Recently I visited a golf course with an extensive tree program in place. The program will take approximately five years for completion. Of interest was the tree wells filled with mulch, thus eliminating the need for stakes which would indicate a free drop if your ball was in the tree well. This also avoids one hell of an argument if someone removed the stake and set it beside the well. Besides looking good and serving a useful purpose as far as the rules of golf go, the mulch will conserve moisture for the tree.

Mosquitoes are attacking and golfers as well as golf course employees are spraying themselves for protection. When spraying, do so on a cart path or somewhere besides over the turf so as to avoid damage. Signs should be installed at the first tee indicating how insect repellent damages the turf and suggest to them where they should spray.

Congratulations to Nelson Quevillon, superintendent at the Sherwood Forest Country Club in Regina, for obtaining his Pesticide Applicators License. He will be reimbursed with a $75 cheque from the S.T.A. Way to go Nelson!

Mark this on your calendar. The 2006 S.T.A. Research Tournament will be held at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club. Grant Sawchyn is the superintendent. The date is August 22nd – a Tuesday. The entry fee is $60 per person, $240 per team. It’s a shotgun start at 9:30 am and the entry fee includes green fee, cart and supper. We need everyone to consider participating in order for the S.T.A. to meet our obligation to Turfgrass Research in Canada.

Rain, Rain, Rain! I feel for those Golf Courses and Parks who rely on fees for their financial success. It’s different for the bigger private clubs because their fees are already collected. Smaller nine-hole Clubs must find it difficult when play is restricted by bad weather.

Recently I read an article in which golf architects were asked about their thoughts on the state of the golf industry. Almost all had concerns about courses going for more length to handle the advanced technology in golf equipment, including golf balls that go further and clubs that add to the distance off the tee. All were in favour of a new tournament golf ball that reduces flight distance.

It’s an emotional issue when trees are removed from the golf course. Opponents may give a little on the subject if new trees are planted in other areas of the golf course or park. I found if you avoid the word “removal” and instead use “tree management program”, you will get less static. Also, apply your tree management program in the off season when there aren’t as many people around.

Just recently the Board of Directors for the S.T.A. met at the Eco-Centre in Craik, Saskatchewan. After the meeting and lunch the Directors played golf at the Craik and District Golf Club. The course was really enjoyable and the golf course was in fine condition. Our thanks go to the course’s superintendent, Austin Eade.

Some golf courses that we have talked to recently have rebounded from a disastrous spring, while others in the province haven’t been so fortunate. Flooding, plus wet weather are the main reasons for the slow recovery.

The S.T.A. is your association! If you have any questions or suggestions please contact us by phone, fax, email, letter or via our forum. You will only get out of the S.T.A. what you as a member will put into it!