September Update

It is hard to believe it is mid-September, the golf season seems to progress faster every year.  Despite the weather extremes which seem to be the new normal, this season has run smoothly.  From a playability standpoint, the golf course has been truly consistent.  The maintenance team has been focused on details and our efforts have been directed towards enhancing the golf experience.

The new staff members we added this year have fit in perfectly and our staff has never been stronger.  Each of them brings a unique dynamic to our team that really seems to complement one another.  Without their effort and dedication, we would not have seen the successes that we have this year.

The year, however, has not gone without its challenges.  Annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), a new pest to southeast MI, was discovered on property earlier this summer.  The first confirmed case in MI was diagnosed last year at a local club.  This particular pest is a challenge to control due to its voracious feeding habits and multi-generational life cycle.  Fortunately, there are products we can use to neutralize these insects and help keep population densities below damage thresholds.  However, it will continue to be a challenge moving forward.

The master plan implementation is moving along nicely.  Dave Zinkand and his project manager Owen Laplante were out in mid-July to finalize some details on the ground.  Dave has met with the site engineers, and meetings with the township will soon be underway.  The timeline of the project has not been confirmed as the bid process is still in progress.

As part of the project, we have started to expand the sod nursery on the east side of #3.  This sod will be used for the greens expansion during the project.

Greens aerification was a success healing in record time.  As we progress through the fall, deep-tine aerification and fairway verticutting will occur in early September followed by tee aerification and verticutting.  As we get closer and dates are confirmed, information will be posted.

Thank you again for all of the support this year.  Please know I pass all of your kind words along to the staff which means a lot to them.  We have a tremendous team, which is evident in their daily efforts and work on the golf course.