I sit here and prepare this report in a much more comfortable seat for two reasons. 1) the weather is starting to warm a little, 2) we've just had 2.5" of rain, basically a third of our total rainfall for 2012!!

Especially for us turf managers here in the desert, there is simply no substitute for natural rainfall.  90% of all golf courses in the desert deal with water quality issues, mainly salinity (sodium).  With our constant practices of gypsum applications, acid injection, verticutting/aerifying and topdressing (throughout the summer) we are able to counter these conditions. However when we get a good, steady amount of rain like we've just seen this past weekend, it basically cleanses the soil and is essentially like a free fertilizer application!

The timely rainfall really sets us up for a successful season as we get ready for our main events, club championships, member-guests, etc.  Along with the rainfall however, we can expect weed pressure, namely Poa annua.  As the temperatures increase in the next 2-3 weeks we will be applying "Trimmit" to both golf courses to suppress the Poa, we will also be treating all our desert perimeters with pre emergent herbicide to reduce weed pressure in the desert areas.

Our desert maintenance crew are currently working on #11 of the Peaks course, continuing in a reverse order.  We do make special exceptions for houses that are up for sale, this was a Greens Committee decision, as it is in the best interest of all of us to make these homes more appealing to sell to prospective members!  Please note, any other special requests for desert maintenance need to be in writing and delivered to the TVGC maintenance office at 26604 N Forest Rd.

This weekend I will be heading to San Diego to compete in the GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) National Golf Championships.  This year they are being held at Torrey Pines-South Course, just a week after their PGA Tour stop, so that will be a treat.  This is a very competitive event, but also a great opportunity to share ideas and network with Superintendents from all over the world.  Following that, will be our National Conference and Trade Show also in San Diego where I can further network and see the latest technologies and equipment pertaining to golf course management.

Shortly we will have a "GCM" (maintenance) tab on our Foretees page which will have the usual guidelines and updates for your perusal.

Lastly, I'd like to congratulate Nelson Yazzie who was voted Employee of the Month for December.  Nelson has been with us for a little over a year and continues to be committed to the overall success of our department by displaying excellent abilities and constant teamwork.

On behalf of the Golf Course Maintenance team,

Dean Hall

Golf Course Superintendent

1.  Beginning Saturday, February 2, we will be utilizing cross-over tee times on the Peaks golf course only  and only on Saturdays.  This will continue through March.  This procedure provides 9-12 additional tee times and thus increases accessibility to our golf courses during the busy season.

2.  Due to high demand,  tee times have been added to the women's Thursday open tee times.  In addition, three nine-hole tee times will begin on the back nine.  

3.  In line with the Club's general policy, fivesomes are allowed and are expected to adhere to pace of play guidelines.  As these tee times are to be open to any woman, the use of "x's" on the ForeTees system is discouraged.

As most of you know I have purchased a second beverage cart which will be up and running the second week of February.  This second cart will be in service  whenever necessary, typically weekends.  I will not be taking the carts to Rio Verde as once thought,  both carts will remain here at Tonto Verde to ensure the very best  service possible to all members and outside play.

Beverage Buggy Member Pricing: (Which as you can see is lower than the menu board price)

• Domestic Beer $3.00  Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Light & Coors Light
• Import  Beer $4.00  Heineken, Corona, Blue Moon,  Leinenkugel Honey Weiss & Summer Shandy
• Soda  $1.00 all other soft drinks are $2.00 which include Gatorade, Arnold Palmer, Ice Tea, V8 and V8 Fusion for a healthy option.
• Sandwiches $4.00   Tuna, Turkey, Ham & Cheese, Chicken Salad.
• Dry Snacks $1.00  Apples, Bananas $2.00 and the now famous muffins @ $3.00
• Organic Hard Boiled Eggs $1.00 which was a special request of Mr. & Mrs. Bates. 

I  thank each and every one of you for your support & suggestions, it has been helpful in making this a successful business and I look forward to your continued support.

Stacey Marlow

Home on The Range Is Sweet 

The First Tee of Phoenix (www.thefirstteephoenix.org), located at 9510 South 7th Street, utilizes golf and other programs to teach young people life skills that allow them to face challenges at home, school, and play in a constructive manner.  Founded in 2003 in partnership with The Thunderbirds Jr. Golf Foundation and The First Tee national program headquartered in St. Augustine, FL, impacts the lives of over 80,000 youth per year at six area locations.  They provide a foundation for the acquisition and internalization of the First Tee Nine Core Values - honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, and perspective.  Their vision is to further impact tens of thousands of youth by inspiring adults to mentor, coach, volunteer, and invest financially.  Their programs are linked with the National School Program, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, church groups and other organizations; and are offered to young people between the ages of 4 and 17 years.  They work to instill into these young people such healthy habits as fitness and nutrition, maintaining quality friendships, dealing with bullies, and contributing to healthy family and community relationships.  All equipment and monetary contributions are most welcomed, and our Tonto Verde Golf Club liaison to The First Tee of Phoenix is Steve Calandrella, TVMGA director.  Golf clubs, bags, balls, shoes, clothing, and accessories can be donated by contacting Steve for pickup at 471-7229, dropping items off at his home at 19106 E. Tonto Verde Drive, or bringing them to the Golf Shop where Jeff has made some limited storage space available.  Thank you all for your continued support.