Cross country ends the 2011 season.

The cross country event was another gas! This year we played a nine hole scramble and the winning team shot 37. Check out the member in the photo, I think he is calling his shot!
The weather has finally turned and snow is falling this morning. We have cut nine temporary greens into the original back nine just in case cabin fever becomes to much to bear.
We have some excellent firewood that will be stacked at the end of the cart shed. It is all maple and oak, come and get it, it won't last long.
Winterization of carts will be a subject this week, I promise!
Hope you had a great holiday weekend,
Turf

Cross country

It is official, the cross country tournament will be held on Friday. This is considered by some, to be the greatest event ever!
Next week we will post winter cart storage care!
Happy thanksgiving,
Turf

Long summer

It has been a long summer, an it continues. The photo is of a divot that was taken out of seven red green. I am now officially rooting for snow.
Turf

There is something strange growing

at Briar Ridge, and its on my face.  Every November, I participate in Movember, I grow a mustache in attempt to change the face of male cancers.  My family doesn't care for it, and i get a lot of flack, but I think it is important.  Men are not typically good at this, look at the pink ribbon.  This year has taken an important meaning for me, as last night I learned my favorite Uncle has terminal liver cancer.  Please help me to do something good with the ridiculous thing on my face.......visit my site http://www.movember.com/m/1091738 and make a donation.

I call this years mo, "the trucker", Thank you,

Turf

Frozen surfaces

The greens froze overnight. Yesterday soil temps were in the 40's, so as soon as it warms up, they should thaw. It is currently 30, so we should be ok to go about 11am. The low for Friday night is 32, and we will keep checking soil temps, but delays for Saturday could run into late morning.
This could be the last week for greens,
Turf

Last rose of summer

It looks as if we will be playing on greens through thanksgiving weekend! The forecast only calls for two maybe three nights of below freezing. If the greens do freeze, we will not allow play on them until the entire profile thaws out. Thaw can sometimes take until around the noon hour, so if you are planning on playing, watch the nighttime lows. Once the greens enter a solid freeze cycle, play is limited to temporaries.
This weekend looks good,
Turf

Special note from the ladies!

This November weather is something else!!  We have not had but a handful of frost delays, and the greens look like they will be open again this weekend.
I agreed to pass along the invite to the 9 and 18 hole ladies association Holiday party.  The link is below.  Please take a moment and read it, even if you are a male!  This year we have an opportunity to show appreciation for a staff member who fights a courageous battle each day.  Lynn Fontanyi  has battled cancer since 1999, more of the story is in the invitation.
Congrats on your Bears beating up on my Lions.....cheaters,
Turf


Briar Ridge Ladies Holiday Party

More great fall golf

It may be a little windy, but it is warm. Course is in good condition an the greens are rolling well. Get out and enjoy this while it lasts.
Perennials should all be cut back by now, but leave your grasses until the spring.
Don't forget to clean your gutters,
Turf

Warm and windy

We are open, carts on the path. Looks good for the weekend and we will keep the greens open. Due to the cold temps and the grass growth slowing, please repair all ball marks. Any voids in the putting surface that are left open this time of year will surely be filled with poa annua next spring. Remember, just because your ball is not on the green, doesn't mean that you didn't make a pitch mark!
These are bonus days,
Turf

Upcoming week forecast

The forecast is warm for the weekend. We have decided to keep the greens open, since nighttime lows dip below freezing only for a couple of days. If the forecast holds, long delays could be possible on Thursday and Friday, as we wait for the putting surfaces to thaw out.
Have a great day, it is rainy, but really warm!
Turf

The poor practice tee

The range is closed for the season and our poor practice tee is feeling bad. We still have many open areas, and they will remain that way well into the spring. We are examining our option over the winter to provide our members and guests with quality practice facilities. Those options include changing the variety and possibly the genus of the turf.
We will see how many of you actually read this after that zinger!
Turf

Sometimes I border on ridiculous

And fall is one of those times. Soon after Florencio leaves this green, it will be covered in leaves again. This year seems to be a steady stream of leaves falling to the ground. The first freeze has been predicted for Thursday. We close the greens when the greens begging to consistently freeze at night. We still have a couple of good days coming, Tuesday is one of them.
The mustache is for movember, which raises money for male cancers,
Turf

Frosty morning

Delays are common right now, typically we don't start until 9:30 this time of year. It is 37 degrees at 8:20. We will change rotations to get you out ASAP.
Turf

Wonderful weather

It seems like summer is trying to hang on as long as she can. The nighttime temperatures at the key to keeping us playing on the the greens. Once the putting surfaces start to freeze, is when we go to the temporary greens. So get out here while we are still on the greens.
Mowing and rolling today for the weekend!!
Turf

Little air compressor

This little guy will help us remove the water out of our irrigation system. This endeavor will take us the next five maybe six days. We systematically go through the system to ensure that freezing water does not damage our pipes over the winter. High pressure air can damage nozzles and gear rotors , so if you have a home system, be sure to have it inspected at start up for proper functioning of each head.
Yes, this thing consumes some diesel fuel,
Turf