GREEN DEPARTMENT UPDATE 6/1/25

 

The unofficial start of summer has come and gone, and with Memorial Day Weekend now in the rearview mirror, we are full steam ahead into the heart of the 2025 golf season! After a spring filled with wild swings in temperatures and more than our fair share of rainy or windy events, I’m proud to say the golf course and the entire property are ready for the marathon that lies ahead.

We’ve got a full calendar loaded with Member events, tournaments, and family functions—so be sure to take a look at your schedule and get everything circled. You won’t want to miss a thing.

I’m thrilled to share that our full crew is back, energized, and ready to deliver the standard you’ve come to expect—and the one I demand every single day. In my 12th season as your superintendent, I can confidently say this feels like the year we will all be talking about for years to come. The course is poised for one of its best seasons yet.

As we transition into the summer rhythm, we’re shifting focus away from the smaller projects and putting all of our energy into detailing, dialing in playing surfaces, and tightening up our daily and tournament prep. We’re entering watering season now, and I’m genuinely excited to watch all our collective efforts shine through on the course. The team is ready to push our surfaces to a level where, when you walk off 18, your first thought is: “That was a day.”

From precision mowing to greens rolling, fresh pins, and clean edges—we’re here to elevate every round. Whether you're competing, practicing, or just out to enjoy a walk with friends or family, our goal remains the same: to make every visit to the Club feel like your own personal escape.

On behalf of myself and the entire Grounds Team, thank you for your continued support. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of your game, your traditions, and your community here at the Club.

Let’s make 2025 one to remember. See you out there!

Course Maintenance Update

Mowing Heights & Frequency

Greens:

• Mowed at 0.110 inches, 7 times per week

• Double-rolled on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to enhance smoothness and speed

Tees, Collars & Approaches:

• Mowed at 0.325 inches, 3 times per week

  

Fairways:

• Mowed at 0.375 inches, 3 times per week

Rough:

• Mowed at 2.25 inches, once weekly

• All fescue around bunkers will be trimmed to rough height throughout the 2025 season

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Pin & Tee Setup

• Greens and tees are set 6 times per week

• Ensures fresh pin locations and ideal playing conditions daily

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Bunkers

Routine Maintenance:

• Touch-up raking: Monday & Thursday

• Full raking: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Sand consistency: Thin areas are topped off as needed; recent sand depth checks and cleanings have been completed

  

• Bunker Detail: Bunkers are living features of the golf course—constantly evolving due to raking, wind, moisture levels, turf health, and natural debris like clippings, leaves, and soil. Their edges shift subtly with each weather event and maintenance cycle, and while we work diligently to provide consistent playability, it's important to remember their primary purpose: they are hazards.

  Our goal is always to present the most consistent, fair, and strategic bunkers possible, but perfection is not the intent. These features are meant to challenge players and penalize errant shots. We strive to balance playability with the integrity of what a bunker is meant to be—an obstacle.

  We’re fortunate to have bunkers originally shaped by one of the game’s great minds—Gil Hanse—whose work in the 1990s gave our course its bold, rugged style. His vision gave us bunkers that are not only visually striking, but that carry true strategic weight in your decision-making. Their natural roughness, irregular edges, and evolving contours are part of what makes them so compelling—and so difficult to replicate without years of natural weathering.

  We’ll continue detailing and refining these bunkers throughout the season, always with an eye on preserving their character while enhancing playability where possible.

Topdressing Program

Our biweekly greens topdressing with fine sand is underway to:

• Smooth and firm surfaces

• Improve green speed and playability

• Support root zone health and turf vigor

This program complements our vertical mowing and grooming strategy aimed at top-tier playing conditions.

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Spray Program

The full-season spray schedule is active and continues weekly through November, including:

• Plant protectants

  

• Fertilizers (as needed)

• Growth regulators

• Pre-emergent herbicides

Applications cover all short-cut turf, roughs, range, and lawn areas.

