2016 Grounds Crew

Since starting here in August of 2002 I have had the opportunity to work with a great group of guys.  Each year the dynamics of the crew changes a little.  Some years more than others.  This past year I was able to retain most of the crew and I only added 3 new faces.

Each year's crew is a little bit different, but I have to say the guys I have this year have to be among the best I have had in my 14 years.  Everyone one of them care about the course, work well together and seem to enjoy being here.  Hard to ask for more than that.  Thank you for your hard work guys!

Front row:  Alex Lincoln - Asst. Superintendent (2nd year), Klay Hobson (2nd year), Zac Adkins (2nd year), Dallas Galanda (3rd year), Bailey Rank (1st year), Andrew Menke (1st year), Joe Lewicki (4th year), Rob Lemon - Facilities Mgr. (16th year), John Maximoff (14th year), Joe Lovison, (4th year).

Back Row:  Eric Rank - Director of Grounds (14th year), Nathan Stanage (2nd year), Forest Galanda (6th year), Dayton Siewert (2nd year), Cody Galanda (4th year), Carl Ardissono (5th year), Paul Ardissono - Crew Foreman (6th year), Paul Kniola - Equipment Manager (12th year), Mike Petro - Entrance/Range Specialist (12th year), Rick Varner (1st year), Darrell Chitty (14th year)

Fairway Gypsum Application

Every year we spread gypsum on our fairways per recommendations made by Mavis Consulting.  The gypsum breaks down easily after a few passes with a steel drag mat and a few minutes of water.

The trick is actually getting it out of our spreader.  The material is a consistency of a damp, heavy flower and requires some "coaxing" to get it out of the spreader.  The picture below shows Carl doing just that.

Gypsum is important for a number of reasons.  A few of them are:

1. It's a source of calcium and sulfur for plants. 
2. Gypsum improves soil structure.  Flocculation, or aggregation, is important in the soil profile for plants to have healthy roots.    
3. It also improves water infiltration into the soil.