Its finally here. FSJ Links is up and running with all greens open ready for use! Its exciting to see the course greening up so nicely and especially good to see that the greens have weathered this long winter season so well. The big melt is all but over and, due to the resilient nature of turf, the course is ready for play.
This is not to say that there aren't a few spots you might want to avoid. There's still the odd snow bank lurking under the trees and in the rough. Low spots are still a little damp and there are places where a lofted shot is far more likely to plug than to bounce and roll. The unofficial water hazards have receded to locations one wouldn't normally want to be in anyways, and the continued sunshine and spring breeze will have the course dried up in no time!
If you haven't been on the course for a while there are a few new features. The approach to number 5 green is now protected by a water hazard. No more searching for balls in the scrubby dip. If you've hit too far (or not far enough), your ball will have sunk to a watery grave. A new sand trap and retaining wall are located to left side of number 7 green. Bank shots off the woodwork are not recommended, and having your ball come to rest against the wall can present golfers with few options. Far better to keep shots safely in the middle of the green and fairway!
As mentioned the greens themselves have come through the winter pretty well. There are some thin spots, and a little bit of spotty ice damage in low places, but for the most part they are looking great for the time of year. As conditions warm up, new growth will quickly take over. Already the mower is taking up lots of grass. During these early days of the season it is especially important to remember to repair all ball and spike marks made on the greens. Now if I could only convince those pesky deer to walk elsewhere too!
The fairways, aprons, collars and rough are, well still a little rough around the edges. Brown is still the dominant color and mud the main consistency of the ground. All this will quickly improve however as we work through the rest of May. For now its just great to be back and to get things going again.
Grounds crew staff will be on the course daily so watch for us as you play. Most maintenance is done early in the mornings, before all but the really early morning golfers are on the course. Please remember that we are out there working for your benefit and that even if you don't mean it, hitting a staffer with a shot can still be painful and dangerous. We try not to inconvenience players too often, but when you see us working on the greens, tees or around the course, please be patient and careful!
I have appreciated hearing from folks who have been following this blog. Your comments, questions and feedback are always welcome. I try to update the page weekly, with new posts going up every Saturday or Sunday morning. If there are topics you would like to see addressed about the outside maintenance of the course, or if you are simply curious about why we do some of the things we do, I'm happy to try to provide information. Until next week Len, Russ, Gord and myself hope you have as much fun playing the course as we do getting it ready for you!
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