Drake Creek's 2012 Outlook

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!