There is an old saying that goes, "April showers bring May flowers." Well, those April showers seem to be arriving a month late. And where are the warmer temperatures? Superintendents around the region were charging up their irrigation systems in late March, but I'm not sure they anticipated utilizing them more than usual throughout April.
Many superintendents have testified that April was indeed so dry that it required supplemental irrigation to keep the course looking like a spring course should look — green. And, as we roll in to May, we are now seeing many of the showers that failed to arrive throughout April. Sure, there are always positives to experiencing a dry spring month — efficient spring aeration, easy spring clean up, completing winter projects, and in many years, even being able to consistently mow the golf course would be considered a win.
So, as we approach mid-May, we are still waiting for spring to gain some consistency and start feeling a little bit more like early summer. With expected lows dipping in to the 30s in coming days, I guess we will have to wait at least a few more before we can experience that early-summer feel.
And while the temperatures haven't been consistently pleasant, one trend that seems to be pretty consistent around the region is the number of rounds being played. Again, this is another benefit of dry spring weather. While we sometimes wish we had a little more space to complete our work, ultimately it's a positive sign when we see an increase in rounds compared to last year's books.
Around the region, many chapters have already hosted their first golf meetings for the 2016 season. Early season success at these meetings shows that guys are still interested in spending time with their peers and gaining quality education in the meantime. Other big happenings around the region include National Golf Day on May 18, multiple scholarship events, VGCSA's "Environmental Cup" hosted at Keswick Club on June 13 and Pennsylvania Golf Day on June 22.
Oh, and let's not forget, the U.S. Open will be coming to Oakmont CC on June 16-19. If you are interested in attending, remember that your Class A, SM, or B membership card will get you free admission to the tournament.
Enjoy the energy surrounding golf this time of year, and I hope to see you soon!