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Clubhouse Grounds

Landscaping is in full swing:

• All flowers and gardens are planted

• Beds are being weeded, mulched, and pruned

• Ongoing maintenance will ensure pristine presentation and enjoyable views throughout the season

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Course Detailing

We're actively refining the course’s presentation by:

• Dialing in Mowing Lines.

• Cleaning and edging cart paths

• Edging around irrigation heads and valve boxes

• Sodding and repairing cart path edges and bunker banks

• Pruning dead material, low branches, and sucker limbs from trees

• Repairing divots as needed

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Racquet Sports Update

Tennis Courts:

• Watered, rolled, brushed, and lined daily

• Bi-weekly calcium applications to aid moisture retention and surface consistency

Pickleball Courts:

• Blown and cleaned every morning for optimal playability and appearance

Padel Courts:

• Fully ready for play

• Sand topdressing underway to firm the surface and enhance play speed and consistency

All walkways are addressed daily. Adjustments are being made to reduce Har-tru wash accumulation from overnight watering and rain events.

GREEN DEPARTMENT UPDATE 5/7/25

 

May has arrived—and with it, some of the best golf weather of the year! We’re dialing in mowing, grooming, and detail work across the property to keep the course looking and playing at its best as we move into peak season. The course is waking up beautifully, and thanks to all the hard work from our team, it's in outstanding condition and only getting better each day.

Greens are rolling true, fairways are dialed in, and the flowers will soon be popping around the clubhouse—just in time for the heart of the season. Whether you’re sharpening your game on the range, playing a quick nine, or teeing it up for one of our upcoming events, now is the time to get out and enjoy it.

We’ve got an exciting month ahead with full tee sheets, competitive events, and plenty of opportunity to play your best golf and racquet sport. Be sure to check the calendar, grab your regular foursome, and make the most of every round.

Yours For Better Turf,

Brent Peveich GCS

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Mowing Heights & Frequency

• Greens:
  Mowed at 0.120 inches, seven times per week.
  Double-rolled Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for enhanced smoothness and speed.

• Tees, Collars & Approaches:
  Mowed at 0.325 inches, twice per week.

• Fairways:
  Mowed at 0.375 inches, twice per week.

• Rough:
  Cut once weekly at 2.25 inches. All fescue around bunkers will also be trimmed to rough height throughout the 2025 season.

• Pin & Tee Setup:
  Greens and tees are set six times per week to ensure fresh pins and ideal playing conditions daily.

  
  
  

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Bunkers

All bunkers were thoroughly cleaned and raked through March and mid April. We then:

• Redistributed sand

• Removed weeds and debris

• Conducted a second pass into all bunkers prior to Men's Opening Day

Routine Maintenance:

• Touch-up raking on Monday and Thursday

• Full raking on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Thin areas will be topped off with sand as needed. We will continue working on sand consistency throughout the summer.

---

Topdressing Program

Our biweekly greens sanding program is underway. Fine sand is applied to:

• Smooth and firm the surface

• Improve speed and playability

• Enhance root zone health and turf vigor

This supports our broader vertical mowing and grooming strategy aimed at top-tier playing conditions.

---

Spray Program

Our full-season spray schedule is active and will continue weekly through November. Applications include:

• Plant protectants

• Fertilizers as needed

• Growth regulators

• Pre-emergent herbicides

These are applied to all short-cut turf, roughs, range, and lawn areas.

---

Clubhouse Grounds

Landscaping efforts are in full swing:

• Beds are being weeded, mulched, and treated with pre-emergent

• Seasonal flowers will be planted the week after Mother’s Day to avoid frost risk

• Chef's garden to be planted Week of 5/5/25

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Detailing Around the Course

We are actively improving course presentation through:

• Cleaning and edging cart paths

• Edging around irrigation heads and valve boxes

• Sodding and repairing cart path edges/bunker banks

• Pruning of dead material, low branches, and sucker limbs from trees

• Divots as needed.

