BEACHCOMBER NOVEMBER 2012 - Beach Grove Golf Club

SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT
by Ian Murray
At the time of writing I have to state that from feedback and observations the course
playing conditions have remained very good for this time of season and considering that
we received 9.15 inches of rainfall from October 13th to November 1st. There is no doubt
that keeping our course dry through late summer has extended better than normal conditions
through early fall. Our Maintenance Team is well into the daily routine and challenge
of cleaning-up the course with blowers, leaf mulching, raking, sweeping, removing
branches, chipping, cleaning-out beds, checking and cleaning drains, stump clean-up, top-dressing traffic areas,
and of course mowing all the turf! Staff have also spent two days winterizing the irrigation systems at
the clubhouse, maintenance facility, and golf course. This is a delicate procedure as the system is pressurized
with compressed air to remove the water from the lines, valves, and sprinkler heads.
With the sudden transition to fall please be aware that areas on the course may become slippery under foot
particularly concentrated traffic areas around the tees and greens. To avoid having an accident, always use
stair cases where provided, avoid walking on steep slopes, walk on your toes (not flat-foot) when walking
downhill, and be certain that your foot-wear is suitable and in good condition. Should you notice any areas
becoming slippery please report this to us so we can address the situation in a timely manner.
For protection of the golf course we have initiated our winter preparations to help reduce the accumulated
impact of steady play through the off-season; a time of significantly reduced growth and recovery of turf areas.
We ask that you please do your part by always observing the posted notifications, on-course signage,
roping of problem areas, and by using your best judgment in the interest of not causing any undue damage.
The alternate greens are being maintained ready for use at any time when conditions warrant the protection
of the regular greens mainly excessive moisture, soft surface conditions, frost, frozen ground, or severe disease
pressure.
We would like to welcome Wesley Schulz to our Maintenance Team. With a background in landscape maintenance
and management and education in Horticulture and Arboriculture Wesley is applying his skills and
knowledge while learning the fine art of golf course maintenance practices. Wesley has filled a position vacated
by Spencer Vandenbos who recently accepted another opportunity closer to home while he continues
his studies to pursue his goal of becoming a Firefighter. Thank you Spencer for your contributions over the
past years and we wish you all the best with your future endeavors.
On Saturday, November 3rd our Club is hosting the 6 th annual Hannah’s Heroes
Fall Fundraiser dinner, dance, and auctions event where 100% of the
proceeds go directly to the foundation and help support the BC Child and
Family Research Institute to help find a cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer. Our
local Tsawwassen girl was only 4 years old when she was diagnosed with inoperable
brain cancer and passed away the following year on October 31 st .
Her Mother Cathy passed away a year later from cancer at the young age of 40. In the past few years new
and very promising developments have been discovered by the extremely dedicated and hard working research
team. We would like to recognize the tireless efforts of Staff member Nichole Windblad for her continued
work as the Hannah’s Heroes Event Coordinator. Nichole, a former neighbor of the Hatlen Family
commits a tremendous amount of time and energy towards this cause. Way to go Nichole! For more information
please take a moment and visit www.hannahsheroes.com
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