ICC Grounds Department: It's August Already.....Really?

Ohio Stadium....Home of my beloved Buckeyes!

Today is the 2nd day of the Gold Putter and I enjoy watching but miss the competition. During events like this it reminds me of the best sporting arena in the country. To see how competition affects the human spirit is truely one of the greatest things sport brings to each and everyone that has ever competed. I want to provide the best possible conditions daily but on events such as the Gold Putter, Club Championship, etc.; I get an elevated sense of desire to bring a little more to the table. Friday's rain and cool temperatures sure has made this years Gold Putter something that I haven't seen before and am thankful to Mother Nature for this gift and hopefully that gift has been given to the players with course conditions.

The Dragon in proper operation.

July was a challenging month with the lack of rain and a good stretch of the summer heat & humidity. We had to rely on The Dragon (irrigation system) far to much and the many repairs that comes with its operation. It is a daily struggle at times when the daily plan is interupted with an urgent repair as to much water during the heat can lead to undesirable turf conditions. My relentless pursue to not give an inch sometimes becomes trying for myself and the staff when repairs continualy happen.

The dreaded, leaking irrigation hydraulic tubes.

It can make for a strong back but more often than not it results in a tired back that knows it has to always be ready to grab a shovel and dig till we find the leaking irrigation hydraulic tube. My hat goes off to Andrew & Cesar for having enough of my desire in them to continue helping me battle The Dragon.

Early morning before the sunrise.

A nice sunset.

The sun is risng later & setting earlier as the days get shorter and that is kinda sad as I realize we are on the downward side of the 2013 golf season but there is plenty of golf to be had in the next few months along with a lot of work to be done to improve Idlewild. Construction work on #10 & #12 tees will begin in late August as well as some small projects. If your not moving forward you are moving backward so I am happy to see these improvements come to the forefront.