A Splash of Color

Last week we applied a fresh coat of paint to our target greens on the practice range. This was our second application, just a touch-up to maintain good color until the bermudagrass breaks dormancy in late Spring.

We started the tradition of painting target greens last winter. The idea was born during a brain-storming discussion on how to enhance the details of the practice range, even during the winter. Since participation on the range doesn't come to a halt in the off-season, we wanted to maintain the same quality "in-season" experience for the winter golfer.

In addition to enhancing the off-season aesthetics, this dormant application of paint is also a field experiment to see if painted bermudagrass will "green-up" quicker in the Spring in comparison to dormant, un-painted bermudagrass. Last Spring we noticed the bermudagrass that had been painted "appeared" to have broken dormancy noticeably sooner than the surrounding bermudagrass.

I will update this post in late Spring with results of the experiment.

Clearing The Way

Yesterday we continued an on-going project at the Practice Range. Our Practice Range is encompassed by thick woods on either side and since we do not have a net installed, off-target balls often find their way into the woods. Due to how thick the underbrush is, these balls are often never seen again.

Thus, it has become a priority to extensively clear the underbrush throughout the range in hopes of not only recovering plenty of practice balls to put back into stock, but also to save costs for the upcoming season.

More so than highlighting a project that is underway, this post is directed to show how great the staff is here at The Gauntlet. It is February, play is minimal, costs are being kept low and pennies are being pinched everywhere. Having said that, this staff continues to show they understand the management philosophy we must have to push through and excell through this winter and the tough economic times ahead.

Where else could you find not only the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, but the General Manager, Assistant Professional, Food & Beverage Director, Equipment Manager and even the President of the Golf Association spending an entire day cutting and hauling brush ?

This stuff just doesn't happen, it is a great example of a great team doing what they need to do.

So, to those of you who dedicated an entire day on the range, Thanks !