It's still winter

After a brief respite last week, the recent blast of frigid temperatures and every possible form of precipitation has quickly reminded us that it's still winter in Wisconsin.  Recently, we've spent a few days on the course, clearing the greens that had accumulated the most snow.  On February 11, it took eight hours for four employees with three snowblowers to clear greens three and six.  These greens also had the most significant ice cover, and we wanted to allow them the chance to breathe once the weather warmed.  We also spent the majority of a day clearing the large drifts that were on 18 green and the putting green.  Without clearing these areas, they would have remained under ice cover, even through the recent thaw.  With all of the snow, ice, and, most recently, rain, there is the potential for some winter injury on the course.  However, at this point, it's too early to be certain. 



A few hours later, the green
 was finally cleared.



Dave Noltner beginning
 the snow removal on 3 green.













On a warmer note, Omar Zaldivar has been putting the final touches on the tee blocks this week.  Each year, all of the tee blocks are sanded, repainted, and the spray application of the Blackhawk logo is the final step.



Blizzard and The Big Show

Wisconsin's weather never ceases to amaze, does it?  After getting a foot-and-a-half of snow this week, my driveway looks like a snowboarding halfpipe, and we're debating whether or not to install a tow rope to scale the mountains of snow by our shop.

For the short term, the additional snow doesn't pose any problems to the health of the turf, and, as I've previously mentioned, it acts as a nice blanket to protect the plants from the freezing temperatures.  As the snow begins to melt in the spring, we'll have to closely monitor areas to ensure that they won't have numerous melt/refreeze cycles.  Such cycles can be detrimental to turf that has depleted energy stores from the long winter.  Eventually, we likely will have to remove some snow from 3 green because the snow accumulates in this area, and the low sun angle combined with the overpass and barrier trees behind the green prevents sunlight from reaching this particular spot on the course.

After the recent weather, it's safe to say that Chad and I are looking forward to spending next week in sunny (hopefully) Orlando.  This year's Golf Industry Show (GIS) runs from February 7-11.  GIS is our association's annual trade show and educational conference that attracts thousands golf course superintendents, vendors, and other industry professionals from around the world.  Here, we are able to learn about and see the latest and greatest in turfgrass management.  This year, I will be taking a seminar titled, "Advanced Stress Management Strategies for Cool-Season Turf."  Chad and I will also attend a host of free seminars and spend many hours on the trade show floor.  Additionally, we will catch up with colleagues, who are often the best sources of information.  All in all, the GIS keeps us up-to-date and is invaluable in helping us maintain the course.  During trying economic times, we don't take this opportunity for granted and truly appreciate the club's commitment to continuing education.

Rest assured, we do everything possible to keep our costs to a minimum.  This year, we are fortunate enough to be driving to the show with Nick Strain, an occasional weekend worker on our crew and territory manager for Barenbrug Seeds.  In recent years, we've taken advantage of credit card points for our major purchases, and we'll be using some of those points for our flight back and to pay for our lodging and meals.  To keep these costs down, we attend sponsored receptions and are staying in a $190/a night condo with three colleagues.  Over the past two years, I've also won $1200 in course equipment at our trade show, and I'm crossing my fingers that my winning ways will continue this year.  If anyone attends the GIS for cheaper than Chad and me, I'd be surprised.

Besides the education, networking, and warm weather, Chad and I will be displaying our rusty golf games when we play a round with Derrick Strub.  Derrick, the son of Doug and Beckie, works at Grande Pines in Orlando and was kind enough to provide us with complimentary rounds.  Needless to say, I will be packing a health supply of golf balls for the trip.

Well, I hope that you survived the blizzard unscathed and are preparing for the Packers' certain victory this Sunday.   Go Pack Go!