A proud dad moment today. First day on the job for my son Owen. He’s been training in the minor leagues on our home lawn since he was 9. Today he got the call up to the big leagues. I’m not sure which one of us was more excited.
#lovethiskid
#workethic
#prouddad
Tomorrow is the day. All the planning and preparation. All the hours and extra effort. The help from staff, members, advice from fellow Supts and vendors and contractors has resulted in an amazing re-grassing of this 121 yr old property. All for the game of golf.
#enjoyit
During the grow-in we didn’t add a collar. At this point I don’t see the need. Step cut is at 1.25”. The greatest benefit I’ve observed, greens mowers are forced to turn in the rough. There’s no cheating the turn on the green or collar. Edge to edge perfect.Also no more painting
A year ago fwys were down and brown. This week we are prepping for Member/Member. So proud of our team and all we’ve accomplished in the past year.
#teamwork
#007
#bentgrass
#feelssogood
Despite having a cool, cloudy, wet Spring, it appears to have not hindered root development of our greens. If this is what we have now what’s going to happen when we see the sun?
#007
#bentgrass
#seedresearch
#Minikahdaregrass
Getting our house in order before we start working on the course. I can’t stand having messy buildings and Maint yard. Sets the tone for the rest of the course.
Rain barrels are about half full from last nights .2” of rain. Alyssa will utilize this water for hanging baskets and planters throughout the season.
#auduboncooperativesanctuary
#rainbarrels
2nd mow of the season. Excellent growth late into last fall provided some much needed density. Hoc is high but totally manageable. .185” w/ grooves rollers to start.
In Minnesota, we call this "Wednesday."
Thank you to all motorists who took their time on the roads yesterday. When you drive for conditions it allows us to do our job quickly & safely. Enjoy this team plowing video of I-694 in Oakdale (video is 2x speed):
30 yrs ago I mailed resumes to all MGCSA Board members, only one replied. Scott Austin was the only one to take a chance on this greenhorn. I can’t thank him enough. Many things he taught me, to this day I still think about while working. He’s had a big impact on my career.
This certainly makes things interesting 🤔. Never a dull moment in this business. We still need to blow out the irrigation system and get snow mold apps down and the forecast is for lows in the low teens next week. Panic or patience? Some things are simply out of our control.
Tilled out greens eliminate any laying from 35-40 yrs of topdressing and various sands used over the yrs. the result is abeautiful blend, looks like a new mix going in.
Charlie Erickson was the 1st Greenkeeper at Minikahda, 1900-1938. He had his own line of equipment he built and sold. The club still has one of his fertilizer applicators, circa early 1920’s. It’s amazing it survived this long.
As we emerge from winter it’s becoming more obvious we gained a great deal of density on greens well into the month of November. I can’t wait to begin mowing the surfaces and bring the hoc down to playing condition
#007
Amazing how far we’ve come in a year. Today Single roll=10.25”. Mowing .100” with solid rollers. 8-10oz/acre of Legacy 265GDD. Could not be more please with the results.
#007
#SRO
A wonderful evening at the club with my family and my parents. Blessed to be able to treat my parents to dinner for their 55th Wedding Anniversary and my fathers 80th birthday.
#leadbyexample
Self-proclaimed most improved annual bed is by the 1st tee. I Love the color scheme Alyssa created this year. She likes to plant bright colored plants and she definitely knocked this one out of the park.
If you’re a golf person please join the challenge of posting your fav golf photo. Just one picture, no description. Copy this text in your status, post a picture and look at some great memories/pictures
@ct_turf
Onward and upward. After 3 summers at Minikahda, Owens working for one of the best in the business
@grdturf
at the Minnesota Vikings. I’m not sure who’s more excited about his opportunity this summer?
Plugs from greens on opening day from 3 weeks ago. Been in the containers the entire time. Still have growth and no water added. Crazy. Root density is crazy!!!