The Wait....

It is right around this time of year Northern Superintendents get anxious.  Some a little earlier, some a little later, but we all get the same feeling, ailment, or whatever you would like to call it.  For me, it is Spring Project Fever and this year, more than ever, it has gotten to me.  There are a number of contributing factors, wether it is the dreaded thought of another year with winter kill or unfinished fall projects (early winters never help) or starting new projects or training greenhorns to the inner workings of a golf course, we just want to get on the course and work to complete the list of tasks.  We cannot forget about Assistant Supers, Technicians and Groundskeepers, because they too, have the same feeling.

What is a little different this year is the anticipation and excitement of revealing our course renovations to the Members.  It will be neat to see everyone look around the course with wide eyes taking in the new bunkers, vistas, and decluttered landscape.  Another joy which will be had is watching how the game of golf is played with the new changes.  Seeing golfers execute new shots with success will be very rewarding and humbling.  However, I am sure there will be a number of questions to answer and I welcome talking with those who may have some.

So far, this Winter has been kind to the course.  We have not had any ice formation on greens and temperatures have remained consistently seasonal.  If spring were to start tomorrow, we would be in great shape heading into the season.  It is a great feeling to say that since we have had some issues starting the last two.  We did remove snow on a couple occasions to shed any doubt of ice formation.

To help this, my incredible staff has been busy on the course with tree removals and inside the shop preparing amenities for the upcoming season.  Our equipment is being serviced, repaired and readied for the marathon ahead.  The shop receives the annual deep clean, organization and the feeling we have getting rid of unnecessary items is invigorating.  Staying busy with these tasks keeps us focused on current times and mind off the Spring.  I suppose what also helps is the 12" of snow that blankets the ground after the past week of accumulation.

April 1st is only 56 days away and we will welcome the course cleanup and projects which lie ahead.  For now, it is time to groom some cross country ski trails and work on the new yardage plates for tees.  See you on the course...  Soon...

View from 7 green looking to 12 green before...

and after!

From this side of The Turn you can see all the way down to
12 green.