It's never too early to start thinking about golf!

I realize we have not reached the middle of February and we are about to get hit with another blanket of snow, but I cannot stop thinking about getting started on the coming golf season. I was watching the Golf Fix on the Golf Channel last night, and am already itching to get out there and work on my game.
The USGA website has a number of interesting tools to provide you with your own "golf fix". In addition to rules quizes and video demonstrations, there is a whole section dedicated to golf course management. Right in the center of the USGA home page there is a link to webcasts that are available for both live participation, including a question and answer section, and recorded viewing if you miss the scheduled time. Today I watched a recorded web cast from the USGA titled "Aeration -does tine size matter?" It describes the fundamental basics of aeration programs, and what techniques are most effective for achieving your course's specific goals. This particular web cast includes presentations from USGA agronomists that tour all regions of the country, as well as questions and comments from superintendents. I strongly urge anyone that is in a position to affect the decisions made at your course to review this web cast, as it will provide a thorough explanation of the aeration process, including the timing and equipment selected.
I try very hard to provide the members with as much information as they desire in hopes that they will understand what we do and why. This is one area where I think it is important to consider outside, expert opinions. This subject is extremely controversial at almost every club, and deals directly with the balance between maintaining quality playing surfaces and preserving the value of a membership.
Please take some time to download the appropriate free software to participate and review this, and other web casts from the USGA. I have included a link to this particular web cast, but others can be found in the center of the USGA homepage at http://www.usga.org/.