Is it March? Really!!

What a strange start to spring.  In the last week numerous high temperature records have fallen throughout the Midwest.  With temperatures in the 80's the turf has definitely responded.  What a difference in just one week.  The Spring green up has started and the first mowing for the year on greens, tees and fairways has been completed.  The turf grows slowly as it comes out of dormancy but with the above normal temperatures it won't take long to get into some real growing weather as soil temperatures increase.   The course came out of winter in good shape and with the typical Spring growth it should come around nicely as we move forward.


First mowing of the year completed on tees,greens and fairways

Currently the course is playing very well and the rains on Monday (the first day of Spring) created no playability issues.  Carts were allowed today on the course with a few golfers taking advantage of the 80 degree day.  The greens have been rolled numerous times and are rolling nicely for this early in the season.  It will take a few more weeks to get them to firm up but that will come with time. 

So how will the early Spring warm up effect the turf?  It is hard to predict how the early start to the season will impact the turf.  It is probable that weeds, insects and turf pathogens will all show up earlier and possibly in greater numbers.  With a winter that lacked the extended freezing temperatures we do know that populations of turfgrass pests are higher than normal.  We may also see some turf set back if we get a hard spring frost after the turf has broke dormancy.  These set backs are typically short lived and symptoms are gone after a week or two of better growing conditions.  We will just have to see what Mother Nature has in store for us as Spring unfolds but for right now, it is great weather for March and golf!         

Big News for CCP Maintenance Department

We are very excited to announce that Assistant Superintendent Tyler Bain has taken a  job as Superintendent at Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, Illinois.  It is bitter sweet for the department as Tyler has been with us for almost 4 years and we are losing a solid asset to our department.  He was brought in as an irrigation specialist in 2008 when the new irrigation system was installed.  He was a integral part of our management team as we went through the regrassing and construction projects over the last few years.  Tyler was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2011 and has held that position for the last year. 

Tyler is a 2008 graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Horticulture.  He served as Safety Committee Chairman for the entire club while at CC of Peoria.  He will be missed by the staff here at the club but we are all excited and happy for Tyler in obtaining his new position.  The market has been very difficult over the last few years when it comes to getting Superintendent jobs.  Our department has seen two assistants in the last two years leave after accepting Superintendent positions.  This speaks volumes for our club and the reputation that we have in the golf course management industry.  

Please join us in congratulating Tyler on his new position at Ironwood Golf Course.  We know he will be a great asset to their operation and we look forward to seeing his career advance.  Best of luck Tyler and know, you will be missed!