November begins, we want to put our best
foot forward. This includes new Flags,
Flagsticks, re-conditioned Ball Washers, Winter Annuals, fresh pine straw, and
new Divot Mix boxes for the Par 3s. My
team always seems to get re-energized during this time of year.
The fate of a golf course lies in the hands of the
weather. Even the best Agronomist cannot
grow grass without sunlight, or air movement.
I am happy to report that after a dreadful August and September, October
delivered excellent grass growing conditions and November continues to follow
suit. Nobody likes 90 degrees in
November, except a Golf Course Superintendent in Florida. We continue to push the root growth which
will sustain a quality playing surface throughout the season. As we look forward, El Nino is the talk of
the industry. They are calling for a
cooler, wetter winter for our region, which provides its own unique challenges.
We will keep a close eye on the forecast
and adjust accordingly.
We like to always look forward in my department, always
striving to be better. Recently, I sat
down with a long time Member to recall where we have been and where we are
going, it was quite an education. We are
putting the programs in place to sustain a superior community experience for
our entire membership.
On a personal note, I would like to ask our membership to
give a “thumbs up” to our team. My staff
is always on the course or Common Grounds and they always receive a pat on the
back from me, but a “thumbs up” from a member goes a long way. These are the guys that do all the work, from
mowing the grass to raking the tennis courts and everything in between. No words are necessary, just a “thumbs up” as
you drive by. Thank you for all of your
support as we strive to improve the course conditions.