This has been an interesting year to put it mildly. A brutal winter followed by a non-existent spring followed by a summer with violent storms and heavy rains and concluding with early snow that caused an early closing of the golf course for the year. I will be very happy to put this year behind us and move on to 2019.
The first snow that stuck was on October 5th. This caused the course to close for most of the day and while the snow did melt promptly, it was followed by consistent rains that ensured that the golf course would be waterlogged for the next few weeks if not the remainder of the year.
Hole 9 October 5, 2018
The next batch of snow arrived on October 11th. This time it was 3” of snow accompanied by high winds that caused drifting on many holes. Some of the drifts, like in the picture below, were well over a foot high.
Hole 13 October 11, 2018
This weather event was, pretty much, the nail in the coffin for 2018 and caused the early closing of the golf course. The crew, sadly, was given an involuntary week off while we waited for this snow to melt. On the subject of the crew, I cannot express enough how happy I am with this group and the way in which they have rolled with the punches in this challenging year. It is in times like these when you find out who your good soldiers are.
At a time when finding good help is more challenging than ever, I have been extremely lucky to retain a crew that continues to perform dependably in the most demanding of conditions. A few of these All Stars are pictured below:
Left to right: David Pike (14 years), Howard Ankrum (9 years), Willie Larouque (1st year), Rolf Anderson (14 years) fixing yet another bunker washout on 9
September 28, 2018
Closing the golf course is an exciting time for golf course work in that it allows us to perform the disruptive, messy work that makes a difference. One such chore is the installation of drainage on problematic parts of the golf course. We have acquired a mini excavator and drainage materials to install over 1000’ of golf course drainage. The focus this year will be on holes 1, 16, and if materials remain on 11. Pictured below is the honorable Roger Makela excavating drain lines to correct a drainage problem on the 1st hole.
Drainage-Hole 1
October 19, 2018
This is dirty work but works wonders in improving the long-term condition of the golf course. I find this kind of work to be among the most rewarding type of project.
On a final note, we are currently installing greens covers in this the final week of work for most of the crew. While it is a little breezy for this kind of job, I am always impressed with the efficiency of this group. They know that as soon as this chore is finished, the sooner they may enjoy their time off from what has been a very trying season.
Greenscover Installation 18 Green
October 22, 2018
I would like to say thank you to all of our loyal customers who make the work that we do possible. We enjoy what we do-working outside is something that everyone on the crew enjoys. If they did not, they would not endure working in the challenging conditions with which we contend. We only hope that the winter does not last a full six months like it did last year so that we may be better able to provide the conditions that we are all accustomed to.
Vincent Dodge