---

Racquet Sports Update

We’re also stepping into peak season on the courts and keeping all racquet sport facilities in top shape:

• Tennis Courts:
  Watered, rolled, brushed, and lined daily.
  Bi-weekly calcium applications are being added to improve moisture retention and ensure surface consistency.

• Pickleball Courts:
  Blown and cleaned every morning to maintain playability and appearance.

• Padel Courts:
  Fully ready for play. A sand topdressing will be applied to help firm up the surface and support faster, more consistent play.

• All walkways will be addressed daily and adjustments are in the process to ensure less washing Har-tru found on walkways from nightly waterings and rain events builds over time.

AS ALWAYS THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR TEAM AND OUR GREAT CLUB 

INGROUND TRASH CONTAINER LOCATIONS

#15 Left Middle Tee 

#5 Left Middle Tee / #4 Green Turnaround

#11 Pond Edge Right Front of Forward Tees

#1 Left of Tees in Mulched Area

#1 Right Rough Line For Caddies or disposal #1/#18

JUST STEP ON THE PEDAL TO DISCARD TRASH

 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 4/15/25

 

Thankfully, we’ve made it through the cold, rainy start to April, and the extended forecast is finally showing some promising golf weather ahead! It may feel like we've had nothing but rain and chilly days for the past couple of months, but I’m happy with where things stand out on the course.

The greens are healing up nicely from aeration and should be fully recovered this week. Rough fertilizer has been applied, and we’re continuing detail work around the property to keep everything looking sharp.

The best golf of the season is just around the corner, and after that electric finish at the Masters on Sunday, I know everyone is itching to get back out there. Let’s make the most of the great weather and get after it!

See you out on the course!

Mowing Heights & Frequency

We’re dialing in mowing to keep the course looking and playing its best:

• Greens: Mowed at 0.125" three times per week and rolled three times. This will adjust as grass growth increases.

• Tees, Collars & Approaches: Mowed at 0.325" twice per week.

• Fairways: Mowed at 0.375" twice per week.

• Rough: Will be mowed in the coming weeks to clean up winter debris and keep turf tight.

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Course Setup

We’re setting up the greens and tees four times per week, ensuring fresh pins and optimal play
conditions.

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Bunkers

Bunkers were cleaned and raked out through March and early April. We redistributed sand, removed weeds, and cleaned debris.

• Routine: Touch-up raking happens twice a week, with full raking Friday–Sunday.

• We’ll continue to improve sand consistency as we head into summer.

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Topdressing Begins

Starting the week of April 14, we’ll launch our seasonal greens sanding program. Fine sand is worked into the turf to:

• Smooth and firm the surface

• Improve speed and playability

• Promote healthier turf through better root zone management

This is part of our larger grooming and vertical mowing program that supports top-tier playing conditions.

---

Spray Program

Our full-season spray schedule kicks off next week, including:

• Plant protectants

• Growth regulators

• Pre-emergent applications
  These will be applied across all short-cut turf, roughs, range, and lawns, continuing weekly through November.

---

Clubhouse Grounds

Landscaping is in full swing:

• Weeding, mulching, and pre-emergents are underway in all beds.

• Flowers will be planted the week after Mother’s Day to avoid any frost risk.

---

Detailing Around the Course

We’re tackling the details:

• Cleaning up tree lines and roughs

• Edging irrigation heads and valve boxes

• Sodding and repairing cart path edges

These efforts are ongoing and will continue through the season.

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Practice Facilities

The week of April 21, we’ll prep the driving range:

• Mowing, divoting, and final touches

• Ready to go in time for Men’s Opening Day

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Aeration Update

As we wrap up early-season projects, we’re turning attention to aeration:

• Deep-tine aeration on fairways, low spots, and high-traffic areas

• Monthly needle-tine aeration on greens to maintain firmness and health

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Small Projects

We’re nearly done grassing areas affected by:

• Winter desiccation

• Cart path removal

• Heavy traffic
  As this wraps up, we’ll move into more regular maintenance.

