The 2009 Research Tournament was a huge success with an excellent turnout and near perfect weather. The wonderful hosts at the Royal Regina Golf Club went out of their way to help us in all aspects of the event. All the competitors thought the golf course was in excellent condition. The complete day was most enjoyable and a big thank you goes to the Royal Regina!

The STA Research Tournament on August 10th is here. The Royal Regina Golf Club promises to be an excellent venue and an excellent opportunity to play on a well maintained private golf club.

The first part of July and we are all busy. Despite the spring that left a lot to be desired, things in the turf industry are going pretty well. While some golf courses had some issues as a result of the colder than normal winter and spring they are rebounding. This doesn’t happen overnight but is the result of some very hard work by green superintendents and their crews.

The start of another season, a cold one that hinders green superintendents and golfers. Golf courses in the province started up in pretty good conditions. As always, some are in mid-summer condition while others are struggling a little. With some warm weather, particularly warmer nights, everybody will enjoy first class conditions.

Spring is here once again and it’s time for all Turf managers to get at their property and get ready with clean-ups, etc. Most of the golf course people I’ve talked to in the last few days are happy with the way their course wintered.

The 2009 Saskatchewan Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show is now history. All in all it was a good show with an excellent turnout in spite of treacherous driving conditions throughout the province. All areas of the province were well represented. By all accounts the educational component was well received and by the number of superintendents I heard discussing the speaker presentations, I believe there was something each took away from the conference.

Back from Florida into cold weather again. It wasn’t that warm in Florida, but did get warmer as time went on. A bigger issue was the economy – strip malls were closed, houses for sale or rent, crime way up and there sure wasn’t as many people there enjoying warmer weather.

I’m sick of the cold weather. I’m sick of shoveling snow from my driveway and I’m really sick of driving on Saskatoon’s snow and ice covered roads. I’m so sick, I’m going to Florida! By the time you get this I’ll be in the warm, sunny part of my favorite state. I’ll be writing March’s newsletter while I’m there.

Another year has passed. I hope everyone had a great Christmas, with lots of presents and good cheer. Happy New Year to everyone! The highlight of this winter will be our March Turf Conference and Trade Show. Your attendance is a must and your club cannot miss this opportunity to send you.

What a great Fall Wind-up we had at Dakota Dunes Casino. Jim Ross gave an excellent presentation on Winter Protection. The presentation was very comprehensive and had everyone’s attention. We had great attendance with 74 people enjoying the fellowship and food throughout the day