Takeaways from The Open Championship....

One of my favorite tournaments of the year is the 'Open Championship'. The Open is unlike any other golf tournament. It could be called the NO-COMPLAINT Open, which I absoultely love. What do I mean by that? Well, you very rarely hear any complaints from players regarding the conditions of the golf course. It's almost like an unwritten rule, that when you step foot on the property you just play golf. That's right, just play golf....it is what it is....what you see is what you get! No "the greens are too slow" or "the heather/native is too thick" or "bunkers are too deep". Just play golf!

My first big takeaway from the Open, was the piece that Jimmy Roberts did on Royal Birkdale's Artisans Club. Fantastic feature! To view click HERE

My second takeaway was Jim 'Bones' Mackay making his debut for NBC/Golf Channel as an on course reporter. I thought for his first event, he did very well. After all, he made the "I think there is a 62 out there today" call, and he was dead on! I certainly look forward to 'Bones' being part of the NBC/GC team and bringing a different perspective on air.

My final takeaway is listening to a great podcast by my friend Dave Wilber, the 'Turfgrass Zealot'. His Podcast about Links Golf and the Open should be listened to by all. Of course, just like Bones predicted a 62, Dave picked you know who to win and he was dead on as well! You can listen to it HERE Well done Dave!

The only thing bad about the 'Open', is we have to wait 12 more months to 'Just Play Golf'! 

Great Visit to the Glacier Club

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Glacier Club in Durango, Colorado. Clint Starkebaum is the superintendent at Glacier and gave me a wonderful tour of the facility. The Glacier Club is a private 36 hole facility that offers some incredible mountain golf. The first 18 was built in the early 1970's and designed by Arthur Hills. Those holes are set in a lower valley floor. The second 18, which was just opened last year is designed by Hale Irwin. The new 18 is carved out of some amazing mountain terrain and sits above the Valley 18. Take a look at this incredible facility.. 

Clint Starkebaum, golf course superintendent at the Glacier Club.

The mountain course offers amazing views.

Some tee shots seem to float forever down to the fairway.

One of the valley holes.

This hole reminded me of some of my old roots back in New England.

Typical rock outcropping on the mountain course.

This synthetic tee was built up a steep slope where it was impossible to get a mower.

Not only are the golf course views amazing, but so are the homesites around the property.

Great Visit to Dalton Ranch Golf Club

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Dalton Ranch Golf Club in Durango, Colorado. Brett Shaffer, golf course superintendent, gave me a wonderful tour of the facility and we discussed some of the local agronomic issues along the way. At the time of my visit, the Durango area had been suffering from an extensive period of drought and high temperatures. Water management in this region is always at the top of the minds of all local superintendents. Even with difficult environmental conditions, I found Dalton Ranch to be in excellent condition.

Brett Shaffer, Golf Course Superintendent at Dalton Ranch GC with their new clubhouse in the background.

The Animas River runs through portions of the course and is the lifeblood for water in this area of Colorado.

Dalton Ranch was designed by Ken Dye and opened in 1993.

When this famous tree died at Dalton, it was turned into Mountain Lion art.

One Year Ago.....

One year ago, on July 15th, I made my decision during our "Birds of Prey" Member-Guest that it would be my last year as a golf course superintendent. Done. I had been thinking about it for a few years and finally knew it was time. I sent a text to my wife and kids to let them know this was it. I don't think they were very surprised? They knew it could happen at anytime. My body, mind and family all wanted me to end my long career as a golf course superintendent. Done.

Many have asked if I regret my decision in anyway. The answer is ABSOLUTELY not! I probably should have done it a few years prior. It's a whole new wonderful life for me. I've been able to do things this summer that I've never done all my life and enjoying every minute of it. There's no more listening to a bunch of BS from the GM, no more bunkers complaints, no more 3:45am summer alarm, no more weather concerns, no employee issues, etc. I could go on and on with that list for a long time, but that's enough. I found very quickly that working as a consultant on my own and working out of my house is fabulous. After all, who doesn't enjoy working in your home office in the morning, coffee in hand, pajamas on, and the dog at your feet! Stay tuned for future observations of the non-superintendent life. Thanks for reading!

July 15, 2016 - Special Date for me and my Family!

The Dog at your feet while working is Priceless!

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live

My latest video for TurfNet.com is live. This video is about....Dogs! That's right, Dogs. I give everyone a break from that agronomic and golf course management stuff to sit back and relax and enjoy some really cool dogs. This is filmed at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado. Enjoy!

To view click: HERE

TurfNet "Tips and Tricks" Video

My latest video work for TurfNet.com features Brian Boll, Superintendent at North Oaks Golf Club in North Oaks, Minnesota. Brian did a 9-month internship for me when I was at CCRockies. He was an exceptional intern. It was a pleasure to visit with him recently and film this TurfNet "Tips and Tricks" video about his "Murphy Pump". This is a brilliant idea for all golf course management facilities to have on hand (and hope to never use)! 

To view click HERE