Our Course
From The Desk Of Richard Swinhart, Superintendent (September 2008)
The game and the business of golf have changed tremendously in a relatively short time period. There are economic and course management pressures that did not exist 10 years ago. Competition between golf facilities is more intense and the expectations for premium conditions on a daily basis have combined to put the onus on the golf course superintendent to perform like never before.
The recent period of high temperatures and humidity levels have raised turfgrass stress and disease pressure to the highest levels of the year. Combine that with the turf being at its weakest point and we have a much greater potential for problems. Once air temperatures hit the 90’s, turfgrasses begin their yearly struggle with the rages of heat and humidity: slow growth, thinning, and if temperatures are high enough, death. The turf at the greatest risk is on greens, where low mowing heights and heavy foot traffic are constant stressors for the turf. The two diseases that we have been struggling with this year are brown ring patch (Waitea) and gray leaf spot. Our solution has been to raise the height of cut on the greens and to keep a careful eye on the preventative maintenance and cultural practices.
Every golfer wants to play on quality turf, and certainly that is my goal. We feel we work very hard to achieve that. However, sometimes golfers are apt to focus on what they are unhappy about rather than what can reasonably be attained because of the above conditions. The course owners or clubs are forced to chase complaints instead of following an achievable plan of action. Good golfing conditions do not happen by accident. They happen when a team is put together that has the resources and infrastructure necessary to meet the desired objectives. The solution involves better communication and the development of a network that includes golfers, the golf shop, the general manager, the green committee and the turfgrass management team.
Tree Dedication
An Aleppo Pine tree has been planted and dedicated in the memory of Mrs. Lola Hoover
who recently passed away. She was the wife of Mr. Harvey Hoover, who have been
members at Old Ranch Country Club since 1977. This tree was donated by Robert and
Linda Hoover and family in her memory.