CDGA Winter Turfgrass Update

Winter Turfgrass Update As we hopefully manage to drag our selves out of winter over the next month we will start to see an uncovering of what the snow and ice has left for many of us. Concern has been rising amongst many of you for many reasons as the thaw begins. The depth of snow has varied of course and this is mainly impacted by wind and surfaces in exposed locations such as hillsides, open sites and southern facing areas may be more prone to the thinner layer of snow. The depth of snow has not been of huge concern however - the length of time it has stuck around however is maybe more problematic. The predominant turfgrasses in the region have different tolerances to the time of cover as well as temperature. The other issues are freezing and ice which, have two different effects will become more apparent as we go through the early to mid spring. Click here to view the Winter Turfgrass Update As always if you have a question or query please do not hesitate to ask and you can call or email. Ed Nangle PhD Director of Turfgrass Programs Chicago District Golf Association Office: (630) 685-2307 Cell: (630) 423-1925 www.cdgaturf.org Follow us on Twitter @TurfResearch

My name is Michael Paciga and I’m your new golf course superintendent at Kemper Lakes!  I can’t wait for spring to arrive! I’m very excited to be here and am anxious to get to know the members.    This will be a busy year with activities ranging from normal golf course maintenance to the completion of the final phase of the bunker renovation project. 

I welcome and encourage input from the membership.   Please feel free to contact me with recommendations, questions, concerns, etc.  I can be reached via phone or email (847) 540-7209 or mpaciga@kemperlakesgolfclub.com.  If you wish to receive an email notification when a new blog is posted, please add your email address in the spot indicated on the right hand side of this blog.   

In this blog, I would like to introduce you to some of the key members of the maintenance staff and update you on the type of activities taking place to ensure a successful golf season. 

What happens during the winter months?

Jon Savoie, our Assistant Superintendent, has been with Kemper since 2008.  He assists me with functions including inventory maintenance, purchasing, planning and scheduling.   He also assists our mechanic with reel grinding and equipment maintenance to ensure everything is running and cutting properly when spring arrives. 

Steve Sumner, our head mechanic, recently rejoined Kemper in 2012.  He previously was with the club from 1989 to 2001.   Steve’s major responsibility is to make sure all of the equipment is properly maintained and running properly. 

Reynaldo Ocampo, our foreman, has been with Kemper since 1985.  During the golf season he is primarily responsible for supervising our grounds crew.  In the off-season, he performs a variety of maintenance functions including repainting/maintaining the golf course accessories.  These include items such as ball washers, benches, tee markers, etc. that affect the aesthetics of the course.