Brian Stiehler, CGCS presents Chris Chavez with a crisp $20 bill.
This time of year, moles are very destructive on golf courses. At Highlands CC, I've seen them get out of control. The good thing is, they are very territorial and when you see an area that is tunneled, it is usually just one mole causing the problem. Eliminate him and roll the tunnels down and we are back in business. But, mole baits and chemical treatment (very few exist) are not legal in North Carolina. Hunting however, is legal. There is an art to it...one I've never been able to figure out. They sense vibration in the ground and can sense someone or something approaching. I started a new program where I pay $20 for each mole returned to me. This created excitement on the crew and renewed their focus to get these guys. So far, it cost me $120.00. It's worth the expense and humor as I present the money in a "check presentation" to the recipient during our morning staff meeting.