After an early spring, the cool windy weather slowed growth and caused turf that looked healthy to go backwards, especially in the south half of the province. Bentgrass has been slow starting and exposed hills or worn areas suffered from dessication. The rain on May long weekend replenished some moisture after a very dry spring with very minimal run off but much more is needed. The South Saskatchewan river is the lowest I’ve seen it in my 49 years at Riverside Country Club with us having to install a new intake system to ensure we could pump water.
Although courses are still very busy, it is not quite what last season was. With the start of league play and the allowing of shotguns, it is nice to see a sense of normal and I expect almost all restrictions will be lifted by July 20 as we enter Phase III of re-opening.
We are still in the planning stage of the Don Campbell Research Tournament and are just finalizing the location and date - which will be in the 3rd week of August. As Covid restrictions get lifted it will more than likely be a return to normal Tournament with a sit-down meal.
The Fall Wind Up will be held in Saskatoon in early November. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas on speakers or topics please forward them to us, or if you are interested in speaking let us know.
I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in person at the Research Tournament and wish you all a great summer.
- Doug