January Golf Anyone?

Here it is the 31st of January and we are talking golf.  Almost 60 degrees today with some gusty winds but for the adventurous golfer it is a potential day to swing the clubs.  The snow we had over the weekend is gone and it is a little wet but for walking it is not too bad.  This weather is very unusual and it makes us wonder when we will see the blustery weather again.  You have to believe that at some point we will see 2-3 weeks of really cold weather along with the typical snow that comes with it.  

We have continued with our winter maintenance of the equipment and some course projects when it is not too wet.  Service of the 50 golf carts for the membership is currently being completed along with service on our maintenance fleet of tractors, mowers and other implements used during the season.  It seems impossible that we will be calling back crew in mid March to begin another season!  Where did the winter go, or has it ever arrived?    

On Again, Off Again, Here We Go!

Snow arrives again, but for how long?

Winter is trying to show up once again here at the Country Club of Peoria.  Forecast is for 1 inch today an additional 1-3 inches tomorrow.  The weekend temperatures are possibly in the 40's so the snow could be gone in a few days.  This seems to be the pattern that we are experiencing this winter.  It is hard to tell from one week to the next what the weather will be like.  It does create some challenges in planning on course projects but we will get our goals accomplished. 

There may be a winter activity flag color change on Friday from red to blue.  Remember to check the flag over the weekend as it may go back to red if conditions warm up and the ground becomes soft from the snow melt.   

 

No Sledding Today!



Snow cover mostly gone after 50 degree day at CC of Peoria.

After a unseasonably warm January day and some light rain the 4 inches of snow cover we had gained last week is gone.  This has to be one of the most unusual winters I can remember here in Central Illinois.  As far as sledding goes, it was a short run for fun!

 

Please follow the course guidelines for winter activities on the course and check the flags at the tenth tee in the Pro Shop parking lot.  A red flag means conditions are not favorable for winter activities on the course so, no sledding.  A blue flag indicates conditions are good for winter activities.  What dictates flag color?  Of course snow cover is one consideration but the others are ground moisture levels and firmness.  Turf is very shallow rooted in the winter and can be torn up very easily when the ground is soft.  We monitor when the ground is frozen and have good snow cover in deciding the flag color.  Observing the guidelines will help in minimizing impact on the turf during winter activities.  You can review the Course Winter Guidelines in full on the Club web page under golf then course conditions.

The next few days are going back to some freezing temperatures and chances for snow so hopefully the "fun" can return!  

 





What a Difference a Day Makes!

No golfers today.   Wind gusts over 30 mph and 3-4 inches of blowing snow with wind chills around 0 degrees.  Yesterday 55 degrees and golf being played.  What a strange winter we are experiencing. 

The warm weather was nice but the snow could prove to be very beneficial for the turf.  We have had such a dry late fall and winter that it was becoming a concern if cold, windy conditions arrived without snow cover.  Winter damage to the crown of the plant can occur when these types of conditions exist so some snow for an insulating blanket is very timely and welcomed.  We know it is not good for winter golf but it is good for the turf during cold weather.

It looks like the next few weeks will be more "normal" with regards to winter temperatures so the clubs may be idle for awhile.  So hunker down, stay warm and enjoy some winter weather. 

Tile Project Nearing Completion

Taking advantage of the weather and completing the drain tile project on hole #4 at spillway.  The addition of 200 feet of drain tile and 3 surface drains should help keep this area drier and in better playing condition during the season.  Winter weather on the way so project will wrap up just in time.  Unbelievable January weather!  Today 55 degrees with sunshine and golfers!!

#4 Drain TIle Project

Drain tile project beginning on hole #4 at spillway.  We will be putting in 200+ feet of drain tile and 3 new surface drains. 

Nice day today. Course looks good for January. Two coyotes down on 4 fairway hunting squirrels. Even they are enjoying today.

Where is winter?

Looks like the next week will be unseasonably warm for January.  Mid 40's up to 50 degrees for the weekend.  Is it January??  Hope the New Year is off to a good start!!