Friday, April 29, 2016

May Newsletter

Hello Everyone.  I hope you all had an enjoyable winter.  Spring is here and the grass is beginning to grow even though the past week or so has been unseasonably cold.  The current forecast for next week does show a welcomed warming trend. 

The second and last phase of the tee project was finished last fall and the tees have grown in nicely.  Both 16 and 17 Tee complexes have seen a major change and will be a nice improvement both in aesthetics and functionality.  The new tees on 17 are open for play, while the rough around the tees is still growing in.  While the grow-in process is going on in the rough please stay on the older grass or the path.   

16 tee rough was sodded last fall and is doing nicely, while the tee tops are still growing in.  Currently, the tee markers are on the temporary tee to the right.  I anticipate with normal May weather the new tees on 16 will be open by mid May. 

18 tee is also in the grow in phase and should be open for play by mid May.  The forward or red tee top is currently waiting for more sod to be added to it from the back range t/sod nursery.  Last year we harvested from the nursery what we could and had to stop because the sod was falling apart.  My hope is that between then and now the grass on the nursery will have matured enough for sod harvest. 

11 tee complex is also open for play.  We have a bit of tidying up to do in the form of better defining the rough/native line and then a few miscellaneous items around the perimeter.   Otherwise, the new shape of the tees will blend in well with the new tees on the rest of the course. 


Each winter the staff and I manage the trees on the course.  Last year was no different and trees that were either weak, dead or dangerous were removed.  Additionally, trees that affected turf growing conditions were either trimmed or taken down.  The decision to remove a tree is never taken lightly and with help of the greens committee touring the course each fall we have been able to implement a management plan that is well thought out and effective.

The Grounds Staff and I look forward to seeing you on the course and, as always, please repair your ballmarks, rake the bunkers and replace your divots.  With your help, we can continue to make Chikaming a great place to play.  Thank you!!

For more up to date information please visit our blog at:  www.cccturf.blogspot.com

Eric Rank
Director of Grounds