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New Golf Course & Range Furniture

Keep an eye out for new additions in the coming weeks:

• Stylish new clocks with messaging at key locations

• A welcoming starter area

• Upgraded coolers and in-ground trash containers

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Racquet Sports

As of March 31, Pickleball and Padel are open for play!

• Tennis courts have been resurfaced and are being rolled and groomed daily.

• Windscreens will go up starting April 21, with other detail work to follow.

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Investments in Equipment

We’ve made some big (but often unnoticed) upgrades this year, including:

• 2 Toro Sprayers – $200,000

• 6 EZGO Utility Carts – $50,000

• A brand new golf cart fleet – already in use and hard to miss!

Previous years’ investments:

• 2021: $350,000 equipment package

• 2022: New greens rollers

• 2023: Toro TriFlex mowers – $150,000

These additions keep our maintenance team working efficiently with the best tools available.

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 3/3/25

 

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well and as eager as we are for the upcoming golf season! As we transition into spring, our team has been and certainly will be hard at work preparing the course, property, and equipment for another fantastic year.

We are excited to announce that the greens officially opened on 3/1/25 and will be monitoring our cleanup efforts along with March's unpredictable weather conditions in the coming weeks to assess full course opening with carts. Over the past few months, we have focused on course improvements thru innovative chemical and fertility program tweaks, improved turf maintenance practices, and ensuring optimal playing conditions for the season ahead. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible experience every time you step onto the course.

Weather permitting, we anticipate excellent playing conditions early in the season, and we appreciate your patience as we fine-tune the course. Please keep an eye out for updates on course conditions, upcoming events, and any temporary modifications as we ease into the season.

We can’t wait to welcome you back and look forward to seeing everyone out on the course soon! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. bpeveich@pinehollowclub.com

In the coming weeks we will be detailing all aspects of the property.

GOLF COURSE / DRIVING RANGE

Our cleanup process will take place in several phases:

1. Blowing Debris – We will begin by blowing tree debris from fine turf areas outward, ensuring that playing surfaces are cleared first.
2. Bunker Cleanup – Next, we will focus on cleaning and restoring bunkers to their best condition.
3. Rough Cleanup – Once the bunkers are addressed, we will work through the roughs to remove any remaining debris.
4. Mowing – With the cleanup complete, we will begin mowing all short-cut areas to promote healthy growth and optimal playability.
5. Plant Protectants – At the same time, we will be making our first plant protectant applications for the season to ensure turf health and resilience.

CLUBHOUSE GROUNDS

Here’s what to expect during the cleanup:

1. Clearing Debris – We will begin by blowing out all landscape beds and lawn areas to remove any accumulated leaves and debris from the winter months.
2. Weeding & Pre-Emergent Application – Once cleared, we will weed all landscape beds and apply a pre-emergent treatment to help prevent unwanted growth throughout the season.
3. Mulching – We will start mulching in high-visibility areas first, ensuring key entrances and gathering spaces look their best before moving on to complete the entire property.

RACQUET SPORTS

All court openings will be based upon demand, weather, and maintenance. Please check with Alina for availability and timing of openings.

TENNIS - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our seven Har-Tru Courts:

1. Scraping & Removal – The old surface will be removed, with the material left on-site as needed.
2. Scarifying & Leveling – Courts will be scarified and leveled to ensure a smooth and even playing surface.
3. Weed Control – Weed killer will be applied as necessary to maintain a clean and well-maintained court environment.
4. Rolling – The courts will undergo a thorough rolling process to ensure proper compaction and firmness.
5. New Har-Tru Surfacing – Each court will receive 2 tons of Har-Tru surfacing material for optimal playability.
6. Sweeping, Watering & Rolling – Courts will be swept, watered, and rolled as needed to integrate the new surface.
7. New Line Installation – Seven sets of new Lee tennis lines will be installed, secured with approximately 1,800 aluminum nails per court – all hand-nailed for precision.
8. Additional Rolling – Courts will be rolled again to ensure a firm, stable surface.
9. Calcium Chloride Application – 100 lbs. of Calcium Chloride per court will be applied to help with moisture retention and surface stability.
10. Net Post Painting – Net posts will be painted as needed to refresh their appearance.
11. Final Watering & Net Installation – Courts will be watered as needed, and club tennis nets will be hung to complete the process.

