May 20, 2008

Hello all. I realize it has been a while since my last post, but there are several things going on in the maintenance department that members need to be updated about.

There are many areas of the golf course that are not getting the attention they need right now, as I have the least amount of week day staff that I have ever encountered. As most of you should now know, my assistant Clayton has moved on to become the superintendent at the Vegreville town course. This is an excellent step for him, and even though I wish him the best, it has left me in a very precarious position. I tendered Clayton’s position early this spring and am sad to report that I never received a SINGLE application. These must be good times economically when I cannot find a semi-qualified person to take some ambition and prove themselves in this profession to me and others like me. The position offers good pay (historically now I guess), and comes with a lot of perks. Assistants need more than just schooling – they need experience training as well. If I have to work without an assistant, then I have no choice. Unfortunately, this means that I now have to complete two jobs instead of just my own. That added strain plus having the least amount of weekly full time staff that this course has ever seen, results in a less than desirable effect obviously. We are literally just trying to keep up with the daily requirements of a golf course let alone complete any extra little tasks.

I would like it known now, that in the next month, until I can access a full complement of young men through the week, these conditions unfortunately will exist. We are only concentrating on completing the basic playability requirements that this course needs until it is possible to complete more. I have full intentions on re-filling and edging all the sand traps, seeding and sodding certain areas, keeping on top of the sand and seed boxes, weed whipping, and any other concerns that arise, at that time.

There is now no one to supervise an afternoon crew of young kids as I have and will continue to work every day until we get a routine going in our department. Even though I am no stranger to 16 hour days, I don’t feel that working everyday 12-16 hours per shift is going to result in a big visible change. I have already worked several of these shifts without a day off for over a month, and I will not allow myself to become burned out by June.

There will be many occasions however, when the course is being attended to by staff in the afternoon (normally the quiet time for golfers). The fact that I am being regularly turned down by university students and some high school students alike is definitely starting to show. These 24/7 Lethbridge-like wind conditions and no rain will also have a detrimental effect on the course, but I cannot control the weather. This only makes it harder to do my job.

I am asking that all members please keep these conditions in mind as they bring up complaints to the Pro Shop. You will hear the same explanation from them, so it will at least save you and them the time of having to explain. Ninety percent of the complaints you will have, we are aware of. I can only do the best I can with what I have to work with, so if this is not good enough for anyone, than there is nothing I can do about it. Please know this and bear with us during this time.

I hope that my next post will be a more pleasant one with better news. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Lonnie