by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
For the first quarter, play on all courses posted an increase of 2,313 rounds over prior year. For the quarter a total of 119,824 rounds were played, the fourth highest total since 2008.
Pro shops are in the process of completing the installation of our range ball machines. The ball machines will accept cash or a range card that will be purchased through the pro shops. Golfers will be able to choose between 20, 45 or 70 balls, which correspond with our current selection of small, medium and large buckets. Range cards will be sold in multiple denominations and will offer “free” money with the purchase of the larger denominations. For example a $90 card will provide $108 worth of range balls. Once purchased the cards will be valid at any location and will be usable after regular hours.
Golf Courses
Lakes East closes May 2 to begin an irrigation renovation that will also include additional turf reduction. When completed the irrigation system will be considerably more efficient than the current system and the removal of 10 acres of turf will provide significant water savings. Water savings of 17,386,182 gallons is expected over the course of a year, enough water to supply 238 two-person homes for an entire year. Lakes East will reopen October 15, following overseeding.
As we move deeper into spring, courses will lower fairway heights and increase water. Fairway heights are lowered to open the grass canopy which allows bermuda grass to receive the sunlight it needs. During this time of transition it will not be uncommon to see brown patches on the course as the rye grass dies and the bermuda begins to grow. Irrigation will be increased to promote growth and wet spots will not be uncommon. Courses with an updated irrigation system are better able to control wet spots.
Wall to wall slow release fertilizer applications began April 18 at South. Due to an equipment malfunction the original posted schedule was unable to be followed. We appreciate everyone’s patience through the process.
As part of the RCSC service recognition program, maintenance crews began retroactively receiving awards based on the total number of years served. RCSC made the decision to honor the time served by those individuals that remained in service to RCSC during the period maintenance was contracted out.
We would like to recognize several individuals that have served RCSC for 15 years or longer. They are:
15 Years of Service
- Douglas Rogers – Irrigation Tech, Willowbrook/Willowcreek
- Jack Vidales – Greensworker, Lakes East/Lakes West
- Chuck Manning –Golf Course Superintendent, Willowbrook/Willowcreek
- John West – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Lakes East/Lakes West
- Rex Thrasher – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Willowcreek/Willowbrook
20 Years of Service
- Octaviano Villalva – Greensworker, Lakes East/Lakes West
- Ruben Allejandro – Greensworker, Lakes East/Lakes West
In addition to the above individuals, we have 17 members of our maintenance crew that have served five years or longer. Please join me in thanking the maintenance team for the hard work and dedication they have shown to RCSC.
Snack Shops
Snack shop revenue exceeded budget by $6,558 for the month, and each snack shop exceeded their budgeted goal. We thank everyone for their continued support of our snack shops. We do remind everyone that only items purchased in the snack shop can be consumed on the patios, which includes food and alcohol.
Lawn Bowling and Grounds
The US PBA (Professional Bowls Associations) held four qualifying events on the carpeted green at the Fairway Lawn Bowls Club April 2-5. Some of the best bowlers in the Country displayed their skills in front of the many spectators. The winners of the four events will represent the United States in Scotland and England. The Fairway green is recognized as the truest green in North America.
The grounds crew has been busy with the beginning of our summer agronomic practices. Greens may be closed throughout the summer to accommodate the process. In addition to aerification, wetting agents are being applied to reduce the amount of water applied. To encourage bermuda, growth fertilizer is also applied during the process. Particular attention will be placed on the Bell greens to correct any areas that are out of level.