Chicago/Northern Illinois Update: Derek Settle -
Ready or not our fall season is just a week away. I looked it up and fall officially begins on Friday, September 23 at 4:09 am. However, fall seemed to begin this week - an early arrival of cool temperatures came true. For some in northern Illinois, the experience would occur smack dab in the middle of Cog Hill's #4 Dubsdread. It was Thursday, September 15 and I was awake bright and early as a turf maintenance volunteer at Cog Hill. The PGA Tour's BMW Championship had begun in the southwest Chicago suburb of Lemont but an early morning frost meant the turfgrass crews scattered across 18 golf holes would wait. It was 2 hours until the go ahead was given at 7:30 am, because that's exactly how long it took the rising sun to melt ice crystals which otherwise damage turf when trafficked. Together outdoors, we had the look and feel of a different season as we assumed our appointed duties with jackets, hats and gloves on. The early hour work schedule was no trouble because we were helping our neighbors, course 4 superintendent Scott Pavalko, director of courses Ken Lapp and PGA agronomist Paul Vermeulen. It was a spectacular experience and along the way we were able to take in all the sites and sounds associated with a PGA Tour Event. Scott, Ken and Paul thank you for sharing and teaching what you do. Next week, when we officially welcome a new fall season, I will always remember where it began for me - Cog Hill's #4 course on number 1 green at 5:30 am.
Click here to view the September 16, 2011 Scouting Report.
Have a great weekend. Maybe we'll see you in Lemont!
Derek Settle, PhD
Director of Turfgrass Program
630-685-2307
dsettle@cdga.org
Weather Blog
Timothy A. Sibicky, MS
Manager of Turfgrass Research
630-685-2310
tsibicky@cdga.org
Research Blog
0 comments:
Post a Comment