The end of the season is fast approaching. Some of the busier clubs are aerating greens, tees and topdressing. The fungicide program is speeding up with the added frequency of applications. Shortly, irrigation line will be blown. Take your time with this important function to make sure all water is removed. If you have experienced any problems with your pump or motor, remove it this fall and have it repaired. Don’t wait until the spring. The same hold true for sprinkler heads. After removing them, make sure the openings leading to the water lines are capped for the winter.

The weather was perfect for our annual Research Tournament in Swift Current August 22nd. There was a good turnout and some good golf. The Skins game at Doug Leavin’s Chinook Golf Course was well attended on a golf course that was in beautiful condition. We thank Chinook for their kind hospitality in accommodating us.

The 2011 S.T.A Research Tournament is three weeks away. Make sure you mark August 21st (Skins) and August 22nd on your calendar. Help us promote Turfgrass Research in our province. Another plus is the exchange of ideas with your colleagues. Richard Berk at Elmwood and Doug Leavins at Chinook will have their golf courses in prime shape for the events.

Our next big event will be the 2011 S.T.A Research Tournament held this year in Swift Current. With this newsletter you will find an entry form. Put a team together and fax it to me as soon as you can. We need your entry to raise much needed funds for Turfgrass Research.

Summer is supposed to be here but the weather does not want to cooperate. It’s been cool here but in the south they are receiving something they don’t need—rain. The ground in southern areas must be saturated and there are a number of southern golf courses that aren’t fully playable. Some courses still have some flood problems.

A lot of golf courses in our province are having water problems. While some are completely closed, others are only playing nine holes. Courses in Saskatoon opened on Good Friday and from what I’ve seen, are in excellent shape. Greens, tees, and fairways at my old club are awesome.

I’m sure everyone is tired of our rotten weather and are anxious for spring, particularly with the warmer temperatures in April. I’m sure some people are very concerned that there will be an abundance of water, delaying the opening of golf courses and parks. The ground saturated by last summer’s rains won’t help either.

It’s been a long winter and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to spring. One thing is sure however, we will have lots of water around. Some golf courses will have too much, which will delay this spring.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas with lots of presents and especially good cheer. All the best to everyone in 2011 and especially good health. I hope we have a better summer than last year, with great conditions and lots of golfers.

Thank you to everyone who has helped STA whether be hosting a field day or year-end tournament or your attendance at a seminar or meeting. You are showing support for our Association and our industry.