Winter Blues Got You Down?

Two years ago we had a young man working on our staff from China.  This was Tony's second year with us as a Trainee.  The first time he worked for us was in 2009.  We enjoyed having him so much we invited him back in 2011.  Tony always made us laugh.  He had a wonderful personality and he's one of those guys who once you meet them you never forget.

Tony was watering one of our bunker faces and had the hose inserted into an irrigation head.  When he turned on the head the o-ring was bad and water was shooting out everywhere.  He was determined to get the head turned off.  And...he finally did. Enjoy the videos.

A Winter Wonderland...or a Cruel Joke?

Minnesota was dealt another setback to spring yesterday. Over 9" of snow fell at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport with areas northwest of the Metro receiving considerably more snowfall totals. Year-to-date our staff has amassed 2 days of labor on the course. This was back on April 5th and 8th.We have yet to reach a temperature of 60 degrees and that is the average this time of year.  Last year the club opened the earliest in its 114 year history, March 23.  This year we are on pace to break our latest opening of April 27, 1974.  I guess this is Mother Natures way of balancing the seasons and this is what gives us Averages. Personally I'm not a big fan of this method.

The state of Minnesota needs moisture, but I'm pretty sure we would rather have it in the form of rain.

Never Ending Winter

April 11th.  Six more inches of snow

When will the weather finally break so we can start working on the golf course?  There have basically been two days when the staff has been able to work on the course.  Last Friday and this past Monday.  Both days  the crew spent the day removing covers from the greens.  Now the course is covered in snow and the long-term forecast shows temperatures remaining in the 40's and cloudy.

Last year the course opened the earliest in the clubs history, March 23.  This year? Well who knows when it will be? For sure after the 23rd of April putting us well over a month past last year.  The last time our records indicate this happening was in 1973 and 1974.  In 1973 the course opened on March 28th and in 1974 the course opened on April 27th.  Based on what's happening my guess is we will be pushing closer to the 27th of April this year unless Mother Nature changes her mind quickly and sends some warm weather our way and soon.

Minor Winter Damage

This week we were finally able to remove the greens covers.  Just in time too.  We've received some timely rain and are preparing for record snow fall amounts this week.  The additional moisture is welcome since last fall was so dry.  Unfortunately, we do have some minor damage on a few greens.  Water was able to find its way under the covers and settle into the low spots.  The worst damage is on the front left of 11.  Due to the late start to the season and with a forecast that shows no immediate warm-up we may end up having to resort to sodding these areas as opposed to seeding.  I will keep you posted as we address these damaged areas.  

Other areas of the golf course appear to have weathered the winter just fine.  Overall the fairways are in good condition with a few minor blemishes to some low spots where the turf is poa annua.  The tees emerged in great shape as they should since they are 95% creeping bentgrass.  Patience is going to be necessary by everyone this spring.  April is feeling like a typical March.  Until soil temperatures warm-up significantly, plants are going to remain ideal for quite some time.  Until then we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Front right of 9 green

 Front left of 11 green

Middle left of 16 green