May 2nd Update

Calvin checking out the ice damage on the double green

Well after taking off two days in a row since our crew started April 4th we were back at it agian on Sunday continuing to do everything we can to prepare the golf course for our new opening date, May 20^th. Given the amount of snow on the course right now it will take a miracle to get the course open for that date. For the most part the greens look pretty solid, with minimal ice damage on a few greens and some poa greens that suffered some setbacks after being under covers for too long.We are currently in the process of clearing the green surrounds to ensure we have enough room for larger equipment to navigate as we plan to start cutting and performing cultural practices this week. As well we have put down a granular fungicide to help prevent snow mould and fusarium.

The third wave of our turf care team has come on board this week, and not a moment too early as it is going to be a huge undertaking to clear the course of debris and elk droppings that have accumulated over the winter. I have estimated in a week or two we will have an army of 60 to 70 staff, many from other departments, working towards getting the golf course in shape for opening day. The next few weeks are going to hopefully be organized chaos, as there is going to be a million things going on at once. I am extremely happy to have Trent on our leadership team, as he has stepped up and become a great leader that the crew respect. I find this even more impressive as most of the staff can’t understand what he says due to his thick Australian accent as well as his poor taste in country music.

I would also like to welcome our new foreman, James Bryce, to our supervisory team. James has just graduated from the Senecca turf program and has over 5 years experience at Algonquin Golf Course, which is in New Brunswick. He will no doubt play a big role in the success of the turf care team as he will shoulder most of the spraying as well as being another voice out on the course.

Hope everyone has a great week.