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| 12th Hole |
I guess this is the inaugural post for the Dinosaur Trail
Turf Care blog as well as my first as a Superintendent. I have only been in
Drumheller for about a week now and the transition has been pretty smooth. The
other managers at the course and the community have given me a very warm welcome,
and even though I have a million things to learn about the property, it is good
to know I will be working with some great people. As far as turf care staff I
have pretty much started with a clean slate. I did inherit a very good mechanic,
which is one less thing to worry about and I have recently hired an assistant
named Andrew Smith, who is finishing up his 3rd year in the Olds
degree program. As well I have hired another Olds College
student which will give us a good solid core and some new ideas. I also plan to
bring back some of the old staff and utilize some inmates from the jail located
just outside of Drumheller. There is no doubt I am going to be a working
superintendent and I am looking forward to being able to operate a little more
and get my hands dirty.
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| Looking back to the front 9 | | | |
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As far as the golf course, it is virtually snow free, but
the ground is still frozen to the point that I cannot get a probe into the
greens. The irrigation system is probably the biggest concern for me as there
are limited records and maps to help me out. It is a mishmash of pretty much
anything you can think of. Some of the course is valve in head and some of it
is a block system.
I think it is fair to say I am going to be a very busy guy
this next season, but on the other hand the club and the board are looking to
improve the course so I am looking forward to a few projects like building a
bentgrass nursery. I would like to think I know what is exactly coming my way
this season, but I am not that naïve and know it is going to be a great
learning experience, and some long days. I received some great advice from
Ralph Watkins via twitter right after I had made it public knowledge that I was
coming to Dinosaur Trail. He said to “keep it simple”, and that is going to be
my plan this season. I definitely appreciate that timely advice from a great
superintendent and have made sure I won’t forget it, as I have the words taped
up on my locker directly in my line of sight from my desk. Anyways that’s all
for now, have a great Family Day long weekend.
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| Hoodoos on the way to the 13th tee |
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| My goal this season |
