Large tree removal at hole #5.

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     A large Sycamore tree along Whitemarsh's 5th hole was removed a few weeks ago due to safety concerns.

     The top picture shows the difficult approach to the tree. Each section of wood was dropped into the creek then pulled out to be removed.

     The lower photo shows the condition of the supporting structure of the tree. The cavity was evident in all the wood that was dropped. This was a removal that was needed and the timing was right. I know I can sleep better at night......if this action was not taken now, the tree would of probably fall over member guest week.

January 21st at Whitemarsh. Shorts weather?

A view of the 17th green in 2005. Where is the clubhouse?

If you were standing on the 17th fairway back in the day, this is what you would be looking at. The 10th green is only 25 yards to the left but it is hidden by the abundance of arbors.  Since then many Spruce and Pine trees have been removed to help produce healthier turf. Double click the picture to get an expanded view. An added feature of the tree removals would be the beautiful views of the golf course.

The topdressing process continues.

This is our #13th fairway after being topdressed with sand. Our target rate is between 17 to 20 tons per acre. This fairway is a little larger than an acre an approximately 20 tons of sand was applied.

A wet but mild day has us out on the golf course.

We know that most of the winter the weather will be too cold to work outside. Our staff took this opportunity during this 50 degree, sunny day to cut down some of the ornamental grasses on the golf course. By cutting back these plants it will allow easier regrowth in the spring.

Christmas dinner get together for grounds staff.

After a long year of maintaining Whitemarsh Valley CC, the grounds staff was treated to a dinner out to celebrate the Christmas season. This group of well dressed men had a great dinner at Ruth's Chris, good discussion and good natured banter.

I would like to personally thank everyone on my staff. Their hard work and dedication is evident every day of the year.

Staff members from left to right:

Doug Miller, Gary Farrer, Joseph Steele, Frank Miller, Gabriel Tavara, Jim Dennison (asst. supt), Ron Weber, Jerry Stockmal (sr. asst supt), Tony Gustaitis CGCS

Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 Heavy frost this morning, frost delay.

Sat.Nov.12 Frost delay this morning.

Final phase of double row irrigation.

Senior asst. superintendent Jerry Stockmal has a big smile on his face knowing this is the last fairway we are installing double row irrigation. The original single row system was installed in the 1950's (yes, I said 1950's) and was updated with pop up heads in 1988. In the early 2000's we started upgrading to a double row system that provides wider coverage with accurate water patterns. These upgrades included brand new pipe, swing joints, sprinklers and controller wire. The majority of this work has been done in house by Whitemarsh employees and was lead by Jerry, John Fleming and more recently asst. superintendent Jim Dennisson.