Time For A Haircut

This week the grounds maintenance department started cutting back the ficus hedge that separates the golf course from the Bayway. As the hedge grows over time the bottom branches start to thin. Cutting back the ficus encourages the plants to fill in and maintain a thick hedge for separation from the outside traffic. While it may look drastic now it will prove beneficial once it recovers.

Also, please mark your calendars that there will be an 8:00 shotgun on Monday, April 27th. The golf course will be closed that afternoon for fertilization.

National Golf Day 2015 (and Cherry Blossoms!)

I had the opportunity to spend 3 days this week in Washington D.C. where on Monday and Tuesday I participated in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Government Relations Committee meeting. I have the privilege to be 1 of 10 superintendents from around the country who serve on this committee. During the meeting we discussed priority Government Relations issues affecting the golf industry. Some of these issues included the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS), pesticide and fertilizer regulations, water quality and quantity, the H2B visa program, ADA accessibility and the past exclusion of golf from disaster relief funds. 

Tuesday we had the opportunity to meet with the offices of Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS). These Senators all chair committees important to the GCSAA Government Relations Committee agenda. 

   GCSAA Government Relations Committee with Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)

On Wednesday, the Government Relations Committee and the GCSAA Board of Directors participated in National Golf Day, which is organized by WE ARE GOLF. GCSAA, along with the Club Managers Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the PGA of America and the World Golf Foundation are founding members of WE ARE GOLF. On National Golf Day participants divided and conquered "The Hill" meeting with many Senators, Representatives and their offices to discuss the benefits of golf and ask for help on golf related issues. I was privileged to have meetings with the offices of Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16th), and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25th). 

   Myself with Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th) and Winter the Dolphin 

Founded in 2009, WE ARE GOLF was formed in part because it was evident the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Perceptions of the game simply did not coincide with reality. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry. As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation and our elected officials have a better understanding of the myriad of benefits the game brings to their communities.

 

The nearly two million U.S. jobs generated by the nearly $69 billion golf industry, and its vast economic reach are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. In addition to better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.

We were also fortunate to be in Washington D.C. At the perfect time for cherry blossoms!

Fence Removal

Last week the grounds department started removal of the old fence and hibiscus hedge along the cartpath on #18. The old fence and hedge were originally installed to provide separation between the driving range and #18. Two years ago we planted a row of bamboo which will provide us the same separation but at an even higher height. Most of the bamboo has reached a size and density that the old fence and hedge are no longer needed. They are being removed to provide more space and sunlight for the bamboo. We will be able to widen the cartpath making it easier for carts to pass when heading to #10 tee. Finally, a small barrier is planned for the inside of the driving range to keep practice balls from rolling through the bamboo. 

We recognize that the old fence used to serve as Out-Of-Bounds. We are working with Fred Curtis to determine how and where to mark this area and will pass along this information.