TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live...

In my latest ONCOURSETurf video production for TurfNet.com I discuss a unique tool I came across to help with spray head maintenance. Spray heads, (pop ups) are becoming the norm for bunker surrounds. Keeping the surrounds in great shape will increase the longevity of the bunker itself. This tool is simple and easy to use. It can certainly be a big help with the maintenance of those bunker spray zones. To view the video click HERE As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor www.tantoirrigation.com

Speaking in New Mexico

Very pleased to be speaking next week to the Rio Grande GCSA. I was fortunate to speak last October to this same group and enjoyed it immensely. I'll be covering some labor ideas and also giving out some turf tips for best management practices. Look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones! Can't wait!

TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live..

My latest video for TurfNetTV is live. In this video I have a conversation with Kasey Kauff, Director of Grounds at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas. Kasey and I discuss his career path to Trinity, the construction and design of the golf course and the upcoming PGA Tour event, the ATT Byron Nelson. This video will give you a little idea of what a unique property Trinity is and the challenge awaiting the PGA tour players. To view click HERE thanks for watching.

Special Trip to Bandon Dunes

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Bandon Dunes to be part of the WinField "Lunch and Learn" educational team. All I can say is, "what a great experience"! Really fell in love with this property! We started the day with our educational seminar for the Bandon staff. Myself, Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin, Gary Grigg, Grigg, and Rob Garcia, Winfield United all spoke on various golf course management topics. Roger Henderson, WinField United local sales representative, put on the event and did a wonderful job. It's the first time I have ever been in a conference room that used a wireless signal from my laptop to the projector. Who knows, maybe the days of all those cables will be over soon. It was a great morning of education and the Bandon staff was very interactive.

Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin, talking Iron Management in turf.

The group then enjoyed a fabulous lunch prepared by the staff at the Bandon Dunes clubhouse facility. After the great lunch, we headed out on the course to get a private tour of the facility by Jeff Wilson, superintendent of the Bandon Dunes course. I met Jeff just over a year ago at the 2016 Ryder Cup, where we enjoyed the week together. So we piled in the truck and off we went.

Jeff Wilson, second from left explains their natural sand topdressing pile.

One of the first stops that Jeff wanted us to see was the topdressing pile. The greens construction at Bandon used the natural sand on site. With the native sand greens construction, they are also able to use on-site sand deposits for topdressing. The area above was designated to save as their topdressing sand. We were all amazed at the sheer size and volume of sand stash for future use. Let's just say they won't need to purchase any sand for a while. Pretty neat stuff, having your own deposit of topdressing sand on-site.

It was a big treat to spend some time with my Ryder Cup friend and Bandon Dunes course superintendent, Jeff Wilson.

Next up we stopped to look at and discuss the gorse issue at Bandon. Jeff had been chatting in the truck about gorse and educating us about what a difficult plant this truly is. When we stopped to check it out, we knew right away Jeff wasn't kidding about what a tough plant this is. Very invasive and difficult to control is a bad combination.

Gorse, as tough of a plant as there is! If you hit it in there, leave it!

After our Gorse education, we returned to the truck and concentrated the rest of our day on seeing the various golf courses. For myself, it was a golf course junkie's dream. The setting, topography, and great architects truly make this place special. I can't wait to return to Bandon and bring my clubs someday. I want to thank WinField United, Roger Henderson, the educational team, and the folks at Bandon Dunes for a spectacular visit! Enjoy a few of my favorite photos.

The Team checking out some of the greens contours.

As rugged as its gets!

Love this stuff...who said bunkers had to be manicured?

Spectacular Stuff!

Nothing to say here except...WOW!

The Punch Bowl, a 2.7 acre putting extravaganza!

Bandon Preserve, a Par 3, 13 hole course by Coore/Crenshaw.

What a way to end a spectacular trip!

A Visit to Chambers Bay.....

Recently, while on a trip to Seattle for some speaking engagements, I had the pleasure to tour Chambers Bay. Chambers was the site of the 2015 US Open and is a stunning layout designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Eric Johnson is the Director of Agronomy at Chambers and gave Doug Soldat, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin and I the complete tour of this wonderful facility. I have visited many golf courses through the years and Chambers has to be one of the coolest properties I have ever stepped foot on. A special thanks to Eric for his time and the great "agronomy talk" along the way. Take a look at these photos and I think you will agree, this place is special!

"The Lone Fir" is definitely special.

Another "Lone Fir" shot.

An example of the dramatic bunkering at Chambers.

We beat the rain by a few minutes, but it did make for some great views.

How about that pot bunker?

There was some great "agronomic talk" between Eric Johnson, left, Dr. Doug Soldat, right and myself.

Big thanks to Eric Johnson, Director of Agronomy, Chambers Bay.

WinField "Lunch and Learn" Salt Lake City, Utah

What a great time in Salt Lake City, Utah this week. I was there participating in the Winfield "Lunch and Learn" educational series as a presenter. What a fabulous group we had. Thanks to all the superintendents from Utah, Idaho, and Nevada that were in attendance. Also, a big thanks for the interaction during my presentation, that always makes a presentation extremely enjoyable. Special thanks to Roman Grigg and Rob Garcia from Winfield for the great hospitality. Can't wait to be back!

Salt Lake City, Utah was a great place for the first stop on the Winfield Tour Bus.

My Presentation was filled with, "Quick Hitters", sharing my 40+ of experiences!

Dr. Thom Nikolai, Michigan State University, lead the day off in his usual style.

Yours truly, thanking the folks from Winfield for their support of Chris Tritabaugh, his team, and the volunteers during the Ryder Cup!

Rob Garcia of WinField gave a great talk about adjuvants.

Salt Lake City, Utah.....an airport with a view.

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. 

Top Moments of 2016...

One of my top moments of 2016 was attending the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National. I was fortune to be able to do some blogging and video work for TurfNet.com. It was a great experience, watching Superintendent, Chris Tritabaugh, his staff, and the many volunteers prepare the course each day through the lens of my camera. Meeting new friends from across the US and from other countries around the world was also a big treat. Let's just say there was a lot of Turf Talk that went on that week. Thanks to Chris Tritabaugh, TurfNet.com, Toro Company and Club Car for making my trip possible. Take a look at some of the memories...

Thanks to Chris Tritabaugh, TurfNet.com, Toro Company, and Club Car for making this happen!

Walking the fairways of Hazeltine National....what a treat!

Pictured here with one of my former interns, Sam Bauer.

Meeting new friends from around the globe was certainly a highlight.

Alejandro Reyes - Superintendent for the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Had a nice chat with David Duval at the airport.

Just a bunch of Minnesota guys hanging out at the Cup.

Let there be light!

My favorite Ryder Cup photo, Sam Bauer mowing #18 green.

Early morning duties required lights.

Showing the patriotism!

All smiles on Sunday morning after a long week!

Rossi and Woods talking earlier morning turf.