Course Conditions

As your new Director of Agronomy, I could not be more enthusiastic to join the team at Champions Retreat, and while reflecting on my last 3 months here, I am eager to experience the Club's many events. With that, there is also a four-legged friend that is even more excited about being a part of Champions Retreat and her name is Drizzle. For those who have not been able to meet her on the course, Drizzle comes to the golf course daily to deter the geese from occupying residence here at the Club. Stop and say hello next time you see us passing through.

Over this short period of time, our team has accomplished a great deal of success during our Fall golf events by maintaining a firm, fast and clean course. Following the completion of the Member-Guest, the Golf Course Maintenance team began establishing the winter playing surfaces on teeing grounds and at the practice facility by overseeding with perennial ryegrass. While dry weather impeded the initial germination, we were able to manage the moisture levels to achieve the goal. Since the initial dry spell, we have experienced excessive amounts of moisture, which has led to the decline of some of the ryegrass due to saturation. We will continue to address drainage where needed and cheer for some dryer days ahead.

Another area of focus has been pigmenting applications on fairways to maintain color and definition on the golf course.

Due to the recent artic blast of cold air, all pigment has departed and color has been lost. Beginning January 9th, our team will work with permanent colorant, which behaves more like a paint to allow for the desired definition without the excessive water needed to germinate the seed.

Over the next few months, our staff will be directing their attention to winter projects. Our focus will be preparation for daily play as well as the upcoming ANWA in March. These winter projects will include overall facility maintenance, bunker sand distribution and painting of fairways. We will continue to work on building a culture within our department that is consistent throughout Champions Retreat. “Your culture is your brand,” is a moto I live by, meaning if we show that we care for our staff, facilities, equipment and property… our team will notice, gain interest into the process and the results will lead to great things in the future.

On a personal note, I am happy to report that my family and I are all once again under one roof with our move from North Carolina now complete. My wife Anne and two boys Tanner (14) and Tate (12) are excited to get to know the area. I can’t thank you, the Membership and the Leadership Team for your support and understanding over the past few months.

We look forward to the joys and challenges that lie ahead in 2023.