BLOG: Jottings from Todds Notebook

Course Conditions UPDATE April 2012

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Over the last 10 days the warm weather has allowed the Drake Creek Golf Course to completely mature from winter dormacy. So now it's official. I can finally say it. "Drake Creek has fully recovered from the Great Flood of 2011!". It's been almost exactly a year since the historic flood suffocated our course. So please excuse the pun when I say it feels so good to finally have our head above water.

In fact, even though it's early April, I think the course is shaping up to be better than ever. Our fairways are already in prime, summer-like condition and our greens have fully recovered from spring aerating. The record heat wave from last summer took its toll on the back edges of the greens on holes 6, 9, and 14. But aerating two weeks ago seems to have cured those areas as well.

Tim Gardner, our golf course superintendent, has worked tirelessly managing the recovery project. I can't tell you how hard he's worked and how many obstacles he's overcome. What I can tell you is that he is a pro among pros and we would not have survived with him.

Now that we are back, we need you back! Please come play Drake Creek and see for yourself how nice the course is. We'll all be glad to see you!

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State Widens Ledbetter Bridge Overnight!

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State Widens Old Ledbetter Bridge Overnight!

The State Highway Department has restricted large trucks from using the US 60 bridge that joins Paducah and Ledbetter. In fact, the state has restricted all non-emergency traffic over 3 tons. That may sound frightening to some people, but it’s quite refreshing for those of us who play golf at Drake Creek.

What the State, and News Channel 6, hasn’t told you is how much easier it is to cross the bridge now. The alleviation of semis and dump trucks means no more white-knuckling and breath-holding just to pass oncoming vehicles. I crossed the bridge this past Saturday morning and only passed 3 cars. I had so much room that it was easy for me to eat my breakfast sandwich and finish my texting conversation! (just kidding)

The old bridge is obviously in need of repairs. Repairs the State would prefer not to make since the new bridge will be done in two years. By alleviating large, heavy vehicles the State has reduced daily traffic by 35% and the daily weight load by more than 70%, which probably doubles the old bridge’s life expectancy allowing it to last until the new one is complete.

So come to Ledbetter, in your car, standard pick up, or SUV. We’re going to have a nice year at Drake Creek and we want you to be a part of it.

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Drake Creek's 2012 Outlook

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It's no secret that the historical Great Flood of 2011 affected course conditions at Drake Creek for all of 2011. We were closed for most of May and June and we lost 6 greens that were under water for 27 days.   Matters were compounded by the fact that our maintenance crew was forced to focus on repairs instead of routine maintenance. The rest of our course suffered as a result.
     We've always prided ourselves on consistently good course conditions. In fact, we usually claim we're the best course in the area you can play. But local golfers should naturally question Drake Creek's 2012 outlook. Here's what we expect.
     TEE TO GREEN: We spent $130K in 2011 on new sod to repair all the damages to our fairways, bunker shelves, and green aprons. The sod had matured nicely by year's end. We've put down the necessary chemicals and fertilizer this fall to insure it will be excellent in 2012. Sod trucks will return in early 2012 to replace the the last zoysia aprons and to sod any bare places (if they can find any). We've also replaced all the sand in our bunkers that was washed out by the flood. The flood debris created a few drainage issues which should be resolved by February 1. Anticipated Grade: Better than ever!
     GREENS: Well the good news is that the six greens we lost are now our 6 best greens. The bad news is that 4 other greens didn't do well in 2011's record July heat wave. However, those greens are recovering nicely and we anticipate they'll be perfectly normal after we aerate this spring. Anticipated Grade: As good as always!
     GOLF SERVICE: We've hired a property manger, Aaron Bryant, to oversee operations and insure your experience is a good one. Bruce Dowell, our long-time teaching professional returns along with Matt Smith and Dave Stanley, everyone's favorite golf shop assistants. We'll be instituting a ranger and starter service on busier days to insure a better pace of play and to enforce our new cart policy designed to protect our new golf course. And did I mention we just took delivery on a brand new fleet of golf carts? Anticipated Grade: Better than ever!
     BIG NEWS: Drake Creek obtained Livingston County's first ever Golf Alcohol License this past November.   We are building Ledbetter's first ever bar and grill which should open in late March. This exciting new amenity will feature casual dining, a large bar, private banquet areas, 4 large HD TV's, and a large patio overlooking the golf course. The facility has been designed to enhance your experience at Drake Creek Golf Club. We'll be offering more staffing and service including a beverage cart service on most days. And the new facility will afford us more social events including parties and theme dinners. Derby Party anyone? Anticipated Grade: Better than ever!
     They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. We got knocked down hard in 2011 but it wasn't our fault. We've gotten back up, albeit slowly, and now we're starting to dance a little.   I think we'll be stronger than ever by late spring and I hope you'll dance with us!

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THE DUCK CALL MAY 2012

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Click the link below to view the May 2012 Newsletter
DuckCall0512.pdf

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