9 green

We had a nice run of days without measurable precipitation. Eight days in a row. This morning, we broke the dry streak, but we only received 0.08". This afternoon has been sunny with blue sky thus far. Believe it or not, we have actually had a few dry spots pop up here and there, which is unusual in March. You can come out and take advantage of the conditions this Sunday and participate in our St. Patrick's Day tournament. Call the golf shop to signup and get more details (541) 997-1940.

11 green

We took advantage of the great weather this week, and got quite a bit of mowing done. The greens, collars, approaches, and fairways were all mowed. The surrounds and rough were spot mowed. The greens were also groomed and rolled twice. Hole locations were changed multiple times. Bunkers were raked. The low lying limbs on the stand of trees between hole 3 and hole 13 were removed. Cart path edging was continued.

View from behind 18 green

We have had quite a mix of weather this week. Monday and Thursday were gorgeous with bright blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Tuesday and Wednesday were dreadful and yielded almost an inch and a half of rain.  Today is another spectacular bright blue sky and brilliant sunshine kind of day. The forecast for the next few days looks fantastic with plenty of sunshine. The greens are rolling true, and this weather has me itching to play some golf.

 17 green lightly groomed, and awaiting top dressing

Jerry top dressing 12 green

15 green after 2  days of rain and a fresh mow

Monday was the perfect day to top dress the greens. First, the greens were mowed and lightly groomed. Then, they were top dressed. Next, the sand was brushed in with a GreensGroomer brush. Brushing in the sand provided a nice putting surface right after the top dressing. The rain that followed the next two days incorporated the sand down into the turf canopy so well, that you could not even tell the greens were top dressed.

Thinning trees between holes 3 and 13

The stand of trees between holes 3 and 13 provides a challenge for players who hit their balls there. We have been thinning trees out of this area in an effort to make your escape shots a little easier. The trees provide protection from stray golf balls for players and maintenance workers alike on both holes. The trick is to make the area more playable without reducing the buffer between the two holes. We still need to get the pole saw in this area and take out some of the lower limbs. Hopefully, next time you hit your ball in this stand of trees, it will be a little easier to get out.

Jerry and Steven preparing 12 green for play

It was a productive week for the maintenance staff. The greens were mowed, top dressed, rolled, and fertilized.  The approaches were top dressed and fertilized. Tees were mowed and tee divots were filled. Tree work was performed on the stand of trees between holes 3 and 13, and also to the right of 6 green. Path edging was continued. Tee and green surrounds were spot mowed. Hole locations were changed a few times. Bunkers were raked

Bright blue sky above hole 9

We are starting to get a bit more grass in the mower buckets than we have seen over the last couple of months. Don't get me wrong, we have not reached the growing season yet, but hopefully we are close to being done with frost delays.

Jerry mowing the clubhouse practice green, while Jim mows 18 green

The greens were walk mowed this morning. The greens were also rolled twice this week. Bunkers were raked a couple times, and a few washouts were repaired. The collars and approaches were both mowed earlier in the week. Hole locations were changed a few times. Cart path edging was continued. T divots were filled. Multiple hydraulic lines were replaced on the Kubota tractor. Height and cut adjustments were made as needed to greens mower reels. Sprinkler head edging was continued. Ball washer fluid is being changed this afternoon. Repairs were made to the golf cart fleet, which is an on going process.

Jerry removing dew on 8 green

This week hole locations were changed twice, and are scheduled to be changed again on Saturday. The greens were walk mowed once, and dew was removed with a dew brush multiple days. The greens are scheduled to be mowed again on Sunday. Bunkers were raked. The tees were mowed, and the tee divots were filled. Tee yardage markers were edged. Sprinkler heads around the greens were edged. Cart path edging was continued, and is still on going.

My table at the Melrose Academy breakfast

As I mentioned in my last post, my trip to the GCSAA Conference in San Diego was fantastic. Above is a picture from the Melrose Leadership Academy breakfast that took place on February 5th. I had the good fortune to sit at the table with four fellow Melrose Academy class attendees, Sandy Queen (GCSAA President), Rhett Evans (CEO of GCSAA), and Ken Melrose (man whose gift made the Melrose Leadership Academy possible). Mr. Melrose delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of philanthropy.

After breakfast, and two of the seminars I mentioned in my last post, It was time for the Opening Night Celebration (which ironically is not held on the first night of the conference). The celebration featured Major Dan Rooney. The video below does a great job explaining Rooney's importance in the golf industry.

3 green basking in the sun

The weather has been spectacular the last couple of days. In fact, I have seen more sun in the past two days at Sandpines than I did all of last week in San Diego. I encourage you to get out and take advantage of the great weather by playing a round at Sandpines. Make your tee times early, as they are going fast.

Jerry and Steven preparing 17 green for play this morning

This week, the greens have been mowed and rolled twice (planning to mow again on Sunday). The greens, approaches, and green surrounds (2 passes around the greens) were fertilized. Hole locations were changed three times (they will also be changed both weekend days). Bunkers were raked twice (scheduled to be raked again on Sunday). Cart path edging was continued. Gravel path maintenance was performed. A fairway sprinkler head on hole 16 was relocated in an effort to prevent a notorious dry spot from occurring again this summer. Tee divots were filled with sand and seed. An irrigation audit was initiated in clubhouse landscaping.