PICKLEBALL - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our three Pickleball Courts:

1. Blowing Courts – We will start by clearing all courts of leaves, dust, and debris to ensure a clean playing surface.
2. Hanging Nets & Screens – Nets and windscreens will be installed and inspected for proper fit and stability.
3. Clubhouse Maintenance – Sound barriers will be hung around the clubhouse to enhance the playing environment.

PADEL - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our Padel Court:

1. Removing Winter Protections – All protective coverings will be taken down to transition the courts for seasonal play.
2. Hanging Nets – Nets will be installed and checked for proper tension and alignment.
3. Cleaning Glass – Court glass panels will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure clear visibility and a polished look.
4. Topdressing with Sand – Additional sand will be applied as needed, following the guidance of the Racquet Sports Director, to maintain optimal playing conditions.

AERATION SCHEDULE

GREENS:

• **March 3/10/25– 5/8” Solid Tine Aeration w/ no sand (5%)
• *Monthly (May to July) – ¼” Solid Venting Tine (no removal)
• ***August 8/12/25 or 8/19/25– 3/8 ” Hollow Tine Aeration and Light Sand Topdressing (5%)
• ***October 10/20/25 – ½” Hollow Tine Aeration w/ Heavy Topdressing (8%)
•   ***December – 5/8” Solid Deep Tine Aeration w/ Heavy Topdressing

*    Minimal disruption to putting surface (healing time a few days)

**  Medium disruption to putting surface (healing time 7-10 days)

***Most disruption to putting surface (healing time 10-14 days)

Emphasis put on removing 20% of surface area per year

TEES:

• March 3/24/25 - 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing
• August 8/12/25- 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing
• October - 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing

      FAIRWAYS:

•     March 3/12/25 – 5/8” Hollow Tine Aeration (COURSE CLOSED FOR CARTS)
•     March 3/17/25 – ¾” Solid Deep-Tine Aeration (no cleaning necessary)
•     August -  ¾” Solid Deep-Tine Aeration (no cleaning necessary) w/ Verticut
•     October – Graden Dethatching of Fwys/Approaches or ¾ Solid Deep-Tine
•     November - ¾” Solid Deep-Tine Aeration

      ROUGHS: All Roughs and Lawns will be aerated starting in November.

HIGH GROVE Gil Hanse's New Project

We should all be proud of our property and golf course for so many reasons. One of the biggest is that Gil Hanse early in his career carved out these beautiful hazards we have perfectly placed around our golf course. Please take some time to click the link and read about his newest project that we had the pleasure of touring a few weeks ago.

https://golfclubatlas.com/early-thoughts/early-thoughts-from-a-too-early-visit-to-high-grove-club/ 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 2/5/25

WINTER WORK EQUIPMENT

• Most carts, rollers, aerators, and tractors are now serviced. New batteries for electric carts are being ordered for install once the weather warms. New lights being installed on carts, rollers, and fairway mowers.
• White Pickup Truck in shop due to blown transmission.
• Takeuchi has been flushed, drained, new valves/seals, etc. Starts and runs as of now but needs $5,000 new DPF Exhaust filter. On order from Japan. TBD on delivery and repair by outside mechanic.
• Fairway Mowers rebuild of roller bearing kits and grinding service to begin 2/10/25 as they are now 8 yrs old with over 3,000 hrs. and need a major overhauling.
• All cutting units have been cleaned, sharpened, greased on site as of 12/31 except our fairway cutting units which will be completed in the coming weeks. Once the 70+ cutting units are complete we then service machines and make any necessary repairs. 

