$Rolling on the River... Boat$

Greetings Turf Pirates and salutations! It is likely that this note finds you still in the heat of Summer and all of the sights, sounds and stresses that go with it. This issue’s tale is tied to my many years at the Stone Mountain Golf Club and while there are many tales woven around Stonemont and Lakemont, the two amazing courses that make up the Stone Mountain Golf Club. Turf Pirate historians often note that my uncle by marriage (this is a southern thing) Joe Bolton was a long tenured golf course superintendent at the big rock long before I took over the captaincy. Stone Mountain has a big connection for our family. Stone Mountain Park also has a ton of history including hosting Archery, Cycling and Tennis for the 1996 Olympic games. So, there will be some of those tales told down the road a ways but for today let’s look at greens rolling to reduce summer stress on bentgrass and the fact that for many years the Stone Mountain Golf Club clubhouse was also home port for the Henry Grady, a genuine paddle wheel river boat! There are few images of turf piracy that cover so much scattered history in one photo. Shout out to Andy Hutchinson for being the roller pilot for this shot! We who grow Bentgrass in the south often roll greens and skip mowing in the heart of the summer to reduce the stress on the turf, equipment and the staff. It is also true that just being near the water can help you turn off the heat (physical and mental) if only for a few minutes. If you visited us and played golf then took the evening cruise count yourself lucky or as we say in the deep south, blessed. Unfortunately Turf Pirates, sometimes when you see something everyday it loses its sparkle. I mean how many superintendents have an active river boat arriving and departing from the main putting green on a daily basis. The vibe in this area during the summer was always laid back, out of towners would marvel at the sight and cheer the experience. The Commons restaurant patio connected the golf shop to the boat launch and was ground zero for sweet tea, adult beverages amazing southern food and every night the Henry Grady would take to the water for a one-of-a-kind view of the nightly fireworks. Alas all good things eventually fade and this remains a fond memory for my time in turf at Stone Mountain. That’s the thing turf pirates, how many summers will we be given? What people, places and things will make up the fabric of your time in the golf industry? What amazing things are you blazing by as fast as a supped-up Super’s cart can go that someday will be gone. We have an expiration date, everything, no exceptions. Don’t let a darkness settle. Rise up Brothers and Sisters for we live forever in the tales of turf and here is this month’s assignment look around and see your property with new brighter eyes and make a note of why your place is special (every place is special). In my memory we are still rolling the main putting green at the Big Rock and the Henry Grady is making waves headed to the deep water. I can hear the wheels turning. Until next month Turf Pirates be alert because life moves pretty fast if you’re not careful you just might miss it. Roll on!