Welcome Kora!

Kora is our newest edition to the golf course maintenance staff. Assistant Superintendent Justin Gompf recently became the proud owner of the newest "goose chaser" at Vail Golf Club. She is an Australian Shepherd and so far is excited about the snow. We look forward to her growing and learning about golf and nordic maintenance.
Over the last few seasons we have noticed a slight increase in the amount of Canada Geese that make Vail Golf Club a summer home. I don't need to explain what a nuisance these creatures cause through the summer months.
Our main goal with the geese is to deter them from playable areas on the golf course. We embrace all kinds of wildlife on the golf course that enhance its environment. The most proven way to maintain geese on golf courses are with trained herding dogs. Kora will be a welcomed addition to the golf course.

Needing snow

This seems to be the trend over the last 3 years, where the snow slowly comes to Vail. This year has been no different. More snow fell in Edwards last night than Vail, which makes us scratch our heads. As for recreation, 4 or less inches of snow on the ground, won't slow down anyone. There is still plenty to do other than golf. The other day I noticed a large football game going on at the athletic field along the 6th hole.
There is limited Nordic available on the golf course and most of the bike path to the East Vail. The trails have been marked and it helps when people follow directions and stay on the designated trails. There are many Nordic athletes preparing for the up-coming season and others who are looking to shake the cob-webs like those getting up on the hill for an hour or so these days.

USGA: Rules and Decisions

USGA: Rules and Decisions: "Consideration for Other Players


No Disturbance or Distraction
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.
On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

On the Putting Green
On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.
Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring
In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it."

Tomorrow's topic is Pace of Play!

Safety

Safety is a form of golf etiquette and should not be taken lightly. With most golf courses; homes, vehicles and pedestrians or bikers should always be cared for properly. Remember the golfer is responsible for their shots and damage that may incur.

USGA: Rules and Decisions: "Safety

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.
Players should always alert green staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.
If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is 'fore.'"

Fins Up!

So Vail Mountain is now open, there is just enough snow on the ground to get some Nordic skiing done on the golf course. I guess space is limited on the hill as well. The extended forecast is saying no snowfall of importance until December 1st.

Makes me wish the golf course was melted off enough to open again!

Oh well, our head pro Jeanne has the right idea as she heads to Mohegan Sun tomorrow in CT to watch the real "greatest experience on earth" Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. As a Parrothead myself, of course I am jealous, but I'll be listening to the show. Enjoy it Jeanne and watch out for those land sharks! I want evidence for the blog!

Snowcover 2009

Well winter is here. As of Friday afternoon the golf course was completely covered in snow. About 5 inches fell by Saturday morning. We began with a little grooming with our snowmobile as we transition into our Nordic track. More snow is predicted by Sunday.

The snowcat does not come out until 2 feet are on the ground. That is enough of a cushion between the track and the turf with the tiller and grousers of the snowcat.

CLOSED for the 2009 season

The Golf Course is closed for the 2009 season. Faced with the very dry conditions, the turfgrass plants will weaken as the dryness continues. Heading into the winter with stress can damage the plant for the spring and start of the 2010 season. Thanks for a great year, see you in May.