Director of Golf Report – December 2012

by Brian Duthu

Pro Shops

Final financial information was not available as of the writing of this report; also green fee revenue reflects income of $3,600 from the Beat the Pro’s event that will be adjusted on December financials.  Total revenue for November was 1% ahead of budget, not including revenue from the Beat the Pros.

Racing Ducks sales are now complete. Pro shops managed to sell 1,560 through Friday, December 7.  Lakes West, once again, led sales with 1,040 ducks sold.

The “Beat the Pros” event surpassed its fundraising goal of $2,000, with over $2,400 raised for the Sun City PRIDES. The event was well attended and lived up to its name, with 82% of the field “Beating the Pros.”  With the success of this year’s event a sequel to this event will be planned.

We have begun to see a greater number of no shows and double bookings on our tee sheets. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that: times that you cannot make are cancelled, and that people that may be booking on your behalf are aware of your intention to play or not to play. Failure to do so is considered a Category II offense and is subject to fines.

Golf Courses

Golf courses have begun applying an herbicide, to control winter weeds in non-overseeded areas. The primary weed we are trying to control is Poa Annua. Weeds that are sprayed will turn brown and die.

Following the application of herbicide, courses will begin fertilizing fairways. Golfers can expect to see spray equipment on the courses over the next couple months. The sprayers leave drops of foam behind, to indicate areas that have received an application.

Following the advice of our USGA consultant, brushes have been attached to our green mowers. The warmer weather we experienced through the beginning of December has allowed our greens to mature faster than usual. Brushing will be used on an as needed basis during the cooler months and will become an almost daily practice during the warmer months. The advantages to brushing are:

• Grain reduction.
• Raising stolons and shoots, which produce a better cut.
• A less injurious technique than vertical mowing or grooming, and therefore can be used more frequently and during periods when growth is not aggressively active.
• A method for Poa annua seedhead reduction.

Snack Shops

Sales in the snack shops exceeded budgeted revenue by $5,900.  We once again thank everyone for the support the snack shops have received this year.