"Priddis Pride" - Turf Care Department Guest Blogger

As a 23 year member and Past President of Priddis Greens and now in retirement a member of the Priddis Greens Turf Care Team, I find that I am asking myself, almost everyday where did our “Priddis Pride” go?  I know that all the members of the Turf Care Department have it, as witnessed by the 75 members that worked long hours during last weeks storms and flooding putting the course back in top shape for our members and continue to do so day in and day out.  I know that all the other departments (Pro Shop, Food & Beverage and Administration) have “Priddis Pride” as they all work diligently to provide the best service possible in their respective areas. I know that many of our members have it, as they compliment and even boast about what a great facility we have and how lucky we are to have so many dedicated people managing and working at Priddis Greens.  “Priddis Pride” in many cases is about housekeeping, which is not something many people like, but it should be part of everyone’s responsibility.

It appears that some members don‘t seem to share the Priddis Pride Vision that was established as a motto many years ago, as evidenced by some of the things I see everyday as I work and golf at our club.

It is important to obey the Cart Path Ruling for the day and never drive in any rough areas except to enter and exit the fairway when the ‘Stake to Stake’ ruling is in effect.  Driving on the rough compacts the grass and over time becomes unsightly and difficult to mow.  The enter/exit stakes are move regularly to control cart traffic wear and protect the rest of the rough.  On days (or holes) where the ruling is Cart Paths only, if your ball is on the short fairway grass, when you walk out to it, get in the habit of taking the container of divot mix with you, to use in case you create a divot when taking your shot.  Fixing divots helps the course heal and makes for better playability for everyone.

If you use a pull cart for your round, please return it to the clubhouse or starter’s shack when you are finished.  Leaving them out on the course, because you decided to accept a ride with someone that is on a power cart could result in it being stolen or it requires someone from the back shop having to go out and collect it at the end of the day.  Similarly when there is a ‘shotgun’ start and you take a pull cart to or near your starting hole in the trunk of your vehicle, when you return to your car, please bring the cart back to the clubhouse.

Ball marks on greens are another area where each member should take time to fix their own ball mark and any other ball marks they see. The smallest things like cigarette butts tossed on tee boxes and greens or worse the plastic tips from cigarillo products that can damage mower blades, to beer/pop cans/coffee cups/food wrappers etc. is unsightly when left on the course.  We have garbage and recycle containers at every tee box, halfway house, parking lot and many other places throughout the property so there is no excuse for not being able to find one.  Then there are the larger things that I notice that have a negative affect on the aesthetics and on the condition of our facilities.

                                       

This is NOT where to enter, exit or the condition to leave a bunker in.

(picture from June 26,2013)

Take bunkers for example, if you are in a bunker (even the Short Game Practice bunker) it is your responsibility to rake it when you exit the bunker so that it is in good condition for the next member or guest that has the misfortune of hitting into that bunker.   Speaking of exiting (and entering) bunkers, please take the time to walk around to the ‘lowest’ point to enter, hit your shot and then rake your way back out and exit at the ‘lowest’ point.  If you have to ‘side step’ up or down the side of a bunker, that’s an indication that you are not using the lowest point. (see my Blog on this topic from Saturday, May 11, 2013 – click on Older Posts at the bottom right).

Let’s bring back PRIDDIS PRIDE where everyone, does their part to make and keep Priddis Greens the premier golf facility that it is.

Dave Harron

Member and Past President