TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live...

In my latest ONCOURSETurf video production for TurfNet.com I discuss how to perform an irrigation quick check. This is a very easy and effective method for quickly determining problems with sprinkler heads. It also can give a general idea of precipitation rate accuracy. VIEW HERE As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor www.tantoirrigation.com and thanks for watching! 

TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live...

In my latest ONCOURSETurf video production for TurfNet.com I discuss having a tour of your maintenance facility operation for club committees and even an open house for your membership. These tours always leave an amazing impression on your members. Don't ever be afraid to...showcase your operation. Take a look HERE As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor www.tantoirrigation.com and thanks for watching!

TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live...

In my latest ONCOURSETurf video production for TurfNet.com I discuss a sod holding and grow technique I developed while I was a superintendent in the high mountains of Colorado. This technique allows sod to root and establish at incredibly fast rates. Take a look HERE As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor www.tantoirrigation.com and thanks for watching!

TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live.......

My latest video for TurfNet.com is live. This video is a follow-up to my previous video, the first ONCOURSE Turf Quiz. In this video I give the answers to the Turf Quiz. Check it out and see how you did. The quiz was a collection of just some of the issues I've seen in my travels over the past couple of years. Hope you had fun with it, because that's what it's all about. View HERE. As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor, Tanto Irrigation.

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live.....

My first ON COURSE video of 2019 for TurfNet.com is live. In this video I discuss the "due diligence" needed during the planning stages of a new irrigation system. I talk about the "other" components besides the irrigation controls and sprinkler heads. Check it out, click HERE to view. I would like to also welcome back my supporting sponsor for 2019, Tanto Irrigation Thanks for your support! 

TurfHead Jam Podcast.....

Recently, I had the opportunity to team up with my good friend, Dave Wilber for a "TurfHead Jam" podcast for TurfNet.com This was about as much fun as you can have when it comes to talking about the golf course industry. No script, no outline, just pure TurfHeads saying what they think! We talk about Tiger Woods, depression, clipping volume, and just a bunch of wisdom from two guys that have been at it a long time. Take a listen, click HERE and enjoy. 

Love this Graphic - Thanks TurfNet.com

2018 US Senior Open Volunteer

Last month, I was in Colorado Springs to volunteer as part of the agronomy team for tournament preparations at the US Senior Open at the Broadmoor. I have known Fred Dickman, Director of Grounds at the Broadmoor for many years and wanted to help out for the week. I've volunteered at many tournaments through the years, but this was the first 'close to home' tournament. This was a special volunteer trip because for the first time my wife, Karen came along to volunteer with me. So it was extra special to be 'Team Ross' at the US Senior Open. Here are some photos and highlights of the week.

The Broadmoor Hotel is certainly special and is celebrating its 100th year Anniversary. 

That 1959 Amateur win by Nicklaus is sure special!

Karen, volunteering with me for the first time! Team Ross.

As usual, it was all hands on deck preparing championship conditions daily.

Had a lot of fun hanging with Dr. Tony Koski, Colorado State University talking turf throughout the week!

My morning daily duty, mowing fairways with a great team of individuals!

Our fairway team leader, Rocco from Jamaica. What a superstar this guy is.

Michael Sartori, East Course Superintendnet (left) hands out the duties, 
while Fred Dickman, Director of Grounds (center) listens in on the plan.
A special thanks to both of these individuals for a great week!

Where Freddie goes......his dogs go!

Even the dogs needed the proper credentials.

Nice to check out flat sand Donald Ross style bunkers. Great stuff!

Being a retired superintendent and now agronomic consultant, I don't see 
many golf course sunrise and sunsets anymore. Certainly enjoyed them 
at the Broadmoor. Brought back old memories. 

A big thanks to all the vendors for their support.

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live.....

My latest ON COURSE video is live on TurfNet.com In this video I show how to make simple irrigation sprinkler head drive assembly pullers. I invented these pullers many years ago and they were always a big help for myself and staff. Take a look at the video HERE

I would also like to welcome my new video series sponsor, Tanto Irrigation. I've work with this irrigation installation company first hand and their work is second to none. If you're planning an irrigation system, they are a great choice for the install. Feel free to contact me personally if you need more information. Check them out at TANTO IRRIGATION

As always, thank you for the support of my video work and happy viewing!

TurfNet "Tips and Tricks" Video...

Recently, while in the Seattle/Tacoma area, I had the opportunity to visit with Joel Kachmarek, Golf Course Superintendent at Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood, Washington. Joel is a very smart and progressive superintendent full of great ideas. One of those ideas, is the use of ski racks to attach watering hoses for easy dragging behind a vehicle. So good in fact, and despite some Seattle weather, I produced a TurfNet.com video for their "Tips and Tricks". Take a look...

