February is here and the frigid winter continues to be the story.  We are experiencing a mild weekend but the forecast goes downhill again next week.  We will be glad when this winter is over.  The crew continues to ready the course for the coming season.  The new turf looks great and will be ready for play this spring.  The third fairway continues to improve despite the cold.  We expect to play this hole as a par three to begin the season but there shouldn't be much of a delay until it opens.  This will be a real test for the Patriot bermudagrass on the driving range tee.  This variety of bermudagrass was bred to withstand extreme cold but this winter is the first real test since it was developed.  Hopefully some of the common types on the course will be hurt!

 

We installed snow fencing to deter children from playing on the fifth green and it has been effective.

 

 

Another tree down from the snow storm at the 16th tee.

 

 

Dormant fescue adjacent to bent on the 16th hole still illustrating a nice contrast.  It has been a while since we have seen such a harsh winter.

 

 

Crystal BlueLinks in winter dormancy.

 

 

Patriot bermudagrass that is hopefully only dormant.

 

 

Clearing brush around the lake on hole fifteen.

 

 

The crew clearing the right side of the fifth hole for increased visibility of the hazard.

 

 

This picture shows the effect of a late season application of iron on the third hole.  The light square area was not sprayed.

 

 

Our red tail hawks have a new nest not far from where they nested last year on the twelfth hole.

 

 

The third fairway continues to improve through the winter.

 

 

The fifteenth hole before renovation.

 

Number fifteen after renovation.  We can't wait to open!