Jack Kolb, Past Minikahda Superintendent Passed Away.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jack a few years ago.  I had invited Jack to see the golf course and talk to me about his time here at Minikahda.  Many changes had taken place on the golf course since Jack's time as Superintendent but he really enjoyed touring the course.  Jack was still driving at the time and his mind was as sharp as a tack. I'm glad I had the chance to show him around one last time.   Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association July 14, 2013

Jack Kolb, an icon in the Minnesota golf turf industry, passed away on July 10, in an outpatient Hospice Home in St. Cloud, MN.  His family was at his side and he went peacefully.  The following is an excerpt from the January 1991 Hole Notes magazine that highlighted Jack's carrier as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. "When Jack Kolb was graduated from high school in 1941, the United States was preparing for war. There was little time to plan a career, so Jack left a job as a Wisconsin cheesemaker near Green Bay and took up work as a shipfitter, building submarines at Manitowoc, Wis. In 1942 Jack was drafted into the Navy and was trained as a torpedoman with the Pacific Submarine Command. Most of his Navy career was spent on Midway Island. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, intent on being a forester; however, he felt that a certain dark-eyed young lady was not about to be a homemaker in a cabin deep in the woods. So, after a change in majors, and 240 credits later, he was graduated with a degree in Plant Industry. Jack's first job was as a fertilizer salesman with the old Farm Bureau Service Company in 1950. In 1953, Jack was hired by Dr. James Watson and went to work for the Toro company as an agronomist. After a few years and because the pay was better, Jack became golf course superintendent with The Minikahda Club.  After 10 years at Minikahda, he moved to Minneapolis Golf Club for a few more seasons. During this time he evaluated the turf industry and the idea of Turf Supply Company was conceived. Jack left Minneapolis Golf Club on Dec. 31, 1969. Turf Supply Company was born the next day. Not one sale was recorded for the first three months of its existence. During this time his wife, Rajah, and five children under 11 years of age operated on a very low budget. Eventually, the business grew, and the next 21 years saw many new innovations in marketing.  One of Jack's hobbies was writing.  Several of his articles were published in the old Golfdom magazine. One of his treasured letters is a four-page document from Herb Graff is, editor of Golfdom, commending Jack for his approach on the golf course superintendent's role in the golf industry." Mr. Kolb mentored many aspiring turf professionals and will be remembered as a strong leader of the industry. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an excellent role model to his grandchildren. His generous spirit lead to his widespread involvement in the community to include: The Serra Club, The Knights of Columbus, and his parish community of St. Joseph's in West St. Paul, to name a few. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rajah, and their five children Michael Kolb, Dekalb, IL; Melanie Schmidt (Christian), St. Cloud, MN; David Kolb (Karen),Minnetrista, MN; John Kolb (Susan), St. Cloud, MN; and Amelia Daniels (Richard), Eau Claire, WI. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, his brother, James, sister, Margaret and many dear friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Conrad and Ruth Kolb and his sister Alice. The family would like to thank Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta, MN and the staff at St. Benedict's Senior Center in St. Cloud, MN for their loving care and support. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 14 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Klecatsky and Sons Funeral Home in West St. Paul. A mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am on Monday,July 15, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in West St. Paul. Friends and relatives may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice. More information about Mr. Kolb can also be found at: Jack Kolb Obituary

Careful Practice or Careless Practice? It's Up To You, the Player

Since the construction of our new practice tee, I'm constantly being asked how long will it take for the tee to recover?  How long before we are back to the front of the tee and will it be recovered?  Many factors factor into the recovery of the tee.  Weather, water, fertilizer and how the players choose to practice.  

Now that we are back on the practice tee, it's the perfect time to remind members the proper way to practice on grass. Picture's are worth a thousand words.  From the photos it's quite clear how recovery of the turf can be affected by the way players take divots from the tee.   

This player attempted to practice in rows but did not leave an adequate amount of turf between the rows. Germination will happen but the turf will take a great deal longer to fill in and recover.

