From the Course - April 2011
Vital Statistics
I think that Oregonians were more zoologically correct in naming their University mascots than us Washingtonians. The weather we've been experiencing certainly is suited only for web-footed creatures. We all remember the soggy non-Summer weather of last year. This year seems to be consistently exceeding rainfall expectations as well. Green Mountain received 11.82 inches of rainfall in March!!
To add insult to injury, it has been unseasonably cold to go along with this liquid sunshine. We only recorded "normal" daytime highs five times in March.
Needless to say, the course resembles a Winter course more than a Spring course. We are currently in the process of hand mowing the rough with two 21 inch rotary mowers. Not exactly a quick process, but it is too wet for our larger equipment to mow. Most of the cart paths have received gravel and more is to come. I am anticipating the fourth tee box to be open within the first week of May. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to that!
We have new tee markers this season. Jerry Williams and Ron McGlohn purchased the wood from Don Fahey. Al Watson donated the use of his chop saw for Ron to cut them (twice!). Craig Merrill donated the use of his table belt sander. Scott Coogan purchased the spikes and Kevin Coombs bought the paint. Sometimes it takes a community to raise a tee marker!
In closing, I'm sure I speak for all when I say "ENOUGH WITH THE RAIN ALREADY!". If this keeps up we may have to design a golf shoe with webs!
As we approached the fall, we discussed that our green heighth would be longer this winter than in the past in order to relieve disease pressure. We are pleased to report that this plan worked. Our usual late-winter/early-spring fungicide application was unessacary!
