Denise's Corner

Wrapping up 2021

It’s hard to believe 2021 is almost over. Every year comes with its own challenges, some in and some out of our control. First was the drought, controllable with our irrigation system. Then there was the seven-inches of rain that fell in ten days during the month of July. While not controllable, this prompted us to start planning better drainage in the eighth fairway. But then there was the labor shortage, the 'big one', a new challenge for all businesses. Every year we need to change our maintenance practices for weather conditions such as floods, drought, heat, and cold but with the new labor challenges, the change needs to come in the form of reduced labor hours without sacrificing quality. It might not sound like much, but one way we combated this challenge was by replacing the mulched areas where the benches sit with concrete. This eliminated the need to mulch and weed all summer long, thus saving on hours by our grounds crew. I think if we can continue changing how we do some of the little things on the course, the big things like greens, tees, and fairway maintenance won’t be effected. 

With labor difficult to come by these days, we are so grateful to have wonderful volunteers like Doug Ranney and Bob Wulff. Doug has dedicated every Wednesday to helping us plant and maintain our native areas on the course. He's always there when you need him and willing to do anything asked. He's such important part of our crew. Thank you Doug for all the little and big things you have done for us over the past 6 years! This fall, Bob Wulff volunteered to be our greens mower on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This opened him up to much ribbing from his golfing buddies, but to us he filled a very important need. Thanks Bob for always showing up! Two terrific guys, and we're so lucky to have them!

I think we had a pretty good season this year. It couldn’t happen without the dedication from a fantastic crew! Edgar, Hector, Wayne H, Wayne P, Mizra, Gary, Jack, Kevin, Emily and Will all need to be congratulated for “getting it done!” With the end of the season right around the corner, we would like to thank you for choosing Pottawatomie Golf Course for your golfing pleasure! On behalf of the entire crew, Happy Holidays and hope to see you next year!