Superintendent’s Corner
As always, the Vermont weather was challenging for our turf here at Lake St. Catherine. But, good progress was made in 2022 to give golfers the best conditions possible. Our hard-working crew of Robin Hoydl, Kevin Moffit, Andy Graciano, and Jim Whitford all returned in 2022 and will be here again in 2023. Also, our turf consultant, Marvin Seaman, will be back again to support our efforts. In addition, we are grateful for the many volunteers that spend countless hours handling our many projects here on the course, as our budgets only allow for so many full-time employees.
Starting in 2001 and continuing into 2022 were our efforts to maintain and update our equipment. We purchased two additional rotary rough mowers, a fairway mower, a trap rake, and a carry-all. All were purchased as good-quality, used equipment for the club’s best value – all of which was accomplished without incurring any new debt. We maintained and refurbished the rest of our existing equipment, as well as disposed of junks items that were no longer useful.
In 2023, our focus will be on making the greens even better. Verticutting was completed on October 2022, which should make a more uniform putting surface with better speed. Much pesticide spraying was done to control broadleaf on the fairways and tees; this will continue in 2023. Much effort will be put into improving our irrigation, which is key to good course conditions, especially for the tees and greens. Much work has been done on the bunkers and cart paths; this will continue. Plus, some additional specialized work will be done on the #2 and #6 greens to mitigate root intrusion.
We wish to thank all players for their continued support. If you see me on the course, say “hello.” I can always talk turf.
Steve Forbes