Front, middle, back… easy, easy, easy!!

There are many informative blogs. We are spoiled with many cooperative Turfgrass professionals sharing ideas and providing insight into their own trials, studies and experiences. It's a hard act to follow, but I've realized that there's always something I might learn, reconfirm with, or even appreciate and enjoy no matter how basic.

How does your golf course change pins? Do you cycle through rotations? locations? or a combination of both? Is the decision made by the discretion of your pin setter? I have worked at courses with all these different pin setting programs and I guess the decisions are based on the standards, goals and mission of each individual golf course. Courses with large staff, high turnovers and frequent training might benefit with set locations. Courses with smaller greens might choose area rotations.

The first golf course I worked at allowed me to setup pins wherever I wanted, as long as I was consistent with three front, three middle and three back locations per nine. I believe the main criteria to consider are: traffic, pace of play, and healthy turf. With that said, I understand there are many more unique factors to consider depending on the golf course; greens size, undulation, rounds per day, turf health, design characteristics, and whether or not the course is private, semi-private or public. The list probably continues for many of you.

I've always believed in using all the real estate you're given. Some design flaws don't allow this, however is it feasible to beat up smaller, flatter and easier spots to try and pump more rounds through in a day? I think it's important to train someone who golfs, someone who understands playability, and someone with an eye for health and quality.

Regardless of where we set pins, it is inevitable that there will always be some complaining on any given day. Other than ourselves, how come we hardly here guests complaining about the architect? I am still waiting for the day where I get the call on the radio…"there have been several comments today about how wonderful the pins are"… Lol, I'll keep you all posted when that day arrives.

Continued success and growth!

The long road… a bittersweet grind?!?

The last few months have been busy as usual. Both courses are busy and course conditions continue improving as our turfcare team works hard with continued maintenance and project work.

I've decided to write a reflection piece that I've been pondering for the past few days. My new experience at K-Country has given me great rewards, but not without challenges. The obvious would be the challenges in course conditioning we've faced due to a difficult winter season, but those challenges come with the territory for all turfgrass managers. The less obvious challenges are the lifestyle changes that I've been adapting to since moving here in April.

I live on site at the golf course. For now, my fiancé Shelley, and my two animals, Baxter and Levi, still live in Kelowna. Being away from my family is hard. Before the move to Kananaskis, we lived together and shared many great memories for five years.

The choice was always mine and the decision was made over several long nights of consideration with Shelley. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and hopefully with hard work, patience and some sacrifice, the decision to be apart for a temporary period of time will grow us closer together and put me into a position where I can provide and live happily with my family. Cliche I know, but I'm sure many fellow turfies have made similar sacrifices and decisions.

A colleague of mine, whom I consider a mentor, once told me that I should be willing to relocate and keep my options open so that I may eventually run my own show. My road to being a superintendent has been bittersweet. Many long days grinding out my time trying to keep myself motivated. However in the end, I can look back to my last post, the results can be so rewarding.

I give much respect to all my fellow colleagues and everyone else that is passionate in pursuing a better product no matter what kind of a grind it takes. Good conditions and continued success to you all!

The results can be so rewarding.

We've been officially open for two weeks now, and the turfcare team continues their hard work getting projects complete, repairing irrigation, and maintaining both golf courses for daily play.  Greens are  priority and we continue to resurface many areas that didn't fare well throughout the winter.  For our new greens, we laid big roll bentgrass and regular roll bluegrass for the collars.  A steady crew of 6 worked with our contractors in laying the bentgrass while larger crews came in to lay the bluegrass.  Work was completed efficiently as we strived to be ready for opening day.

I am quickly realising that the luxury of the Okanagan weather doesn't transition into and throughout the Rockies.  Though we've had stretches of nice days, our nighttime temps consistently drop to 0 degrees.  Tough to "green up", have a good catch on the overseed and germinate new shoots in some of our more challenging areas.  Benefits of a mountain golf course I guess?  

Today we needle tined one of our new greens and the results look terrific.  No pulling or tearing occurred, so we'll finish aerating the rest of the new greens tomorrow.  We're using Toro's new Pro core for our aeration purposes.  As much as I'd like to say that most of the great results were due to having a great operator, I have to give credit to the Pro core's efficiency, adjust ability and minimal disruption.  Keeping fingers crossed, I hope the rest of the aeration goes as smooth tomorrow.

Life of a turfgrass manager is long, busy and fast paced.  At times it feels that I am never in enough places at any given time throughout the day.  Train people here, get a team started there, quality control everywhere... etc.  However, the results of a great product are so rewarding and I quickly remember why I got into this industry... I absolutely love it!

 Newly laid 007 on #9 Mount Kidd course

 Our first cut was approximately 10 days after being laid

2 foot rolls are laid two at a time (side by side)

Welcome to KCountry

Hey everyone.  My name is Cameron Watt and I am one of the assistants at the KCountry golf course.  I am new this year and I started work at Kananaskis on April 16th.  It has been a unique, interesting and fun experience to say the least.

I moved to Kananaskis from Kelowna, British Columbia.  Including Kananaskis, I have been a part of 4 different golf courses working with the turf care department.  I came from Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy.  I was the assistant there for almost 5 seasons.  Before that I was at Predator Ridge Golf Resort and Sunset Ranch Golf Course.

I have been growing grass for 12 seasons.  Each and every golf course has been an awesome experience.  They all have helped me develop my skills and personality in becoming a turfgrass manager.  Kananaskis is no different.  My roles and responsibilities here are unlike any other I've had at other courses.  With the help of my new friend, James Bryce, who is our other assistant, I have been able to quickly familiarize myself with the operation and the property.

I will miss all my friends and family, especially my fiancé Shelley, who will be living in Kelowna for another year.  I do however appreciate all their support and happiness for my new experience and journey in becoming a golf course superintendent.  Thank you all!!

Hopefully we will try and update this blog frequently, but for now I wanted to introduce myself to everyone that follows.  Have a great season!