Turf School Day Three

Today was FRIDAY!!!!! We started the day with a soil science class. Most soil science classes I have had were from the soils perspective, but this soils class will be from the edaphic or plants perspective. We discussed the different materials that make up soils and the varous soil horizons. O, A, B, C, R. O for the organic matter on the soil surface, A for the topsoil layer, B for the zone of accumulation, C for weathering soil, and R for the parent material. We then had a golf course design class. The instructor is a local golf course designer who has designed 20 courses and worked or consulted for about 300 across the country. We discussed the use of aerial photographs and topographical maps today. We ended with turfgrass identification. This class was similar to the turfgrass development class we had on Wednesday, it is like a lab portion for that course. We discussed and looked in detail at the differences between the baldes of different turf types and the ligules, auricles, sheaths, vernations. So far most of the material has been very familiar to what I learned at BYU, but all the material has been golf course specific as opposed to landscape or other agricultural applications.

Turf School Day Two

Today we had Math, Introduction to Mowers, and Landscape Management. Tha math was all about solving the areas of different shapes and areas. The mowing class was about clip rates and making sure that your mower is set up with the correct number of blades to cut at the needed height. We discussed the difference between rotary and reel mowers; the pros and cons of each. We finished up the day with Landscape Management. We discussed the difference between management and maintenance. We also discussed the importance of managing the golf course and landscape to the intent of the designer.

Turf School Day One

Today was my first day of turf school. It was an interesting experience... Most of the terminology and things we discussed in class I was familiar with. Today we had our introduction session and orientation. Our classes last for an hour and a half. We have several different subjects, some we have weekly for the ten week session and others we have weekly for five weeks, then we have a different class for the remainder of the five weeks. Today we had an irrigation class and a turf development class. I will continue to provide updates throughout the session.

It is Official!!!!

Well it is official now. I am committed to spend this spring, summer, fall, and part of winter at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. I guess it is official unless I somehow fail a drug test. I am excited to work there and they are excited for me to work there. It is going to be an interesting experience.

All I Wanted for Christmas...

I told Mike that all I wanted for Christmas was William to like me. Here we are in Vegas and he was happy to have me walk around with him and hold him. He was actually mad when I stayed at the Cowboy Christmas when Mike and Judi left. It was nice to finally have William like me. Thanks Mike and Judi

Quail Hollow

Well today was my interview and Quail Hollow Aptitude Test. It all started this morning at 7:19.
6:45--Woke up and got ready
7:05--Informed that the boss was on his way to pick me up
7:19--Met the boss in the lobby and I ate some oatmeal. (He said he would pick me up at 7:30...the itinerary said we would meet at 8:30)
7:30--Interview
9:30--Quail Hollow Aptitude Test
11:11--Drive like a maniac to get to the Airport
11:35--Arrive at Airport
11:48--Get through security to find out that flight is delayed
12:25--Take off out of Charlotte
1:40--Plane to Salt Lake took off... WITHOUT ME!!!
1:41--Land in Memphis
1:52--Get ticket for the 6:35 flight to Salt Lake
6:25--Discover that we will not be leaving until 10:09
8:51--Discover free internet on Boingo Network-Thank You GOOGLE

Well besides the crazy delays the visit was excellent. I think that I am going to accept the job offer and spend the summer and hopefully the next few summers in Charlotte North Carolina!

Charlotte, NC

Well I left snowy Salt Lake this morning and arrived in Charlotte this afternoon. I was picked up at the airport by Jeff the course superintendent. We sat and had a quick informal interview this afternoon. Then I went on a course tour with Dan one of the assistants. I am staying in the local Hampton Inn and Suites. WOW what a sweet hotel. The mirror in the bathroom has a built-in television. All in all, I think Quail Hollow would be a wonderful opportunity.