Spring is in the air... I promise!

     Hello everyone! My name is John Stitcher. I have been Andy's assistant superintendent for the last 18 months, and have transitioned into the role of (interim) Golf Course Superintendent. I hope this will be the first of many opportunities to communicate with you about the operations of the Agronomy department, and to address your questions, concerns, and even complaints.

     First, just a little about myself. Originally from Upper Marlboro, MD, I moved to the eastern shore in 2004, and have lived in Delmar, MD with my wife Amy since 2006. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the first day I punched a clock at a golf course maintenance department. All of 16 years old, I can still remember the anticipation...the optimism...the excitement! I had been begging the Superintendent at my local golf course for a shot at working on the grounds crew, and I had finally gotten it. I try to bring that same enthusiasm and excitement to work with me every day, and to instill that attitude in my staff.

     I slowly worked my way up from grounds staff, through irrigation tech, spray tech, foreman, assistant superintendent, and 2 head superintendent positions, and have landed firmly and happily at the Peninsula. Ok, enough about me...lets talk about the golf course.

   

     It's a very busy time at the Agronomy department. As we manage Andy's departure, and the transition of our staff from Brightview to Troon, we are also off to a running start with multiple programs and projects to get the course ready for in-season play, as well as summer heat and stress. McDonald & Sons, one of the nations premier golf course builders, is near completion of the latest phase of our bunker renovation project. This spring, they have removed and replaced draining in nearly all of the fairway bunkers that typically hold water after heavy rains. The new drainage is being installed deeper, in wider trenches, with a superior gravel to protect the lines from contamination. This will allow us to return the fairway bunkers to playable condition much more quickly after rain events.

   

We are also in the midst of our spring aerification of the golf course. Mother nature has decided to go ahead with the rain she had planned this week, regardless of how I feel about it. That being said, we have adjusted our plans accordingly and are making excellent progress. As I type this on Tuesday afternoon, we are very nearly done with aerification and topdressing of all of our greens, and well over half way through the fairways. We will be working until dark tonight in an attempt to complete all the fairways before Wednesdays rain.

     In the coming weeks, you will see us applying fertilizers and pre-emergent herbicides, resuming normal mowing and bunker raking schedules, and finishing up the details on some of our projects. And when you see me on the course, please, stop me, introduce yourself, and tell me whats on your mind!