Golf Course News - 12/28/2007
Here we go again at the beginning of a new year. A time to reflect on the previous 12 months and look forward to the upcoming year. I think of 2007 as a good year on the maintenance side of Fort Dodge Country Club. We had our share of weather extremes this year, but it seems that that is the norm for Iowa.
I find myself mentioning the weather in nearly every newsletter that I write. Obviously, it is an important part of what we do. I find it hard to believe that anyone pays more attention to the weather forecast on a daily basis than a golf course superintendent. I have often thought that I should have studied meterology. That way I would be wrong 60% of the time and still be the best in my field.
Right now my weather concerns revolve around the layer of snow/ice that sits on Fort Dodge Country Club. Winter is a tough time on a golf course in the Midwest. Too little snow cover and the fear of winter desiccation is always on my mind. Too much ice brings concerns about the
possiblity that the turf will suffocate. Right now it looks that we are in good shape. The snow/ice that came on the first of December seems to be providing a nice layer of insulation for our golf course. It appears to be porous enough to allow for the gas exchange that is vital for healthy turf.
As for the new year, I am excited about the upcoming golf season. I have an outstanding crew coming back next year. I cannot say enough about the guys that work for me. They care about Fort Dodge Country Club so much, and I think it shows in their quality of work and the product
that we provide on a daily basis.
Until next month, think warm thoughts!
-Donnie Teeter
