Today we are tracking a major storm system that is forecasted to bring up to one inch or more of much needed rainfall to the Commonwealth. At this time we’ve only received one-tenth inch of rain at Idle Hour in November and we’ve only had a little more than 6 inches (6.19) total rain since the end of July. Now you know why your drives have been getting thirty extra yards.
This storm system is also expected to bring colder air into the region making for a chilly Thanksgiving. We are getting close to that final mowing of the year for certain surfaces. I know I would be most thankful if yesterday was the last mowing of my lawn. ;)
Some other tasks going on today include repairing one more irrigation leak before we winterize the system in a couple of weeks. And there is a small army cleaning up leaves, which I’m certain you won’t be able to recognize their progress after this storm moves through based on the forecasted winds. But I am sure if the winds bring down the remainder of the leaves the team will be most thankful. ;)
This year Thanksgiving day falls on November 23rd. Did you know our original golf course architect Donald J. Ross was born on November 23, 1872 in Dornoch, Scotland? That’s right, Mr. Ross would be 151 years old this year. Young Donald was about five years old when Old Tom Morris first improved the links at Dornoch in 1877, and later Donald would spend time in St. Andrews serving an apprenticeship under Old Tom at the home of golf before returning to Dornoch to take over as the golf professional.
Later Donald emigrated to the United States where he became the most prolific golf course architect of all-time. Including one famous design here in the commonwealth of Kentucky, Ashland Country Club for Colonel E.R. Bradley in 1924. Renamed Idle Hour Country Club in 1946 you are privileged to boast ownership of the only golf course in Kentucky with direct ties to the home of golf. Wow, talk about something to be thankful for.
And forgive me for going off script here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to care for your historic golf course. Thank you for your patience as I settled into my new environment and thank you for your trust and confidence as we continue to improve and build momentum towards next year. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you, your families, and your guests.
Happy Thanksgiving!
It is we who thank you for the passion, dedication, experience, and expertise you bring to your work. It is no small feat to properly care for the living ecosystem that is a golf course, and you have delivered on all that we hoped when we chose you as our next superintendent. Now, being that this is rivalry week, I must refrain from any further praise and will end this with Go Hoos, beat Tech!