We ahve been getting a lot of tree work done this winter with the lack of snow cover. We have removed a few hazardous trees as well as been working on the left side of #14 fairway thinning out some areas that are overcrowded with trees.
We were asked to look into developing a skating rink on the pond between #9 green and #5 green. We have been waiting for the right weather and the past couple of days have given us some colder temperatures to start to smooth the ice. We are working on an ice shaving system to help smooth out the humps and bumps that are currently on the ice. The next week looks to be good ice making weather and we should have a pretty good smooth sheet of ice by next weekend. We do lack some of the snow removal equipment that might be needed to clear the skating rink efficiently but if we get enough interest in the skating rink this season we can look at expanding our operations next season.
The winter has started off really mild and we even had a couple of golfers on the Executive course early this week. The greens on the championship course are covered and we have been monitoring the soil temperatures and have not seen the soil temperature above freezing. This is important to watch when the air temperatures get into the low 50's and upper 40's. At this point in the winter I believe the course to be in great shape and hope for a little snow cover to help protect the fairways and tees. Typically the middle of January is our coldest month. My biggest concern right now is getting a lot of really cold temperatures with no snow cover. Our greens are protected with the excelsior blankets but the fairways remain exposed to winter.
If you have any questions reagarding the golf course or our newest effort at making a skating rink please feel free to contact us at anytime.