TO VIEW CLICK here 

Video "Deep Roots, The Life of a Golf Course Superintendent"

This video was produced by the Atlantic Golf Course Superintendents Association to commemorate their 50th anniversary. It also was created as a legacy project that would give back not only to their group, but also serve as an educational tool for the golfing public. Enjoy!

To view, please click this link:  https://www.youtube....h?v=UnzYq1d0Zjw

Zone or Area Management Video....

My latest "ON COURSE" video is available for viewing. In this video I discuss "zone or area management". My philosophy is that turf managers should take a closer look at an area within an area, instead of thinking as an entire area. For example, should a singular fairway be treated as a whole? Maybe. Maybe not? Many time the same fairway could have 3-4 different zones that need to be managed differently. I will be posting more in the future about this "zone or area management", so stay tuned! Apologies for some audio issues! Thanks for watching.

Click this link to view:  https://turfnet.wistia.com/medias/mj05rtudd9

Golf Industry Show

The blog has been a little slow this past week because I've been attending the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Florida. GIS, as its known, is the premier annual show for golf course turfgrass professionals from around the globe. It's a week long event that focuses primarily on education and a trade show, which showcases all the latest and greatest. Take a look...

It takes a good effort to cover the entire floor in two days.

Education is a very important part of GIS.

Technology continues to advance golf course equipment.

Bunker construction techniques is always a hot topic on the trade show floor.

HDPE fittings and couplings continue to evolve.

Always nice to see something new to fit your needs.

Seeing old friends is always the highlight of the week for me.

Enhancing new friendships is a highlight as well.

There are many great offerings on the floor to take advantage of.

The Changing of the Blog....

My duties as golf course superintendent of the Country Club of the Rockies officially came to a close on January 2, 2017. Presently, I'm still working as a consultant for CCRockies to Carey Hofner, my former assistant who has taken my position. I will occasionally post about work at CCRockies, but the focus of this blog will be more personal and about my new Agronomic Services company ONCOURSETurf, LLC.  I will be blogging about the world of golf and golf course management, I'm sure you will find it of interest. I will be traveling extensively in 2017, visiting many golf courses throughout the US. This blog will highlight my many travels, including the US Open in June and the Solheim Cup in August. For the members of CCRockies, please continue to follow this blog. Thank you for following my old blog and moving to this one. It has been a pleasure to have you along for the ride, but the ride continues...so follow along!

Always one of my favorite spots at CCR, #10 green, dew covered with the sun rising. 

One More THANK YOU.....

You can say....... I have saved the best for last. There is one more big thank you to give out and this goes to Tom Apple, or better known as TA! I can't say enough about the relationship I have had with Tom. In all my years in the golf industry, he is the best Golf Professional I have ever work along side! My success at CCRockies was due in part to Tom Apple. He took me under his wing the first few years to guide me on what the expectations were for the club. Those first few years were invaluable and ultimately made my career at CCRockies a success. Tom's office door was always open for me and I will never forget that! He always treated me with tremendous respect. We learned from each other and I feel that made us the "Ultimate Team". Tom Apple.........thank you for being my friend and co-worker for the last 22 years!

Top Moments of 2016....

Recently, I had a member of CC Rockies ask what my highlights were of 2016. I had to give that some thought, but finally have come up with some good ones. I am going to post each one, in no particular order, in separate posts. My first one is.....my first helicopter ride. It wasn't just any helicopter ride, it was a ride through the Vail Valley and we flew over each golf course including CC Rockies. What a treat that was! I'm so thankful for that opportunity by one of our members to make it happen. Take a look....

Getting Ready!

My Pilot - CCR Member TM.

Approach to Eagle Springs GC.

Full of Excitement flying over Country Club of the Rockies.

Checking out a few of the Vail Valley's biggest Homes.

A Wonderful Evening!

Last week's Club Party was a wonderful evening for both myself and my family. I want to thank all the members and staff of the Country Club of the Rockies for all their well wishes. Thank you for the kind words by Club President, Craig Cormack and the presentation of the fabulous framed photo of our signature hole, #12. Memories for a lifetime! Thank you all!

Club President, Craig Cormack presentation of a framed photo of #12.

Proud of my 22 years!

Great to have my biggest supporters, my family, along for the ride!

Humbled by all the well wishes, Thank You!

What a threesome....Tom Apple, CCR Ambassador,  Jennifer Brumbaugh, Office Manager, and myself. A total of 75+ years of experience at CCR.

As a New Englander...maybe my favorite part of the night. Thanks Vista Restaurant Staff!

Great to have my former lead assistant and now superintendent, Carey Hofner in attendance!

Great to see Sandy Treat, center, one of my true CCR hero's in attendance. Pictured here with my wonderful wife, Karen and myself.