Director of Golf Report – April 2015

by Brian Duthu

Pro Shops

Total rounds played were down 2,389 rounds to prior year, mostly as a result of an additional rain day compared to prior year. Rounds at the executive courses remain brisk, posting their second highest number of rounds played in March since 2006. Despite weather challenges rounds are remaining steady with recent performance, we have had 117,511 rounds recorded this year, which is the 3rd highest total of the previous six years.

Though there was no “Moonlight” to be found, our first night event of the year certainly was filled with “Madness,” 58 players braved chilly temperatures and strong winds, on Saturday, April 25. Prior to play, participants enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches prepared by the Lakes snack shop, followed by dessert. Participants competed in four flights, utilizing a two person scramble format; in addition skill prizes for long drive, closest to the pin and longest putt were also available. Winners were Steven Sorini and Sue Carnahan (First Flight), Martin and Mary Rey (Second Flight), Mike and Carol Lunz (Third Flight) and David and Beverly Pedersen (Fourth Flight). Full results are available on the RCSC website.

The first tee time for courses using a straight sheet will be adjusted as daylight permits, though they will be no earlier than 6:00 a.m. The earlier starts also allow early risers the opportunity for finish their round sooner in the day.

Snack Shops

Despite the additional rain days, snack shops managed to come within $700 of budget. We continue to thank everyone for their support. Snack shop closing times will be adjusted, based on demand; 3:00 p.m. is the traditional closing time in May. Pro shops will have beverages and some snacks available when snack shops are closed.

Golf Courses

Despite our efforts to prepare golfers on the expected conditions of North (following the renovation), we continue to receive questions and concerns regarding the current condition. In an effort to help get the proper information out, we would like to cover a few key points.

• The greens were not over-seeded for this past season to protect them long term.
• Since they were not over-seeded, a pigment was applied to give them color otherwise they would have been brown.
• The greens are less than a year old and have no organic matter built up. As they mature they will develop a thatch layer allowing them to soften and grow into the surfaces we expect them to.
• The heat during over-seeding worked against us. We stuck to our time table in order to not interfere with planned events. Over-seeding schedule for all courses has been moved to October for this year, with Riverview scheduled in the second wave of courses.
• Summer heat will allow us to move into our normal agronomic practices, allowing us to aerify, top-dress, verticut and fertilize all areas of the course. This will begin the process of “softening” up the golf course.
• The North greens will be over-seeded this year, though they will still be firm.
• We have always stated that conditions would take eighteen months to two years to normalize and provide the playing surfaces expected.
• The conditions at Riverview will be similar to North.

We understand the frustration many are experiencing, we only ask for your patience, as we move through the expected processes and conditions, following the renovations. The North renovation is in infancy, we expect her to grow into a beautiful adult.

All courses are currently preparing for summer and the transition from winter rye to bermuda. Fairway cuts have been lowered, to allow better infiltration of sunlight to the bermuda base. Watering has been increased, with temperature fluctuations; wet spots will not be uncommon. The courses with recent irrigation renovations will have better control over wet spots. Wall to wall slow release fertilizer has been applied to all courses. Fairway aerification will begin May 18th at South.