by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
We will be hosting a Beat-the-Pros on December 10 at Riverview Golf Course, which will celebrate the renovation. Hosting the event in December provides the opportunity for our Winter guests to participate and ties into our fundraising efforts for our chosen Winter Celebration Charity. This year the chosen charity is the Sun City Fire Department. The format will be a two person scramble. Prior to play, Golf Magazine’s “2013 Golf Entertainer of the Year” Brad Denton, will be putting on a Trick Shot Show. After the show Brad will head out to a par 3. For a donation, Brad will hit a drive for your team, aiding in your attempt to Beat-the-Pros. Applications for the event are available at each golf shop.
Through August total revenue has exceeded budget, despite a decline in public green fees. Total merchandise through August was $7,500 ahead of budget; we thank everyone for their support. Please remember, though we do not carry a regular inventory of golf clubs, we can special order equipment from any supplier. In most cases we can match the price offered at big box retailers. When Riverview reopens, new apparel and accessories will be available for purchase. A sneak peak of the new items will be possible beginning November 9th, when we begin taking tee times for Riverview. The pro shop will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the draw, after 8:30 a.m. tee times for Riverview can be made at any of the shops or via the web portal.
We have received the Men’s and Ladies USGA course ratings for Riverview. The men’s rating from the white tees increased very slightly from 68.0 to 68.2. The ladies rating from the red tees also increased slightly from 70.4 to 70.7. The slope ratings from both tees also increased from 113 to 115 for the men from the white tees and from 115 to 118 for the ladies from the red tees. The new set of yellow tees (for those wishing to Play it Forward) have a course rating of 62.2 for men and 65.9 for ladies.
Please join us in welcoming Michael Schneider as our newest Head Starter. Michael assumed the position of Head Starter at Quail Run Golf Course on October 26. Mike had served as a starter at Lakes East/Lakes West for nearly four years, prior to accepting the Head Starter position.
Golf Courses
Overseeding on Riverview began on October 12, the timing of the overseed will allow the course to open on November 14 with no cart path restrictions. As a reminder the greens will not be overseeded this year and can be expected to play firm and fast. Any area of disturbance, such as green banks and tee banks, can also be expected to play firm. Firmer than normal conditions can be expected for a period of 18 to 24 months.
Overseeding for the remaining courses began October 5, at North, Lakes West, Willowbrook and Quail Run. The final overseeding began October 26 at Willowcreek, South and Lakes East. The later start should provide better growing temperatures for the rye grass. The courses that overseeded on October 5 are scheduled to have cart path restrictions until November 6.
We also have a new addition to our Superintendent ranks. Neil Hladik has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at the North Course. Prior to moving back to Arizona, Neil had served as
Superintendent at the Napa Golf Course in Napa, California. Neil has also worked as Superintendent at several Arizona courses, such as Los Caballeros, Gold Canyon, Sun Lakes and Antelope Hills. Neil was also on site at these courses during their construction.
Snack Shops
Year-to-date Snack Shop revenue remains well above budget. In October, the closing time for the Snack Shops was be 3:00 p.m.
Lawn Bowling/Grounds
The newly renovated greens at Lakeview opened for practice on October 12 and held their first club function on October 13. The west green was unavailable for use due to a vehicle driving across the green and leaving tire marks. Repairs to the green have since been completed and both greens are available for use.
Mowing has slowed on all greens as the weather cools. As the greens go dormant maintenance practices will be limited to rolling, keeping the ditches clean and minimal edging. The softball field has been reseeded and practices began on October 24.
Addendum
Following overseeding, a disease known as Pythium Blight was discovered on several greens at the North course. Though the proper treatment was applied when noticed, significant damage had been done to holes 5 and 6. The most affected greens have been reseeded, top-dressed and will recover. In order to aid their recovery, we will be mowing out temporary greens on holes 5 and 6 and closing the greens to play. The greens are expected to be closed for a period of 10 to 14 days. Removing play will allow the greens to recover faster than they would otherwise. The other greens that were affected have only localized damage and will recover without closing.