5 Years Ago

Five years ago today, 26 turfgrass professionals and students joined me from the Rocky Mountain region in New Orleans to help local golf courses and superintendents rebound from the devastating hurricanes of Katrina and Rita.

Upon our arrival to the Crescent City, it was hard to imagine what life was like for the people of this area.  

Lives were turned upside down.

Peter Carew, Superintendent for the City of New Orleans braved the storm that his home city witnessed. He was determined to bring the two city golf courses back to life. Today, Carew is still in New Orleans. He recently opened the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course that had been shut down from the storms. The course was buried by almost 10 feet of water.

Providing the residents of New Orleans a place to forget about life for a while was the greatest feeling and the most eye-opening experience of my career. 

Today, I can only hope the people of Japan and all those affected by the horrific events can find their "golf course" sooner than later.



Joe B. Is Coming Back

No, New Orleans is not known for its golf. However, just like you, there are many people in that great city that love the sport just as much as you do.

This picture was taken by yours truly almost 5 years ago. If my memory serves my right, this was the first tee. There were no signs at the time of this golf course ever being played again. Thanks to the dedicated people of New Orleans, there is one more golf course set to open.

Click on the title of this post for a great article in the Wall St. Journal on the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course in New Orleans.