Rascally Rodent

Once the snow melted from January's blizzard, we found an unusual sight on #2 fairway. 

So what caused this turf damage?  Well, while we've had a good deal of migratory geese stopping in over the winter, we can't blame them for this issue. 

No, this turf munching was done by a small rodent.  Upon closer inspection you can see that there is a broken drain lid in this location. 

No doubt that somebody took up residence in the drain line, and with lots of snow on the ground, they found it easier to move around and snack on some turf from below this blanket.  A new lid was installed, which should prevent this from occurring again.

Causing Winter Woes

It's tough to find someone who didn't enjoy playing in the snow when young.  Building snowmen, sledding, and making snow angels are all great fun...when done in the right location. 

Unfortunately, while the golf course may appear to be a wonderful winter wonderland when it snows, it is not a place for such activities.  Instead of going into a lengthy explanation of the reasoning for this, we'll let the pictures do the talking. 

Below are photos of #2 and #4 greens, showing damage caused by playing on them during last month's blizzard:

#2 Green
 

#4 Green

Please remember, throughout the year, there is only one outdoor activity permitted on the golf course:  golfing.

Now you see it, now you don't...

There is never a shortage of new products on display at the annual Golf Industry Show.  One item that was getting a good deal of attention at the trade show this year was the "Stealth Series Kit" for Toro Infinity Series sprinklers.

Now you see it...

Now you don't!

Yes, that's real grass growing on top of the sprinkler.  While this probably isn't something for widespread use, if there's an area where you really don't want to see a sprinkler, or where a sprinkler comes into play often, the good folks at Toro have a solution.

One Green, But Two Holes

If you are able to sneak in a round during one of the relatively warm days later in the month, you'll notice that, as in the past, we have placed two cups in each green.

The reason we add the second cup is to spread out the wear during a period when we may not be able to move the hole location.  With sand based greens, the surface can quickly freeze, preventing us from "cutting a cup."

So how does this two hole system work?  The idea of rotating the flagstick from one cup to the other is simple.  Before leaving each green, move the pin to the opposite hole location from the one you just played.  Thus the next group will be playing 18 different pin placements than you did.  (Of course, if you're playing a match with more than one group, only the last group should move the pin.)

As conditions allow, we'll change the two hole locations for the remainder of the winter, and go back to just one hole in another month or so when some consistently warmer weather returns. 

Please remember that this isn't intended for you to claim a round with double digit one-putts!  Once your ball is on the short grass, you're supposed to putt towards the cup with the flagstick, and not just aim for the closer cup.