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

The STA Fall Wind-up and Annual General Meeting is approaching quickly. It’s at the Dakota Dunes Casino on Tuesday, December 2nd. Jim Ross from Olds Alberta will present the seminar: “Winter Protection”. This should be of interest to all Turf Managers in our province. Learn the latest in the protection of your golf course from snow moulds, desiccation and so on. The whole day should be enjoyable so plan on being there. The cost to STA members is $50.00 which covers the seminar, continental breakfast, lunch and the banquet.

The end of the season is fast approaching. Some of the busier Clubs are aerating greens and topdressing. The fungicide program is speeding up with the added frequency of applications. Shortly, irrigation lines 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 holds true for sprinkler heads. After removing them make sure the openings leading to the water lines are capped for the winter.

The STA 2008 Research Tournament as a successful event. The Jackfish Lodge’s people treated us very well and deserve a huge thank you for their kindness. Kyle Kellgreen looked after all our needs and contributed to a great event. Everyone who attended commented on not only the fine facility but the fine condition of the golf course as well.

Golf courses around our province are rebounding after a dreadful spring. The main culprit, mostly in the southern part of the province, was desiccation. With the cool spring greens in particular had a tough time coming back. Greens at the Hillcrest in Moose Jaw were excellent this spring. Hard working superintendent Gary Cross did a fine job removing snow and hauling water to his greens early in the spring. The same was true in Swift Current where Doug Leavins and Richard Berg hauled water to their greens early in the spring also.

The STA is holding its Research Golf Tournament at Jackfish Lodge Golf Club in Cochin, Saskatchewan on Tuesday August 12, 2008. Entry is $70 per person or $280 per team of four. The Shotgun Scramble will start at 11:00 am sharp. Included with this newsletter is an entry form which I hope you fill out immediately and send back to me by fax (306-244-0513) or email me your entry at  soupyd@sasktel.net . Please enter and help fulfill our commitment in supporting Turfgrass Research in Saskatoon.

It’s June and we need rain badly throughout most of Saskatchewan. Golf Courses in parts of the province suffered from the wrath of last winter and perhaps this spring. From calls I’ve received and people I’ve talked to, conditions are the worst they’ve seen in years. This is not to say all courses got hit because there are some in excellent shape. Time will bring good things and everything will return to good shape.

Most of our members have now started their seasons. Courses and Parks in the province are now open for business. There is still snow in the Northwest and flooding in the Northeast. The South generally is suffering from draught conditions. Most courses are in good shape and, as is the case every year, there are some who have had some winter damage.