This is ordinarily a slow time of year, but not for Gary and his crew. During January they distributed mulch in areas around the course to give them a refreshing new look, and they remain hard at work clearing underbrush and removing debris as well as dressing and re-dressing bunkers. It’s a never-ending job, but one which shows the pride Gary takes in improving the aesthetics and maintaining the superior condition of the course. Behind the scenes refurbishment of course equipment is also being undertaken in the maintenance facility in preparation for the growing season ahead. Feel good – play the Creek! We can also note the course improvements Jim and Gary are undertaking. The heavy rains in early January caused major erosion including a complete washout of the cart path through the low area at #9. Work remains to be done, but the cart path has been restored and other improvements made to lessen the effects of drainage both down the hill from the ladies tee and through the area below the men’s tees. Thankfully the second round of Mother Nature’s dampening of the course toward late January did not exacerbate the erosion. The other area of improvement is in process forward of the ladies (red) tee at #12. An extraordinary amount of seepage at and near ground level has been an ongoing issue, which can be seen in the photo below. Thus the cart path is being extended to prevent damage from cart traffic in that area. All should be aware to remain on high ground with carts while repair work is completed and the new cart path installed and opened for use. The warm January temps are having a good effect in one sense. Jim and Gary report growth has appeared in the 15th fairway. It won’t be sufficient to open the fairway any time soon, but it may give the fairway a jump start when warm spring weather arrives. When traveling the cart paths it’s good to keep all four wheels on the paths. A good deal of wear is showing at the edges of the paths in many areas and the grass has been significantly harmed especially where the paths make sharp turns. New signs have appeared at the driving range reminding us that use of the facility is “free” for members only. Guest players are also welcome to use the range in conjunction with their daily fees. Others are obliged to visit the pro shop to remit a range fee for use of the range. New water cooler enclosures and trash receptacles are appearing on the front nine compliments of Art Schuenemann, Rich Stamm and Dean Spiro who constructed and installed identical ones on the back nine. Thanks guys! Looking ahead, the club will host a four-club tournament on Saturday, February 25th for both ladies and men. Signup is open at the pro shop. Looking further ahead, Masters week occurs the first full week of April. Promoting guest play at the revitalized Creek as well as Aiken Golf Club benefits us all. If you know out-of-town golfers coming to the CSRA to enjoy the Masters invite them to play both the Creek and AGC.
We hope everyone had a joyful Christmas and extend best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year with much enjoyable playing time at the “new” Cedar Creek Golf Club. Feel good – play the Creek Huge thanks to all who contributed to the employee Christmas fund. The staff and maintenance guys are truly grateful!
The newly renovated tees, fairways and greens are holding their color and with Gary and his staff’s excellent work the course will remain in good condition through the cold weather months. Turf colorant is being applied to the greens to further give them enhanced appearance. Beyond that the crew is busy daily clearing and cleaning areas of Mother Nature’s debris throughout the course. (Another friendly reminder …….let’s take pride in the course, which is to say let’s fix ball marks, repair/fill divots everywhere, rake and smooth bunkers and observe cart restrictions when in force.) If you haven’t renewed your (annual) membership and handicap service now is the time to do so. (Handicap service should be renewed no later than January 10th.) Mike D. and the pro shop staff are there to help. The Men’s Golf Association will hold its annual Par 3 tournament on January 14th. A concurrent par 3 tournament for ladies will also be held. Registration is open at the pro shop. Enjoy January! |
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