Everyday, we are getting more details knocked out on the golf course. It's still winter in Highlands- something we are reminded of daily when temperatures feel like single digits. I'm often asked, "will the golf course be ready for opening day?" My answer to that is, yes. However, expecting conditions similar to that of mid summer just isn't realistic or practical. At Highlands CC, we open the golf course very early, at a time of year that doesn't give the golf course time to green up or heal from our winter work. Turfgrass growth is driven by one thing and one thing only: TEMPERATURES. Regardless of the amount of fertilizer, water or other resources thrown at it, grass won't resume active growth until day temperatures are approaching the 70*F range and night temperatures are consistently hitting the 50*F mark. The key word on both of these statements is consistently. It takes more than 2 or 3 days of good weather here and there. While April can be a wonderful time of year to enjoy the golf course, it must be approached with realistic expectations.