A Tale of Two Years!

       As I was riding the course this afternoon and crunching the numbers on our irrigation totals, I stopped to reflect on last year's El Nino fiasco.  Looking at rainfall totals from last season, we endured 17.5 inches of rain from 10/15/2015 through 2/15/2016.  During the same time frame to start this season we have a total of 1.25 inches of rainfall.  Last year we were diligently trying to dry out the golf course, this year we are working hard to conserve water and limit hot spots.  Going from one extreme to another is precisely why I love my chosen profession.  The opportunity to be challenged by Mother Nature and still produce acceptable playing conditions is exhilarating to me.  Every year, every month, every day and quite possibly every hour the conditions can change and require a different approach to solving a given issue.  Our "wheels" are turning each and every minute of the day to improve your experience here at Stonebridge.  Adaptability is a key characteristic that my entire team possesses.  As conditions change and schedules change, we alter our plan to maximize our productivity.  I am extremely thankful to have a staff that takes pride in their work and trusts me in this ever changing environment.   

      We have survived a very busy January and as we move through February we are looking to present a product our Members can be proud of.  Our goal is to produce quality playing conditions throughout the year, but our focus will always be on our "Guest" events.  Nothing brings more satisfaction than hearing the stories  of jealous guests that revel in Stonebridge's quality conditions, superior customer service, utmost professionalism and overall enjoy-ability.  To this end , we will focus our attention on the details that usually go unnoticed.  Sight lines, edging, definition, mowing patterns and strategic fertility all lend themselves to proper golf course presentation.   Please feel free to stop me on the course with any questions, concerns or suggestions that will help make "The Stonebridge Experience" better.

     A few quick notes and updates from the golf course.  We have replaced the soft path material on #2 and #14 to dry out the quagmires that take place after irrigation.  This new material will be used throughout the course following our soft path removal project this summer.  The measures we have embarked on this year to improve our most troubled areas on the greens have produced good results.  The addition of Worm Power to our fertility program has had a synergistic effect with our existing organic products.  Worm Power is a compost tea made from worm castings.  The beneficial microbial activity has improved fertilizer efficacy, moisture retention, thatch control and soil porosity.  We are always looking for ways to improve our property and be environmentally conscious, this product delivers on both points.  

   Staying current on the latest and greatest can be a tough task in our industry, I am blessed that Stonebridge supports my goal of continuing education.  I spent the better part of last week in Orlando attending the Golf Industry Show(GIS).  This educational conference and trade show brings together Superintendents, Architects, owners, club managers and vendors from all reaches of the industry for more than 450 hours of educational seminars, a trade show that features the latest technology and an opportunity to network with peers from all over the world.  The GIS is held annually and it is a privilege and honor to attend.

    Unfortunately, I have some sad news to report.  The following explanation came directly from the Conservancy regarding the Osprey that was injured at Stonebridge on Saturday.  We have always worked hard to provide a safe haven for wildlife on our property sometimes accidents do happen.  To quell a rumor, this ill fated Osprey was not one that is nesting on #16.  We are actively pursuing a solution for the budding nest on #7 that remains in harms way.  A new platform and a transfer of nesting material will be planned for the summer:   

    From the wildlife clinic at the Conservancy....

The osprey was a female.

Unfortunately the osprey had a severe fracture. The right wrist had a compound, comminuted fracture at the minor and major metacarpal which means the fracture was open and bone was exposed as well as being shattered in multiple pieces. It was a recent injury but the condition of the bones was irreparable and we had to euthanize the osprey.

    Thank you for all your support and encouragement as we make Stonebridge the place that you deserve.