January Thaw

It's hard to imagine that 32 degrees is considered a thaw, but the warm weather has melted much of the snow from the golf course. If you ask the real "die-hard" golfers, they might even tell you the course is clear enough to get out and play a few holes (but please don't walk on the greens). For most people it might be a stretch to think about playing, but it is definitely clear enough to go for a walk. The days are getting longer and the sun feels warm on your face as you stroll around the property, especially if you get out on a day without wind. I suggest you wear waterproof boots as there is still a considerable amount of snow melting each day and the property is pretty wet.
If you do get out you will find that the guys have been working very hard to clear some overgrown areas and reveal some of the natural beauty that has been lost over the years. We have cleared brush and undergrowth from the 3rd tee all the way to the field on the 4th fairway. You will find it much easier to track down stray drives on both holes, and the natural beauty of these areas has been restored. We have also removed some trees near greens and tees that were unhealthy, and therefore considered safety hazards.
Perhaps the most dramatic change can be found around the 7th green. I was not surprised by the fact that the removal of the trees on the left last fall was very well received by the vast majority of golfers. I must admit that I underestimated the impact that the removal of the evergreen trees from the right side would have on the appearance of the hole. By removing the towering trees from the green surrounds and the frame of reference they provided, the scale of the existing features has changed dramatically. The green surface appears to be much higher when viewed from the right and rear of the green, and will require a very delicate chip in order to get up and down. I can't wait to see how it looks once the sod is established and the stumps are removed.
Yesterday I attended the Winter Seminar for the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Scientists from UMASS and the Connecticut Experiment Station in Windsor presented results from research that will help us control a few significant pests this coming season. In the past control strategies have focused on choosing the most effective insecticide and determining the most affective time to apply it. I am pleased to report that recent advances in chemical engineering have caused a shift away from broad spectrum insecticides that kill all insects in a given area, to products that target a specific pest, and in some cases a specific process in the target insects development. I will spare you the charts, graphs, and "Geek Speak" technical jargon, and tell you that the new strategy allows us to reduce the population of the pest insects without affecting its natural predators or other beneficial insects. The result is a significant reduction in harmful chemicals applied, and increased environmental safety through the use of reduced risk pesticides. This is just another example of Superintendents working closely with researchers and chemical companies to minimize the impact of maintenance, and to maximize the benefits golf courses provide to the local environment.
Tomorrow (1/21) I will be speaking at the DEP to voice our concerns about proposed stream flow regulations. The state is trying to protect the natural stream flow that exists in all streams and rivers throughout the state. While this is certainly a valid endeavor, the proposed regulations will impose significant restrictions on all businesses and municipalities that consume water. This will not only affect small businesses such as golf courses and farms, but also large water consumers such as power generators and municipal water supplies such as Connecticut Water and the MDC. Compliance with the proposed changes will create significant expenses that will ultimately be passed on to the consumers. In addition to increased costs, many areas will find that their current water reserves are inadequate to support current use, never mind any increased consumption due to future development, which will affect every local economy.
I must make it clear that we are not opposed to the preservation of the state's rivers and streams, or the recreational and ecological benefits that they offer. I am opposed to the fact that the state has chosen to exclude the public from the process. They have missed the opportunity to work together to find a solution that would protect the interests of both the public and the natural environment. Look for information regarding this issue in your local paper over the next few weeks. I will keep you posted on any developments that might affect the club, as well as your ability to use water in your daily life.