Okay, that title is a bit click-baity. These musings are not exactly about greenkeeping. I know only enough to be dangerous. What I do know with certainty is that a Golf Course Superintendent’s job is hard. I have the good fortune of counting among my friends quite a few greenkeepers. I watch them work andContinue reading “Musings on Greenkeeping”
Tag Archives: golf course maintenance
Journey Along the Shores – Part 18 (Annual Volunteer Recap)
‘Tis the season for giving thanks. My geeky heart is filled with gratitude for all of our volunteers who come out and give their time and labor to polish up this community golf gem of ours. Our primary focus in 2017 was on the south end of the property – the Metra Loop. We continueContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 18 (Annual Volunteer Recap)”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 16 (Super Changes)
There is only one constant in life – change. Life at Canal Shores is no different. The course continues to evolve, as do our plans for its future. This season, those plans changed when we learned that our team was not going to be the same. Tom Tully, our Superintendent, decided to relocate to Colorado.Continue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 16 (Super Changes)”
Growing Grass – An Interview with Superintendent Brian Palmer
“I’ve had enough of winter already. Looking forward to growing grass again.” This text message, sent to me by Shoreacres Superintendent Brian Palmer, sums up what I love and respect about Supers. It is rare indeed to find a profession that consistently produces such passionate and dedicated individuals. Brian epitomizes that professional commitment. The seasonContinue reading “Growing Grass – An Interview with Superintendent Brian Palmer”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 10 (Off-season Projects)
The season is slowly drawing to a close, and the Canal Shores Grounds Committee has made a decision to tackle several projects between now and May 1, 2016. We have scheduled the first batch of volunteer days (sessions are 9am-noon): Sat 10/31 Sun 11/15 Sat 11/28 All are welcome, and it takes no particular skill toContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 10 (Off-season Projects)”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 8 (More Tree Management)
In a previous Journey Along the Shores post, I shared our initial approach to managing the trees in our care. A recent event prompted me to circle back to the subject. We have been working on establishing tall grass buffer areas and walking paths with the intention of planting trees to create native savannah. OurContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 8 (More Tree Management)”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 7 (Pilot Projects)
These are exciting times at Canal Shores. Momentum is building, as talented and committed people continue to lend their support. The beginnings of a new Master Plan for the facility are taking shape. It is still too early to share details here, but stay tuned. In the meantime, we have undertaken pilot projects in SectionContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 7 (Pilot Projects)”
Polishing Hidden Gems – Jim Nagle, Brian Bossert and Bryn Mawr Country Club
Conversation about Chicago golf often focuses on the big names – Chicago Golf Club, Olympia Fields, Medinah – and fairly so. But Chicago is also home to quite a few classic courses that qualify as hidden gems. I am fortunate to have access to regularly play one of those gems, the Langford & Moreau designed BrynContinue reading “Polishing Hidden Gems – Jim Nagle, Brian Bossert and Bryn Mawr Country Club”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 5 (Tree Management)
Our tree management program has begun in earnest at Canal Shores. Our strategy, which is built up on the Wide Open Spaces principle, is two-phased: 1. Remove overgrowth and invasive species. 2. Highlight remaining specimen trees while supplementing them modestly with conifer and deciduous species that we have selected for their beauty and native restorationContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 5 (Tree Management)”
Journey Along the Shores – Part 4 (First Steps)
The Canal Shores Grounds Committee spent the winter sharing ideas, from the blue sky big picture all the way down to the nitty gritty details. Spring has sprung, and it is time to get into action. While our long-term Master Plan is in the skunkworks stage, we decided that we still want to move forwardContinue reading “Journey Along the Shores – Part 4 (First Steps)”