by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
The Beat the Pro event held on December 4 matched last year’s donation total with $2,230.88 raised for the Del Web Sun Cities Museum. The pros battled harder than most years, allowing 50% of the field to “Beat the Pros.” We truly appreciate the volunteers that assisted with the event, John Dockham and Rich and Lynn Lybolt. Thank you also to Chris Linam and Larry Belt for helping to secure prizes for the event. The biggest thank you goes to all those that participated in making the event fun and successful.Riverview remains the course with the broadest selection of golf merchandise; however, all of our pro shops carry items that are perfect gifts for that special golfer in your life. We have great prices on TaylorMade, Ping and Titleist hats for men and a variety of hats for ladies. We continue to offer custom club fittings through our teaching professionals and have a variety of Ping G400 equipment available for use on the course, allowing you to try before you buy.Golf Courses
The Willowcreek/Willowbrook project continues to move forward, the bidding process is complete and the winning bidder was Wadsworth Golf Construction. We will begin formal construction meetings with the Wadsworth team beginning in February 2018. Installation of the main line will begin March 5, 2018 on the back 9 of Willowcreek, during which time the course will remain open. On March 19, 2018 the back 9 of Willowcreek will close and work will begin on the irrigation lake, the greens renovation and the remainder of the irrigation system. April 9, 2018 is the scheduled date for the front 9 of Willowcreek to close as well as Willowbrook. Plans for the Willowcreek/Willowbrook project are on display in the Willowcreek/ Willowbrook pro shop. Both courses will reopen following overseeding in 2018.
Seasonal temperatures are still higher than average, but have dropped enough to push the summer bermuda into dormancy. As temperatures drop, the chance for morning frost increases, we ask for your patience during times of delays and your cooperation during periods of cart path only restrictions. Courses have begun spraying herbicides in rough areas to control weeds. Mowing heights have been lowered and near normal on all courses.
Grounds/Lawn Bowl
Replacement of lantana that was removed from Marinette is well underway. Plantings are being done with an eye towards having fewer, larger, mature plants, as opposed to many smaller plants. Cattails and reeds have been removed from the front of the Lakeview park Lagoons, affording a better view of the lagoons.
We have agreed to a May 15, 2018 start date to begin the process of fraze mowing and laser leveling of the Bell Lawn Bowl greens. Once leveled, the greens will be sprigged in early June 2018 allowing them ample time to grow-in and ready for play in the Fall 2018. Turf Equipment Source has been selected for the fraze mowing and leveling. Sprinklers on the Bell greens have been adjusted so they no longer hit the retractable awnings.
Snack Shops
Due to increasing costs, snack shop prices will be increasing January 1, 2018. The new menu will be posted on Friday, December 22nd for preview. We thank you for your understanding.