The other winter activities we have provided are being adversely affected by the changing weather. Unfortunately the frequent cycles of cold then warm, windy weather (mixed in with more rain than I can recall in a winter) has resulted in several challenges for making ice and grooming ski trails. I'll begin with the skating rink on #10. When we were finally able to get onto the ice in early January we found a surface that resembled a gravel road. The rain and snow that melted into the thin ice layer in mid November left it very rough and bumpy. We began by flooding the surface for a few days and then another warm windy trend about 2 weeks ago turned the surface into a mess. We are presently trying to get it ready for Family Day. Hopefully it's "okay" by then. A Zamboni would sure come in handy right now.
The ski trails have been turned into rock hard tracks where there are any tracks at all. Without a significant snowfall we cannot reset them. Our grooming equipment is not capable of dealing with the present conditions. It is so hard out on the course that you can drive the snowmobile almost anywhere and not settle down into the snow pack: a snow pack that has been rapidly disappearing throughout January. We will be purchasing a new groomer for next season that'll allow us to groom the trials when conditions aren't ideal so that we don't lose a significant amount of time for skiing during the winter. We also plan to lay down 2 side by side tracks so that it is easier for skiers to be more social with each other while out on the course.
Now for the turf conditions. Winter started out with a fairly decent cover of snow. However a warming trend and several days of dreary rainy weather in mid November resulted in less than ideal conditions on several greens. Heavy snows in December were certainly welcome but once again more warm, very windy weather in early to mid January began to eat away the snow layer and deposit ice in various locations on the golf course. I have been through similar winters before in my years as a Superintendent and typically nothing good comes of them. I inspected all the greens last week and I think I have a good idea as to what we can expect this spring. Unfortunately I found ice on several greens. The warmup and putting green are covered in a thin layer of ice as are #16 and #18 greens. I also found some patchy ice on #'s 4 and 8. I didn't locate ice of concern on any of the other greens. That doesn't mean to say there isn't any ice or that those that I think are completely covered really are. After all I can't check the entire surface. I'm fairly certain we will have problems on the four greens with extensive ice cover. I'll be cautiously optimistic about the others. Of course the removal of snow in the spring, if necessary, is another matter to consider but I will discuss that as March arrives. If you recall we have covered the 6th green and have been blowing fresh air under the ice shield every 10 to 14 days over the last few months. We now have a true ongoing test of this turf protection system that is relative to the unique environmental conditions here at the Royal Mayfair. What this holds for the future remains to be seen. Four courses in the Edmonton area have committed to the use of these covers this winter. I really believe that investment (averaging around $100,000) will finally pay off. Time will tell.
I know that the greens are paramount when it comes to mind but the fairways and tees should come out in good condition based on the checks we have done to date. As is my habit I will keep the membership updated as spring arrives and we prepare for the 2014 golf season.
In other news we have ordered a set of markers that will be placed permanently on the fairways in order to assist juniors, beginners or any other member that wishes to play a shorter golf course. I believe they will play to approximately 5000 yards.
We have also purchased a new bench and trash container to display on the 18th hole and at the Teehouse. The wood used to make these products is called Shorea, a tropical hardwood similar to teak. I really like the quality, look and feel of this equipment and I think it adds more class to the paving stone convenience areas that are being installed beside all the tee complexes.
Enjoy the upcoming Family Day activities and here's hoping for pleasant weather.
Wade