WINTER WORK PROPERTY

• Backside of brick wall along front circle, island between pond and parking lot, property line along parking lot, #3 left property line cleared, chipped, and trash cleaned up of saplings, branches, under growth.
• Continue the clearing of small under growth, saplings, and fallen branches in wooded buffer areas, outside front circle, buffer area between road and parking lot, parking lot property line, left of hole #2, left of #6 tee, and outside of front circle We have some larger tree work to complete but until we make repairs to our TL-10 Takeuchi we will not be able to move wood.
• Reached out to all employees to do a check in, as I always do, to gauge their interest in returning for the upcoming and see how their time away is going. I think this is important, so our men don’t feel like they are forgotten while they are away. These guys are the driving force that allows us all to look good and be proud of our property.
• Tree Work scheduled for 2/11/25 this work will start with the dead trees around the property then move to Brent’s hit list. Unfortunately, due to the Tak being out of commission we have not done any in-house tree takedowns and instead have focused on important property line detail which is equally as important.
• Shopping vendors for employee uniforms.
• Property detail as needed from winter or windstorms as needed. We always have someone here for storms and always have someone check the grounds daily.
• All reporting from 2024 closed out and all EOP placed to maximize savings.
• Attended PGA Show with Dan and Nick. Thank you to both for a great experience of work, golf, and High Groove Tour.

 

 

 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 1/15/25

 

 

Winter Weekly Notes Since last Update:

• Week of 12/19 Finished Deep Tine Aeration on Tees, Approaches, and Greens / Sprayed our final Plant Protectants Greens, Tees, and Fairways / Heavy application of sand topdressing for winter protection on greens.
• Week of 12/23 One more medium application of sand topdressing on greens / 2 small snowstorms / Earl and Mauricio on vacation.
• Week of 12/ 30 Shop work and Dump Truck Repair / Earl and Mauricio on vacation.
• Week of 1/7 Mauricio and Earl back from vacation and in shop grinding reels and servicing equipment / Cristian and Diego attending Suny Delhi Apprentice Program (thank you Dan) / Webinars and Recertification
• All Pesticide Reporting, 2025 License Recertifications, Water Reporting, and continued education will be addressed in the coming weeks and ongoing.
• Setup meetings and discussed our Tennis Court surfaces with Tennis Planning Corp. as per requests to elevate our surfaces. We have a detailed plan on our we can achieve our goals and I’m looking forward to discussing with all of you and working with Glen and his team. Alina/Dan lets jump on a call soon.

 

WINTER WORK EQUIPMENT

• All cutting units have been cleaned, sharpened, greased on site as of 12/31 except our fairway cutting units which will be completed in the coming weeks. Once the 70+ cutting units are complete we then service machines and make any necessary repairs.
• Our Fairway Mowers this off season and getting full roller bearing rebuild kits as they are now 8 yrs old with over 3,000 hrs. and need a major overhauling.
• All carts, rollers, aerators, and tractors will be serviced and checked for repair work by 3/1/24.

This work will be performed by Mauricio our full-time mechanic and supplemented with all of us being hands on in the shop during the winter months should we get snowed in and unable to work outside.

 

WINTER WORK PROPERTY

• Property detail as needed from winter or windstorms as needed. We always have someone here for storms and always have someone check the grounds daily.
• Continue the clearing of small under growth, saplings, and fallen branches in wooded buffer areas, outside front circle, buffer area between road and parking lot, parking lot property line, left of hole #2, left of hole #3, left of #6 tee. We have some larger tree work to complete but until we make repairs to our TL-10 Takeuchi we will not be able to move wood.
• Should we have an early thaw I have several drainage areas to address and drain.
• Renovated designated cart path areas detailed in our winter/spring 2025 project plan.
• 2/1/25 I will be contacting all employees to do a check in, as I always do, to gauge their interest in returning for the upcoming and see how their time away is going. I think this is important, so our men don’t feel like they are forgotten while they are away. These guys are the driving force that allows us all to look good and be proud of our property.