Course Update

This is the season for conferences and we also squeeze in our annual community volunteer project. Yesterday we spent the day at a project in Auburn Hills working on a new Habitat for Humanity home. The Team always enjoys this day, it's the 3rd year we have partnered with Habitat.

Last nights snowfall will remain. We won't clear the greens. I think with the weather forecast we have escaped another winter with minimal - or no - turf loss on greens. Good news.

Tree Work

The weather and ground conditions have limited us a bit, but we're able to get the tree service in today. By Wednesday of this week - weather permitting - the trees work behind 16 South will be complete. The Elm at 7 green has also been removed.

Removing Snow

The South greens were cleared of snow yesterday in anticipation of the melt off arriving tomorrow. Keeping the greens clear and free from ice buildup will help reduce - not eliminate - winter damage on the weak poa annua greens.

Update

Cold temperatures have allowed us to leave the snow on greens. It provides a protective blanket and for the moment there is no risk of snow melting and turning to ice.

The project of tree removal and restoration behind 16 green South begins tomorrow.

Tree pruning of young Oak trees begins next week.

Equipment refurbishment starts today.

End of the Year

The staff is off for much needed holiday rest. With the exception of snow duty, we won't be around until January 2nd. We've got a bunch of winter projects though and we start those the second week of January. More on all that later. Happy New Year!

Aerification

The North Course greens and fairways were aerified on the 10th of April, so we would expect complete healing of the greens by April 24th. The weather has been close to expected averages for April and I see no delay in healing.

The bunker project is very close to completion. Our target date was May 3st and I see no problem beating that deadline.

Frost Delay Saturday Morning

With a low of 33 predicted tonight, be prepared for a long frost delay tomorrow. The North will be open once the frost lifts and we can prepare the golf course for play.

Veteran Turf Care Internship Program

This week we are launching a new program for military veterans. You must be able to prove your veteran status. The Internship will encompass all aspects of golf course maintenance, have a specific curriculum and will not have specific dates or duration. The intern will also be exposed to pro shop and clubhouse operations, although this portion will be limited in scope.

The Oakland Hills Turf Care Veteran Internship Program is for military service members who have completed their commitment and are interested in exposure to Golf Course Maintenance. The intern curriculum will have specific weekly goals ranging from weed and disease identification/control to budgeting and human resource management.

You can email me directly at - scook@oakland-hills.com or go to the Oakland hills website at:

https://vizi.vizirecruiter.com/Oakland-Hills-Country-Club-1135/index.html

A full description can also be found on the Michigan GCSA website:

http://www.migcsa.org/index.php?catid=8&newsid=821

Frost

Heavy frost this morning. Any play on the North will be delayed until late morning. Walking only on the North, the South remains closed.

Status

It's still too wet on the North for carts but walking at any time is OK.