by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Early frost days in the beginning of the month and rain days throughout the month took their toll on total rounds played. There were 5000 fewer rounds played in January 2015 than January 2014. The first half of February trended above 2014, and with only a little rain predicted in the forecast we are hopeful the trend will continue.
As we move into spring we can expect an increase in golf rounds, with increased rounds come increased wear and tear. As temperatures warm throughout the spring, these wear and tear areas will heal fast, however we still need golfer support. We ask everyone to please fill your divots and fix your ball marks. With increased play, slow play instances become more likely. We ask everyone to please practice ready golf by: playing your shot as soon as possible and when it doesn’t interfere with your playing partners or the group ahead; move to your ball whenever it is safe to do so; avoid excessive practice swings; read your putt ahead of your turn; and record scores on the following tee box.
On Monday, March 9, we will be hosting a demo day at Willowcreek Golf Course from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Expected vendors include Wilson, Cleveland, Mizuno and Orlimar, we are attempting to secure others as well.
Free golf clinics will be offered March 7, 14, 21 & 28 at Lakes East/West, classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Topics covered are Ball Flight, Golf Swing Fundamentals, Chipping and putting. There is no need to preregister and the clinics are open to golfers of all skill levels. The clinics are a great introduction to the game of golf or great way to brush up on your game. Clinics are conducted by LPGA and PGA professionals.
Golf Courses
The 2015 aerification/over-seed schedule has been finalized. As we did in 2014, we are skipping May green aerifications in favor of a more aggressive dual aerification in the summer. Though North remains on the aerification schedule, the greens will be aerified using less aggressive methods that should have little to no impact on play. As with North, the greens at Riverview will not be over-seeded this year. For clarification this means they will be hard, fast and pigmented. We choose not to over-seed the greens to remove the stress on newly established turf.
With unseasonably warm temperatures, the turf is requiring more water. Over the next several weeks additional water to fairways, tees and greens can be expected. Additional watering to the rough will also occur, to help bring it out of dormancy.
Staff will hand water hot spots as required. Wet areas will still be monitored and addressed. In addition to water, slow release fertilizer will begin to be applied, to provide nutrients to the berumda grass as it comes out of dormancy.
The Riverview project remains on schedule with rough shaping complete on the front nine, and rough shaping still in process on the back nine. Irrigation is in various stages of completion on the front 9, with five holes completed and nearing completion on the remaining four holes and practice area. The major highlight of the past month has been the delivery and installation of the pump stations for the front and back nine. Extensive lake work on hole number 3, including a UV protected lake liner, has been completed. We just need electrical work to be completed in this area before the lake can be filled. For those that are interested, aerial photos and videos of the renovation can be found on the SCMGA website. A link to the SCMGA website can be found through the Golf page on the sunaz.com website.
Snack Shops
Despite a drop in rounds, the snack shops came within $1500 of their budgeted goal. Positive performance in Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses, led to a positive result in Net operations. We continue to be appreciative of the support the Snack Shops receive from golfers and non-golfers alike.