Dear Grinnell College Golf Course patrons,
The 2019 growing season was another challenging year to maintain the golf course following the wet 2018 season. With record rain in the spring and fall it made finishing seeding projects, tile work and general daily maintenance difficult. Overall we made progress throughout and did our best to hopefully provide you with a superior product.
Seeding on 1 fairway filled in nicely and provided a good extension to the starting hole. We continue to try to improve the small details around the course including a new cart path on number 3. This was a big improvement from the existing path as it is slightly wider and higher now. Several tile lines have been repaired and added throughout the course to help with drainage and playability. Our process of tree removal will continue as it has the last several years with removal of dead ash trees and strategic replacement. The ash borer damage has grown exponentially each year since infestation. Greens, tees and fairways stayed healthy despite the tough growing conditions. As far as the course playability, overall improvement of grass conditions will continue to be a priority of next year.
We also began to renovate the clubhouse grounds to clean up the appearance. Removal of overgrown bushes, perennials, trees have provided better visibility. The new seeding has established very well in short order. Upon completion of this we hope to have a cleaner look from the clubhouse looking outward to our beautiful property.
The grounds staff, I and Sage appreciate all of you as golfers and supporters of the golf course. I feel very honored and privileged to maintain this property for all of you. I thank you for all your patience and support. This was a challenging year for many reasons but I look forward to next season and hope for better weather to come!
Thanks,
Alex Olsen, Superintendent – Grinnell College Golf Course
