2-24-19

This week has really unleashed the beast with a lot of snow and wind.  This is quite the change from February the past few years.  The good news is this is what the weather is supposed to be like in February.  The bad news is we have to deal with it.

I feel quite optimistic about the upcoming golf season.  This type of weather is more like what an early golf season feels like to me.  The past couple of years it has been late April before we have been able to play golf.  I’m predicting March 19 for this golf season.  It might seem a little crazy as you look out your window, but I feel confidant in an early season.

This past week I have worked on punch cards, tournament schedules, information packets, the website, and employee hires.  I also met with Joe Hopper, from the Daily Reporter, in regards to a story on the history of SMGC.

The history of SMGC has continued to be a priority for me.  I have the rough draft that is still in the process of being corrected and updated.  I’m going to leave a final copy of the history that will include all the dates and information.  This version will be about 30 pages and focus on the historical importance.  I will also complete a shorter final version that will focus on all the information in a more compact form.

I think the history of our golf course is extremely important for past, current, and future generations to enjoy.  Below is the rough draft I have shared a couple of times:

 Muni (Rough Draft) Golf Course History

We have continued to have golfers on the simulator each week.  It is not as busy as I would like to see it but it is getting used.  Our monthly income for January was $4313.  That is quite an improvement from where we would be if not open.  I have not used a lot of part time hours to work in the clubhouse.  I try and work in there as much as I can each week.  It will continue to grow and be more positive as we move forward.

The new clubhouse policies were adapted last Monday night at the City Council meeting.  This will give us an opportunity to use this facility more with the general public.  I already have about five dates confirmed for events to be held in the clubhouse.

This concludes another week at the muni.  Please contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns.  Be safe today and enjoy the comforts of your own home is you don’t need to go anywhere.  It’s nasty out there.

2-16-19

 I have attached the current rough draft of the history of SMGC:

Rough Draft SMGC History

Please share with others or let me know your comments.

2-10-19

Another week has passed us by and we tip toe closer to the start of the golf season.  There was plenty of snow cover prior to the blizzard, but the high winds blew all the powder to the next county.  Still, the golf course is looking pretty good right now.  I will continue to monitor it every few days.

I have been working in the clubhouse with Solutions and SMU for the majority of the week.  There is an internet issue that has not been resolved yet.  The signal is strong then drops drastically and kicks out the wifi.  After 30 seconds it will kick back into action.  Solutions has replaced the Watchguard firewall modem with no luck.  SMU has attempted to diagnose the issue as well.  We will continue the process Monday.

The good news is the internet wifi issues don’t always affect the simulator.  The breaks are short enough they don’t cause the golf to be interrupted.  The main issue is when the break lasts for longer than a minute or two, then the simulator needs to be restarted.  Frustration.

I spent part of the past week working on equipment in the maintenance facility.  This coming week, I will finish the reel sharpening process and start organizing and cleaning the shop.  This will help me update my replacement parts inventory.

The history of the muni has become a passion of mine these past few weeks.  I went through the Park Board minutes dating back to 1975.  The Golf Board was initially formed for the November 8, 1984 meeting.  I have gone through the minutes of every Golf Board meeting as well.

A lot of information has also been gathered through phone interviews, newspaper articles, and social media.  I have also researched pictures and other items to add with the narrative.  I have completed all the narrative up to the year 1986.  Below is the notes I have accumulated so far.  Please feel free to read through them and reply with any information you might remember that is not listed.

 Muni Golf Course History

Have a great day and remember we could be golfing outside in a little over a month if Mother Nature cooperates.

2-3-2019

February is always a stressful time of the winter.  The constant changing temperatures really cause a lot of issues when it comes to turfgrass.  The snow cover has now melted off the majority of the course and there is standing water in all the low spots.  With upcoming cold temperatures there is the threat of killing the grass in these spots.  The good news is there is plenty of moisture for the turf plant.

Our simulator was busy by the end of the past week.  There was quite a bit of activity on Friday and Saturday.  Early in the week there was minimal indoor golf played.  There have been a lot of repeat customers and several new faces playing golf.

I am continuing to work on gathering information from the history of the SMGC.  I have gone through quite a few park and golf board minutes dating back to the beginning of the purchase in 1975.  There is so much information that brings more questions by myself.  Several phone interviews have been competed as well.  This is a time consuming project that I don’t want to rush.

Also, I have been working on equipment in the shop.  The reel sharpening process along with bedknives is my priority right now.  It all takes time.

Last week I included the golf course budget in an attachment.  We will discuss the budget at the golf course board meeting tomorrow evening.