Being "green"

Some of you have already read the article in Saturday's Courier about water usage on golf courses.  If you didn't catch it, here is the link:

Courier Article

I appreciate John's article.  While everyone may have their political views or agendas on the environment and water usage - nobody can dispute the facts and John did a great job reporting facts and not biased information.  Here are the facts for FCC to reiterate the article:

1. FCC is home to a variety of wildlife from the bottom of the food chain all the way to top.  This is a great example of a healthy environment that is thriving from the insects, squirrels, rabbits and birds up to the deer, foxes and hawks.

 

2.  An independent lab test has confirmed that the water coming out of the drain tiles is cleaner than the water being applied for irrigation.  FCC is a 150 acre filter for the Blanchard River.  Healthy turf is a natural filter, trapping sediment and using the nutrients suspended in the water.

 

3. We employ handwatering techniques and the latest technology in wetting agents to make small amounts of water go further.  There are more problems with overwatering vs. drier conditions.  Therefore, excessive amounts of water are not used.  Moderate amounts of water are applied via irrigation as needed to maintain plant health.  Without healthy turf, runoff and soil movement increases, making light amounts of irrigation not only necessary for playing conditions but also a good environmental practice if rain is not in adequate supply.

 

In the end, we all agree: Do what we can to make this a better place!

 



More criminal damage

This morning we were greeted with an interesting surprise. 

 

11 green was tore up around the cup along with a few choice words.  The flagsticks and flags from #10 and #11 were missing and a tee marker from #9 was gone.

 

I apologize for not being able to get rid of the writing - it just needs to grow out.  Usually, anything done to try to cover it up just makes the writing look worse and draws attention to it.  The words should be gone after the weekend.

 

There was also a few items thrown into the pool.

Findlay PD came out and took pictures and will file a report.  I am having the officer request more patrols in the area during the evening hours.  His thought is that more patrols will not help much,  therefore we will be looking into costs for motion detector lighting and a security camera system.

 

Landscaping

We are again updating some of the landscape beds around the property. 

 

The outdated plants in the landscape beds around 8 tee were removed.

We then added Oakleaf Hydrangea, 'Cityline Rio' Hydrangea, Blackeyed Susan and Creeping Myrtle.

The landscape bed near the cart staging area was planted with 'Alice' Oakleaf Hydrangea.

 

Around the clubhouse we removed damaged plants from this past winter, replanting with 'Autumn Brilliance' Serviceberry, 'Ann' Magnolia, and 'Green Gem' Boxwood.  We also replaced the Heritage River Birch near the second bridge on 8/9.

 

Landscape plants are not inexpensive, when time allows and funds can be used, we will continue to replace and update the landscaping, keeping the clubhouse area an oasis that is pleasing to the eye.

 

Grounds staff golf outing

As I alluded to in an earlier post, the Grounds staff is starting to shrink already for the season.  Before all the seasonal staff starts to leave for school, we wanted to show the staff our appreciation for their hard work this summer.  On Wednesday we completed our morning assignments and then got the chance to enjoy the course from a different perspective!

Jordan, Phil, Vinnie and Evan

Ethan, Adam, Dan and Jarred

Julian, Drew, Brandon and Tyler

Jason, Eric, Myself and Danny

Following the 18 hole scramble golf outing, we had a cookout at the shop. 

 

After the Ohio Junior Championship in June, the OGA sent us a large box of steaks to say "Thank You".  We finally got a chance to grill these.  But to feed 17 hungry guys takes a bit of food.  One of our very generous members at FCC sponsored our event and cookout.  He was very appreciative of the hard work the guys put in this year and wanted to acknowledge them.  We were able to treat the Grounds staff right.

We set up a buffet in the shop.

Had to get a picture of Wayne in here, he didn't play golf, but sure enjoyed the food.

 

I am extremely thankful and proud of the crew this year, they did an outstanding job.  While we didn't have any major storms or floods, maintaining a golf course is hard work no matter what you're doing.  The entire staff raised up to the challenge and gave the members a wonderful golf course this year.  Great job men and thank you!