San Diego Convention Center decked out in GCSAA decor

I did not make a post last week, as I was attending the GCSAA conference in San Diego (as mentioned in my last post). I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ken Melrose for his generous donation to the Environmental Institute for Golf. Without his support, I would not have been able to attend this years GCSAA Conference. I would also like to thank Mischia Wright and the rest of the GCSAA staff that had a hand in putting together the program for the inaugural Melrose Leadership Academy Class.

The weather on my maiden voyage to San Diego was not all that I had dreamed it would be. Don't get me wrong, the weather was not horrible (except for last Friday, which yielded thunder showers and hail), but 60 degrees and cloudy was the norm last week. I was hoping for 70 degrees and sunny (Monday was pretty close). Maybe next time my luck will be better.

Thankfully, the GCSAA Conference was all that I had hoped for and more. It will take me at least a couple of posts to cover the highlights of my trip to San Diego. In this post, I will give a brief summary of the four seminars I had the opportunity to attend.

The first seminar I attended was Practical and Professional Etiquette to Enhance Your Image. Rick Capozzi was the presenter. He did a great job conveying the proper techniques for:  making first impressions, making introductions, remembering names, performing handshakes, exhibiting confidence, maintaining a positive attitude, non-verbal communication, technological etiquette (smart phone, blue tooth, ipad, laptop), and dining etiquette. This interactive seminar provided opportunities to practice the techniques that were presented. While all four seminars I attended were great, this was my second favorite.

The second seminar I had the opportunity to attend was Negotiating for Success. Bruce Williams and Tommy Witt were the presenters. Both are certified golf course superintendents and past presidents of the GCSAA. Examples of negotiations were given in a wide variety of situations including purchasing of:  golf course maintenance equipment, golf carts, chemicals and fertilizers, fuel, irrigation equipment, and vehicles. It was clear these two veterans of the golf industry were great at negotiating.

The third seminar I attended was Conflict Management for the Superintendent. The presenter was Lynda Pinnington. Topics covered included: origins of conflict, conflict in the work place, learned patterns of behavior, the three types of responses to conflict, feedback (an essential communication tool), conflict resolution processes, conflict resolution steps, behaviors to avoid in conflict situations, and helping others resolve conflict. The information provided in the seminar can be used at work,  home, and everywhere in between. This was my favorite of the four seminars I attended. I have been using the information I learned from this seminar on a daily basis. I highly recommend taking this seminar if you get a chance.

The fourth and final seminar I attended was Speak Tweaks - Compelling Communication. Jan Fox was the presenter. The focus of this seminar was speaking in front of groups. Topics covered included:  avoiding verbal pauses (um, er, & uh), making eye contact, proper body language, handshakes, working the room, and using key words. There was plenty of opportunity to practice the techniques learned in this interactive seminar.

Another beautiful day at the coast

According to the forecast, we are on the front end of another nice stretch of weather. It's a great time to come play a round of golf and enjoy the sunshine.

14 green

This week, the tees and fairways were fertilized. The greens were mowed twice (so far). Cart path edging was continued. Bunker edges were repaired on three bunkers (one each on holes 2, 3, & 15). Sprinkler head raising and edging was continued. Gravel paths were repaired in multiple areas. Bunkers were raked a couple of times. Peterson has been busy working on the rough mower, and is hoping to have it all back together by the end of next week.

John changing the hole location on hole 5

It was nice to see the sunshine again this week. Multiple players that traveled from the valley were especially happy to see the sun, as foggy conditions have been the norm for them during the last week and a half. The forecast for next week is looking pretty good as well, so book your tee time soon, as they may fill up quickly.

Jerry spiking/rolling 13 green

This week the greens were walk mowed (with groomers) and rolled (with spiker). The tees were mowed. Hole locations were changed a few times. The bunkers were raked. Portions of 7 and 18 approaches were aerated (areas that were soft during wet weather). Fairways on holes 1, 6, and 12 were sliced. The water spigot that serves the driving range shack was repaired and relocated closer to the building. Cart path edging was continued. The stumps on hole 4 were removed, and the area was capped with sand. Hazard communication training took place during our monthly safety meeting.

GCSAA Press Release

A few months ago I applied for a spot in the inaugural Melrose Leadership Academy Class. The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) member superintendents by providing individuals the opportunity to attend the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. While at the education conference, class members will attend sessions hosted by golf's industry leaders. They will also have the opportunity to network with GCSAA leadership, industry leaders, and certified superintendent peers.

The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG (Environmental Institute for Golf) from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.

I was one of the lucky 17 superintendents selected for this years Melrose Leadership Academy Class, which includes an all expense paid trip to the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. This years conference will be held in San Diego on February 4th-8th. I am really excited about being selected, and I am looking forward to representing Sandpines.