By Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
For the second consecutive month total revenue exceeded prior year and budget. Daily Green Fee/Cart Fee Revenue exceeded prior year by 8% and budget by 7%. Merchandise exceeded prior year by 10% and was 1% under budget. Driving range revenue exceeded prior year by 3% and was right on the budgeted amount.
The Willowbrook bunker renovation has begun, the chosen contractor is National Turf Maintenance. Currently the front 9 is open for play. Beginning in early June the front 9 will also close, leaving the entire course closed for the duration of the renovation.
Get Golf Ready classes proved to be popular this year and from November through May, 108 students attended. Classes were at capacity with the exception of April and May. Throughout the season two additional classes were added to meet demand. The Get Golf Ready program is a national initiative of the PGA of America to introduce people to the game of golf, in a setting that is not intimidating.
On Monday, May 6 we conducted our annual USGA visit, with Brian Whitlark. Mr. Whitlark is a professional soil scientist and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science. We asked for Mr. Whitlark’s opinion on several topics that are important to our golfers including the bunkers at Willowcreek and aerification practices. We have implemented his suggestions for bunker raking and confirmed that a dual aerification can work as a onetime event. He also agreed that the dual aerification will most likely lead to a longer recovery time. He continues to be impressed with the overall condition of the courses, particularly the health of our putting greens. His full report will be made available on the RCSC website, when it is received.
Courses
The first round of green aerification is complete using a ½ inch hollow tine followed by a fertilizer application. The fertilizer application consists of 1 lb. of nitrogen and potassium and .14 lb of phosphorous. An application of calcium was also used to flush salts from the root zone.
Fairway aerification begins June 3 at Willowcreek and continues through June 18 at Lakes West. Each course will be closed during the aerification process. Please check the RCSC website for the full listing of course closures.
Normally this time of year we would be in the planning stages to chemically remove the winter rye grass. With the switch to annual rye grass, from perennial, we will be forgoing the process this year. The annual rye grass has a much lower tolerance to heat and has already begun dying. This will provide the bermuda grass with additional days of uninterrupted growth. Transition areas will still be evident in locations with less than adequate irrigation. Watering will be increased, which will result in wet spots, particularly in low lying areas.
Snack Shops
Snack Shop revenue was $4,000, or 7%, ahead of budget. Beginning June 1 the closing time will move to 1:00 p.m. As a reminder when the Snack Shops are closed, snack items and beverages may be purchased in the pro shops.