by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Unseasonably warm temperatures led to increased play, throughout RCSC golf courses. Rounds totaled 40,771 which was the third highest total recorded since 2006. With the North Renovation underway, the Executive courses recorded 13,394 rounds, which was the highest total recorded for them since 2006.
With the increase in golf rounds and the North closure, the remaining courses are showing unusual amounts of wear and tear. As temperatures warm throughout the spring, these areas will heal faster, however we still need golfer support. We ask everyone to please fill your divots and fix your ball marks. We will also begin showing a series of USGA golf course care and golf course etiquette videos on the pro shop televisions. In addition to the videos, we will be posting flyers on proper ball mark repair and course etiquette.
Free golf clinics will be offered March 8, 15, 22 & 29 at Lakes East/West, classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Topics covered are Ball Flight, Golf Swing Fundamentals, Chipping and putting. There is no need to preregister and the clinics are open to golfers of all skill levels. The clinics are a great introduction to the game of golf or great way to brush up on your game. Clinics are conducted by LPGA and PGA professionals.
On Monday, March 10, we will be hosting a demo day at Riverview golf course from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Expected vendors include Wilson, Cleveland, Mizuno and Orlimar.
Golf Courses
The 2014 aerification/overseed schedule has been finalized. Highlighted changes are the removal of May green aerification and a modified overseeding schedule. The overseeding schedule will result in a brief period of higher than normal course closures, but will allow for more regulation courses to be open as we enter the busy season. Should Riverview be approved for renovation beginning in 2014, it will be removed from Green Aerification and Overseed schedule.
With warmer temperatures, the turf is requiring more water. Over the next several weeks additional water to fairways, tees and greens can be expected. Additional watering to the rough will also occur to help bring it out of dormancy. Staff will hand water hot spots as required. Wet areas will still be monitored and addressed. In addition to water, slow release fertilizer will begin to be applied to provide nutrients to the berumda as it comes out of dormancy.
The North renovation project remains on schedule, with work in various stages of completion throughout the course. Wadsworth is currently installing green drainage on the front 9. The mainline is currently being installed on hole 9 and is completed on holes 1 – 8. Tree trimming is completed throughout the course, with the exception of palm trees. The palm trees will be trimmed in late summer, which is the normal time frame for our palm tree trimming. Landscaping around the clubhouse will be removed by golf course staff and replaced with plants that match those throughout the balance of the course. Gary Brawley, the course architect, recently led a tour of Green Committee members. The feedback from the committee members was positive and all seemed impressed with the scope of work.
Snack Shops
With good weather and increased demand, snack shop activity remained brisk. Total revenue was within $400 of budget and exceeded prior year by $9,000.