This is an example of an area that was completely void of established turf.  The area has been over-seeded, the seed has germinated but the area will take a long time to fully recover and heal back to the quality we desire and expect. An area completely void of turf also leaves an uneven playing surface the next time we move the ropes through this area of the tee.

                                          
This photo is a much better example of how we would like players to practice.  There is more established turf between the rows, offering greater stability to the soil and protection of the young seedlings which will then have a better ability to thrive and mature.

Lastly, a perfect example of proper practice with excellent germination and recovery of the practice tee.  This area will recover at 10 times the speed of an area completely void of any turf.  When you are practicing please remember this simple idea for practicing, this will ensure the fastest healing time for our practice tee.

Proof is in the Pudding

Below is a photo of the 17th green last spring, on May 3rd, following two days of rain totaling 1.79".  Notice the two birdbaths.  This was a common occurrence.  Any idea where our weaker turf was on this green or where winter kill usually occurred? 

Now look at the 17th green following a 1" rain today after we had XGD drainage and some surface re-contouring to remove the birdbaths.  Quite a difference.  Over the years, 17 has been one of the most difficult greens to manage.  I'm quite certain now that we have internal drainage we will see a dramatic improvement to the overall health and condition of the turf on this green.

XGD Drainage Installation

XGD drainage installation was completed this week on three greens.  Last year XGD drainage was installed on our two wettest greens, 1 and 6.  The drainage worked excellent last year so we felt it was necessary to continue the process on our next three wettest greens.  Greens 4, 11 and 17 were completed earlier this week.  The process takes about 2 days per green depending on the amount of additional work that is required. All three greens, in addition to the drainage work, we had the company re-contour a few birdbaths to improve surface drainage.  17 green had 3 major birdbaths that needed to be corrected.  With the improved surface drainage and the internal drainage we should see more consistent moisture levels in the greens soil profile and in the long term, healthier turf throughout the season. 

 Drain lines being back-filled

 Tamping the drain lines.  These guys never miss the hole.

 The finished product on 11.

Re-contouring the front right of 17. A perpetual birdbath no more.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This was the course at 9 o'clock this morning.  It's been a tough spring for EVERYONE.  The crew is ready and willing to work and do whatever it takes to get the course up and running.  Mother Nature apparently has other plans.  We attempted to apply wetting agents to tees and fairways today knowing the rain would water the product in. The rain turned to snow and the sprayers could not even drive up the hills without the tires slipping.  Looks like rain again tomorrow.  Hopefully Sunday will be a little drier and 20 degrees warmer.  

The New Look at 6 Pond

Last fall the three old willow trees had to be removed by 6 pond.  The trees had reached their life expectancy.  The quality and condition of the willows were failing and had become hazardous.  There were two remaining smaller willows located on each end.  It was decided last week by the Grounds Committee to remove the willows and completely open the view of the pond.  If we do decide to replant this area willow trees will not be the tree of choice.  Instead we will select a tree or trees with a larger canopy that will allow for a view up the 7th hole.

There is still a great deal of work that needs to be completed.  Tree stumps need to be ground, weedy grasses need to be sprayed with herbicide and then the area will then be tilled and prepped for sod.  The new look will be fantastic when completed.

6 pond with the willow trees.

Willow trees removed.

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

Welcome Brian Cowin

Welcome Brian Cowin, Head Equipment Technician, to our staff.  Brian is originally from Burlington, Washington, but most recently was working in the Coeur d' Alene area in Idaho.  Brian has a host of golf course experience as well as heavy equipment experience.  We are looking forward to his fresh set of eyes as well as leadership in the shop.  Ask any golf course Superintendent and they will tell you, the Equipment Technician is one of the most important positions on the staff.  If you want a quality product, its all begins before the equipment sets foot on the golf course.

Brian has already made some wonderful changes to the shop area.  Thankfully the weather has remained cold and Brian has been able to use this time to get organized before the golf season hits full stride.  Welcome to Minikahda Brian.