Even though it's been extremely dry in Highlands, it looks like we'll get a thunderstorm this week with the daily percentages above 50% each day. However, I would always prefer to go through these major holiday weekends on the dryer side because a firm ground means less wear and tear from cart traffic. There isn't anything more miserable than a cart path only situation on holiday weekends!
The golf course is in great shape and the greens continue get better with the daily double cutting. They will be perfect in no time. I couldn't be happier with where we stand. Our annual aerfication plan, between cores, Graden and dryjecting continue to firm these to new levels. In addition, the introduction of PoaCure in the next year is pretty exciting. For 17 year old USGA spec greens, these are pretty darn great.
A few things I'm continually asked about:
1. The pro tees on 2,3 and 17: yes, they were sodded with Zoysia. No, Zoysia is not the best turf in this climate (remember the range tee circa 2002?). But, I didn't sod them for the Zoysia. The Zoysia is there to provide a mat to overseed into. I don't care if the zoysia dies after a while. They look really rough right now because we are aerated them with 3/4" hollow tines and hand topdressed them. That is to be expected. However, within a week when the ryegrass and Poa trivialis seed germinates, it will be another game. I love to experiment and simply resodding these tees 2x a year isn't good enough for me if I know I haven't exhausted other options. Simply put, the Zoysia base will prevent you from taking a monster divot that can't recover in their micro-environment. I get the feeling most members
aren't getting the facts and simply saying, "Brian's lost his mind sodding Zoysiagrass in the mountains! That won't grow here!"
2. The driving range and practice facility: for every 20 positive comments I receive on the practice facility, I will get one comment on the not so positive side. Like I said in past posts, this is an evolving program, not one perfected. That's the fun part. The common complaint among the 3 members that I've heard comment is, "there are too many people just standing around." In any business, perception is reality but the facts may be something completely different. For example, I may walk into a restaurant and see 6 servers standing around. What I don't know, is that those 6 servers just finished a party of 50, or need to be there because 30 people could walk through the door any minute. Suddenly my "6 servers just standing around wasting time and money" comment lacks truth. David has done a fantastic job leading this charge. When the practice facility is very busy, we supplement him with one person, two in extreme cases like this past Saturday. While David picks golf balls, Mary, Max, Kyle or Alexa can help clean your clubs and offer a level of service many appreciate. If you don't want the service, we are happy to leave you be. These folks are more important to the bigger picture, however. The entire practice facility is in far batter shape this year for one reason and one reason only: the TLC it receives. Filling divots as the day progresses, keeping clean water in the club cleaners, keeping the ball pyramids neatly stacked, all benefits you. Cody Herman was hired to solely focus on the practice facility. When he finishes his maintenance duties there in the morning, he comes to the golf course. We've effectively managed to overcome the logistical challenges of the range by hiring dedicated staff who can treat it as a priority. One final thought: in the early 2000's HCC implemented a range fee to increase the quality of the practice facility and give it the care it deserves. We made minor strides at that until recently when it became a real focal point of the Club. The only money being spent at the practice facility is that which is generated through the range fee. We're doing just as it was intended in 2002-2003. With anything new or any change, comes criticism. In the Club business, we become well used to that. It is my hope we continue to let the program evolve to the point the practice facility service you receive is comparable to the golf course. So, if you were to show up at the tee at 10am for example and Cody is wrapping up before heading back to the course, it may appear as though there are too many people (3) just standing around. While staff needs understand the famous quote, perception is reality, it helps us if you simply ask for the facts before discussing those opinions based on perception. Sometimes they are valid and helpful and other times, counterproductive.
As with anything, I love the comments, good or bad! I am here to listen and do what I can to give you the finest experience possible on your golf course.
The approaches look great striped up side to side with a 21" walk mower. With the labor challenges we've faced this year, we withheld walk mowing approaches due to lack of staff. While we are still short 3 staff members, we are moving ahead, doing the best we can.