Good Morning,
The weather has been beautiful and the golf course is close to ready for golf but definitely dry and in need of some rain. I toured the golf course on Saturday afternoon and checked the greens for condition and frost depth. There was a fair amount of moisture at the base of the turf plant which is very beneficial. The frost level was between 4″ to 7″ on every green. The frost level has to be below 12″ in order to cut a cup on the green.
The forecast looks pretty favorable for some precipitation on Tuesday which should lower the frost level and give the course a much needed dose from Mother Nature’s irrigation source. The rainfall is absolutely necessary in order to open the golf course. Otherwise we will need to start hauling water at some point.
I’m pleased with the current condition of the golf course, all things considered with the dry weather. I think we are in better shape than most golf courses in this region of the country. Playing golf on dry turf with high frost levels can lead to damaged turf or even turf loss. I am sure the golfers are ready to go but please be patient until the course is ready.
The driving range opened on Wednesday which has allowed players to come out and get some practice. We also had a lot of people stop in and pay their 2022 fees. We have our 2022 Virtual Membership Drive going on through April 9. Anyone paying their season passes or punch card fees are eligible for the drawing.
We were able to add more sand to some of the traps around the golf course. Early this coming week we will add more sand to the traps on the south end of the golf course. Almost all of the sand was blown out of these traps during the high winter winds and no snow cover. Below are a few pictures showing the effects of the blowing sand:
Staff continued to paint our amenity items before they are placed on the course for the season. Removing sticks and small branches from the golf course has been a priority as well. We have more to pick up but have gained a lot of ground. Other outdoor work includes cleaning up sand off the greens along with goose fertilizer.
On Wednesday I spoke with Bryan Herrig from Speed’s. Our rental carts are scheduled to arrive at his facility on March 22. They will add the toppers to the carts and plan to deliver them by the end of the week.
The clubhouse will be open seven days a week. The hours of operation will be based on the weather in the evenings. Please contact me if you have any questions or need more information. Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.
Brian C Mohr
Director of Golf Operations
City of Spencer
101 W 5th Street
Spencer Municipal Golf Course
Spencer, Iowa 51301
712-260-5370
Spencer Municipal Golf Course 