While the rain has forced us to pump the brakes on some golf course construction work, it has also made us more determined to build and, in one case, rebuild our social calendar. The next event on our calendar is the ever-popular Tacos and Tequila night coming up next Thursday. This is a rain or shine event as we’ll be hosting under the Cabana at the bar. Laura and the team have put together another fabulous menu and of course the Tequila will be flowing; music and comradery are also on the menu. If you are planning to attend this event, please send me an email (TMervosh@resortdevpartners.com) to register in advance.
In most parts of the country, Labor Day marks the “official” end to summer. Well, in the Lowcountry, we extend summer for a few more weeks before we put the pumpkins on the porches. Therefore, we are hosting a Family Fun Day, formerly known as the Labor Day Party, on Saturday October 8th. This event is a “do over” from the rained-out event. So how do you celebrate the end of the drought? With blow up water slides, great food and beverage, music, and pool games of course. Again, please send me a note (TMervosh@resortdevpartners.com) to reserve your spot for this party.
We have filled in our social calendar for the remainder of 2022, all the way up to New Year’s Day 2023. The highlights for the fall include a soon to be staple for years to come, “Drool at the Pool” for all members, including the 4-legged variety. It’s a pool party for us to share with our dogs! Put a paw print on October 22nd for that new event. We will celebrate Halloween with a “Trunk or Treat” on October 30th with a golf cart parade and decorating contest, plus treats for everyone. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, as we gear up for the Gamecocks and Tigers battle on November 26th, we will be enjoying our first Oyster Roast at the pool. It goes without saying that the holidays will include a bon fire and Christmas party in December. While the majority of these events are family friendly, don’t think we forgot about adult time. Our plans are to mix in several Happy Hours with a variety of musical talents, libations, and themes. Look for the entire calendar on Clubster within the next few days to allow you to circle your personal favorites.
As for the golf course, our team is plugging away and not allowing the weather to stop their progress. Ben and his team have a one-ton roller on the greens this week. This promotes more lateral growth of our Seashore Paspalum turf and obviously smooths out the surface of the putting greens. While the rain has been welcomed “at times”, we’d like to control how much water and when our golf course gets water. We’d also like to control getting the water off the course through a series of drainage plans.
Our team has completed installing the drainage in each of the greenside bunkers and we already see the successful results. We have another wave of equipment due within the next week for the next phase of golf course restoration, including a top-dressing unit that is a critical element with the putting surfaces and tees going forward. During the wet weather, Ben and his team have used their time to address the pond banks. They have been removing the extra growth around the ponds to open up views of the water to ensure a much more attractive look for our golf course during play. We’ve also contracted with a pond maintenance company to ensure the water itself is not only pristine, but safe for all of the wildlife around Cat Island.
Upcoming plans include cleaning up the maintenance facility in preparation for the new pump when it arrives, as well as the on-course comfort stations which need repairs. Our team will continue harvesting more Bermuda grass from around the club to transplant to weaker areas. In spite of the weather, we continue to make incredibly positive strides in the restoration of this fabulous golf course.
So, when we tap the brakes, it’s only to change our plans for the day or two. Each day we get closer and closer to our goals. But never forget, we will never sit back and admire the work, there will always be improvements to be made and items to tweak. Most immediately, we’ll be tweaking attitudes on Thursday night at the Tacos and Tequila party. I hope to see you all there!