Resolutions for 2011

Every fall members inquire about what our plans are for the winter, and every year there are a few people that are surprised when I tell them that we cut back to 40 hours a week. Most people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes during the season, let alone when the course is buried beneath a blanket of snow.
The guys have begun working on the seasonal maintenance that preserves the value of our equipment fleet. Without a dedicated mechanic on staff we have a hard time keeping up with repairs and maintenance during the season, so we take a little extra time changing fluids and filters, cleaning and painting, and making sure the fleet is reliable throughtout the year.
I have been in the office wrapping up budgets and organizing thoughts from the 2010 season. I am beginning to develop programs and goals for the 2011 season. Over the last few years I have looked at hundreds of potential projects, some realistic and manageable, others a bit beyond our means. This collection of ideas, images, and daydreams has evolved into a vision for the entire golf course.
Generally I see a golf course that reflects the character of the community. At first glance a quaint simplicity permeates the rolling hills that extend beyond the golf course and into the village and farms that comprise the quiet New England town. Just like the entrance of the club, visitors could drive right through and miss the subtle character unless they knew where to look. After a few visits the simplicity wears off and the character becomes more noticeable. Over time it becomes evident that the golf course, much like the surrounding area, is really a hidden gem to be appreciated and cherished.
Inevitably progress becomes history. Slow, subtle changes are ignored and easily forgotten. Eventually the orignal becomes unrecognizeable to those who have witnessed and participated in the evolution. This is as true of the small developments that pop up over time and convert farmland into suburbia as it is of the trees and bunkers that have been added over time to "improve" the character of the golf course. Although these improvements are sold as progress, the long term affect rarely reflects the original vision, especially when they are implemented in a piecemeal fashion.
As I continue to review old photographs and study the property I am amazed by the strategy and challenge that have fallen victim to tree plantings and poorly designed bunkers. This winter I intend to develop a list of examples of the character that has been lost over time. I will highlight the hollows that the original architect found so valuable he repeated them throughout the course, and reveal the lost vistas of distant hills concealed behind spruces and pines planted to frame the signature hole. Eventually the individual examples will become themes used to develop a hole-by-hole list of projects to be completed over time.
I encourage anyone who is a student of the game, is passionate about our course, or may have witnessed the tranformation to share their opinions, ideas, stories, and pictures with members of the grounds committee. We will use any and all information as we work to develop a realistic, sustainable strategy to preserve the value of the club, and restore its status in the community.