Hail, Hail go away...

The skies opened up and gave us a huge surprise in July.  On July 11, 2010, we had a golf tournament playing on the course.  It was our annual Firecracker Open.  Although we had seen some rain in the area on the radar, it did not look like we would have a rain event.  We got the tournament out and only had them out there about 30 minutes when lightening started to pop around us.  So we sent the message out on the GPS to come back in so we could wait this thing out.  Once back in, the radar on the computer and the television started showing tornado warnings around us.  So I ran around the clubhouse and sent everyone downstairs into the cart barn area.  Sure enough the wind picked up and the lightening continued to pop so game on.  But, all of the sudden we start hearing the sound of hail coming through the trees as a rain sounds when approaching.  However, this was not any ordinary hail.  This was the nasty stuff the size of baseballs and bigger coming down with great force.  Once it reached the club it was coming down with such velocity it hit at a 45 degree angle and would bounce 10 to 20 feet high.  Everyone stood in amazement as this stuff pounded the ground.  This went on for around 15 minutes.  During that time everyone began to think about their cars in the parking lot?  Also, was this happening at their house?  It was not a good situation. 

After things settled down everyone headed to the parking lot to check out their cars.  As feared, they were beat up.  Windshields broke out.  Huge dents on the top and hoods.  Although, there were some cars not appearing to be touched. 

After surveying the cars and the clubhouse I began to think about the course.  We had hail before and it was not a big deal but I thought since this was so large maybe we had better take a look.  I called the superintendent and told him what happened.  I suggested he come out.  In a short amount of time he calls me and says "I think you better come out here."  I have been in the golf business for over 25 years and played golf for another 15 beyond that and I had never seen anything like this before.  Imagine a ball mark on the green but about 10 times bigger.  Then place those about every 4 inches and make them about a inch to inch and a half deep.  That is what the greens looked like.  22 of our 29 greens were hit.  Some worst than others.  It also became clear that the storm had started on top of us because of the path in which it took.  Besides the greens the entire course was dented up.  The concrete cart paths had been marked up with slight abrasions showing where the hail had it.  Leaves and debris everywhere.  It was a disaster. 

The biggest problem however were our greens.  It was July!  In Missouri, July is not much fun because of the high temperatures and humidity.  Normally, you would treat the damage as a large ball mark.  Try to repair what you could and then aireify and topdress with sand to fill the holes.  But with July temperatures this could not be done. Baby steps had to be taken in order to fill the damage up with sand.  Sand on hot greens is death.  We were closed for 2 months.  The damage was so bad we took nine holes and started over with those greens.  They will open in March 2011. 

I could go on and on about the stress and bad times we had in 2010 but  I will let the pictures below speak for themselves.  Let us all have a very happy 2011.

Corvette

Green

Cart Path

Green

After

Hail

You having fun yet????

Golf is supposed to be fun, right?  How many times do you ask yourself why am I playing this stupid game?  The answer is because it is fun.  To be able to keep it that way requires patience and hard work.  Sure you can have fun and just go out there and try to hit the ball as hard as you can and that is it.  But most people start to understand the game a little better as they play and understand all the strategic moves involved to score the best you can.  Sometimes you can improve with just a little assistance from your friendly golf professional.  Other times just by going to the range and hitting golf balls.  But how many of you actually look at your equipment?  How many of you understand what a shaft change can do for your ability to hit a longer, straighter shot?  Consider these options when you tell yourself you need a new set of clubs because these just don't work anymore.  Not only will it be good for your game but also on the wallet.

Having fun yet?

State of Golf...

Golf has been affected just like everything else in the country.  Although we didn't feel it as much as we initially first thought, we did take a hit.  Other factors such as the weather have figured in to some of the shortfalls that courses have felt.  Something that I learned a long time ago was you are only as smart as your competitor down the street.  If you competitor runs a crazy discounted special of some kind, do you jump on board and do the same or do you try to hold your ground?  It is crazy kind of game that we play.  It can be downfall to your business.

Many people forget that we are a business.  We get the calls for free golf donations or merchandise donations and although it may be that we can do that, we must maximize our revenues.  Giving things away can not pay the bills.  We do want to be well received in the community.  But to get a letter from the Hog Farms of South Dakota Scholarship Fund, c'mon!

Love the Golf Business!  Most days we just coast along and everything goes well, but others, wow!  You must wear so many different hats in the golf business.  Did you know we are supposed to know what the weather is supposed to be like in 2 weeks at 10am.  I didn't get that lesson during PGA business school but I have learned on my own over time.  We also must speak different languages, learn everyones name, carry the green beans out to a table, know everything there is to know about golf clubs and on and on.  But you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way.  And the other PGA professionals that I know feel the same way. 

Thanks for making our lives so interesting.

Exercise, exercise, exercise...

It is so important in the winter time to stay flexible and continue to keep your strength.  Do not come into March and expect to swing out of your shoes.  You will pay the price if you sit in the recliner and don't continue to be active.  Below are a few things you can do to be ready when the golf season starts up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp1Z5KeESAg