Another Super(intendent's) Blog

[Dan Kelly]

Mike Manthey, the Superintendent at my home course (Midland Hills CC, Roseville, Minnesota; Seth Raynor, 1919), has done a masterful job of presenting us with excellent (and improving) playing conditions, year after year -- in a famously difficult climate.

This winter, he has launched a blog to keep the members informed throughout the year. I think you'll find it educational, if you are interested in matters agronomic.

Start with the most recent post, for insight into winter maintenance (and a useful image for "Your Plan" vs. "Reality"): http://www.mhccturf.com/?p=265

[PCCraig]

Dan,

Thanks for the link. Based purely on his comments on Twitter and from what I've heard from others, Mr. Manthey seems to be a superintendent that "gets it." He's also done a great job clearing out trees at Midland, in particular around the greens (just check Google Maps...it's impressive) which has helped Midland's putting surfaces' tremendously over some of the more harsh recent winters.

Speaking of which, do you have any pictures of the par-3 (4th?/5th?) with all the pines behind the green now-removed?

Looking forward to following the blog.

[Brent Hutto]

Just thought I'm chime in with my favorite example.

http://royalstdavidsgolflinksteam.blogspot.com/

The blog of Royal St. Davids (Harlech) "Links Team" headed by greenskeeper Rhys Butler.

[Jeff Shelman]

Pat,

Mike is great. The slow and steady tree removal has been great.

I don't have any pics of the trees gone behind 3 and 4. I should have taken some shots with my phone when I walked around in December.

I'm looking forward to seeing where the other spruces have gone away. Apparently a bunch from the left of 1 and right of 18 have come out (or will be coming out).

[John Crowley]

Chris Tritabaugh formerly at Northland C.C. started a blog mainly for his members several years ago. He was very succsessful in educating and informing the general membership.

At Hazeltine now he has really stepped it up a notch.

http://hazeltinenational.com/public-turfgrass-blog/

[PCCraig]

Pat,

Mike is great. The slow and steady tree removal has been great.

I don't have any pics of the trees gone behind 3 and 4. I should have taken some shots with my phone when I walked around in December.

I'm looking forward to seeing where the other spruces have gone away. Apparently a bunch from the left of 1 and right of 18 have come out (or will be coming out).

Spruce trees are horrible, horrible trees on a golf course. Any time they are removed from any course I'm happy!!!

[Jason Way]

Here's another one from Scott Thayer at Legends Golf Club, with the first year of posts up.

http://www.legendsgc.com/blog/

They must be getting some communications coaching up there in MN.  Whatever it is, it's fun to learn through following the work that these talented folks do.

[Justin VanLanduit]

There are a lot of communication items out there.  This day and age, its the best way to get across some detailed information.  Just wonder how much of the audience reads them?  I'm included a few links here, one to the blog we do here at Briarwood, the other is the motherload of blogs:
Happy Reading!

http://briarwoodgroundsandgreensdepartment.blogspot.com/

http://gcmbloggingworld.blogspot.com/

[Jason Way]

Motherload indeed!  Thanks for sharing that one Justin.  It'll keep us occupied for a while.