It seems like just yesterday, we were in another usual winter day here at Stow Acres.  The shop doors were closed, it was snowing outside, and we were waiting for it to accumulate so we could go out and clear it for maybe the tenth time this winter season.  Two weeks later it’s 52 degrees outside, the shop doors are open, accessories are being polished and painted, and new cups are being cut on the course.

Yes, tomorrow, March 10th is opening day for the South course.  It certainly came as a shock to be this quick, but that’s what New England does and we are excited!  Weather patterns are definitely unusual.  Surprisingly enough, the course is fairly dry.  The greens are a little soft and most of the turf is still dormant, but the course is actually ready for golf.  Yesterday we spent some time shoveling a few greens to help speed up the melting process.  There will be two temporary greens on holes 10 and 11, but for most it should be an enjoyable round.  In the shop, it seems like we have gone from 0 – 60 in a matter of minutes.  The winter was a nice break from the hectic golf course maintenance season, but we are definitely ready to get out of the shop and begin another successful year.

I would like to mention at this time that there will be some differences this spring than what you were used to in the fall.  The greens and landing areas in the fairways will be pretty soft.  You will be ableto shoot for the pin, but your drive definitely will not carry as far.  Most of the sand traps have been fully raked, but there is still some that need sand added.  We are aware of this, and we continue to maintain and improve the course.  Hole #4 will be changed into a par 3 for an unknown time period.  The fairway, as always, is extremely wet and by moving the tee markers up allows you to not worry about losing your tee shot in the fairway.  Hole #15 will also have the tee markers moved up to the bottom of the hill.  The tee complex is very wet and the tee will remain closed until it dries.  We appreciate your patience while these areas dry out from the winter moisture. 

As always, we will continue to bring you excellent playing conditions.  We look forward to seeing you on the course tomorrow!

-Jason VanBuskirk, Superintendent