The Start of Great Things

Opening weekend was certainly a successful one despite a Saturday forecast which did not turn out with the temperatures we would have loved, especially after this winter.  It was great to catch up with Members and see their reactions to the tree work we did over the winter, which was overwhelmingly positive.  The rain we had on Saturday night was great for greening up the course and it showed Sunday morning and then again Monday after the nearly two inches of rain over two days.

Last week, Mr. Constantine, Curt and I spent a few days with Bruce Hepner, our architect, looking over the course to develop the first draft of our Master Plan.  It was rather interesting seeing the course from an architect's point of view and helped me realize that I am best left to growing grass.  Bruce's vision for the course is remarkable and once he establishes a final plan, we know you will share our excitement for the changes which will come down the road.  Since this is the very beginning of this project, exact timing of implementation is unknown.  We will be sure to let you know as plans develop.

Trees removed on the right will give
way to a bunker built into the upslope
of the mound.

To give you a general idea of what Bruce has planned for the course, he has started to widen corridors around holes for improved shot options by removing impeding trees.  The tree removals will also have a positive impact on turf conditions creating a healthier, more consistent playing surface and give a grander feel to the course.  All of the bunkers will be renovated to a style which will be unique to our area and establish a look golfers will identify to the Wisconsin Club.  Bunkers will be moved or added around the course for improved risk/reward shot strategies off the tee and approach shots into greens.  Along with more bunkers will be wider fairways and more chipping areas around greens to create a more forgiving course for the higher handicaps, yet challenge for the lower handicaps.  Tees will be appropriately placed to offer all skill levels a set of tees which will offer as much challenge as they wish to take on.  Undersized tees will be enlarged to allow for more divot recovery time and yardage variation.  The driving range will receive a complete overhaul and offer areas to practice every element of your game.  Irrigating the course will expand into the rough and offer the latest technology for efficient water use without increasing water consumption.

As you make your way around the course for the first time this year, you will notice a difference in the way the course presents itself.  Where you see tree removals is more than likely where a bunker will be added or a fairway expanded in the future.  Keeping this in mind will help you understand the changes the course will be receiving at some point.  You can always talk with Curt or myself about what lies ahead for the golf course if you have any questions.  It may be in the best interest of the golfer to start having lessons or talking with Curt to better understand the shots which the course will demand once these changes are made.  If nothing else, who doesn't need a lesson??

8 green receives a trim.

For today, the course is soaked and will need a while to dry out from cool temps which are here for part of the week.  The grounds staff will continue tackling debris cleanup and stump grinding removal as conditions allow.  Greens showed positive signs of growth last week and we were able to mow and roll them twice to allow for respectable putting conditions.  All we are waiting for is some warm weather and then we will be trying to keep our heads above water as grass will seemingly grow uncontrollably.

We will keep you updated about the availability of carts as the week progresses which is best viewed on ForeTees.  In preparation for the construction of the new course bathrooms, we will have two portable restrooms for your use.  They will be delivered by the end of the week and will stay until construction is complete.