2020 Spring Newsletter
2019 Recap
For many golf courses 2019 was one of the toughest years in a long time due to excessive winter kill from a Christmas rainstorm. The 1.5” of rain formed a thick layer of ice making the gas exchange process impossible. The very susceptible Annual Bluegrass (poa annua) can only withstand 45-60 days under such conditions that remained closer to 85-90 day. Our surfaces here at Pioneer Creek are predominately creeping bentgrass which has a much hardier 90-120 day window before devastation. Nearly every turfgrass management practice we incorporate is in an effort to promote bentgrass on our greens and the Kentucky bluegrass/fine fescue blend on our fairways. The less annual bluegrass we have on the golf course the less risk we ever have of catastrophic damage.
During the 2019 campaign we were able to accomplish some pretty fun changes to the golf course. The vast majority of the greens we subject to a very noticeable expansion. Many of the fairways are now drastically bigger allowing for more width and angles. Expanded greens have allowed for a more prevalent ground game as the edges of greens come much more into play. Look for us to fine tune a few more greens and fairways.
Another project we accomplished was removing the bunker behind the 13 green. The bunker had a spring that constantly drained into the bunker during periods of excessive rain. We took the sand from the bunker to build a new forward tee on #6. While the new forward tee might seem too much of an advantage, with the green perched up on the hill a birdie is never easy.
Look for us to remove several other bunkers this season as well. Many of the bunkers are placed in areas that “double penalize” a player. When a player hits a wayward shot, the initial penalty is being off line and out of position, the recovery shot doesn’t also need to be from a bunker. The left fairway bunker on #4 as well as the bunker on right side of #15 fairway come to mind as perfect candidates to remove. The sand in the bunkers will be harvested and used for other projects.
As we look forward to the 2020 look for us to continue to play firm fast and FUN!! We are excited to get the season underway!
2019 Pioneer Creek Collegiate
Our annual collegiate event hosted for the Minnesota Gopher and University of St. Thomas was a fabulous weekend for golf! The University of St. Thomas captured the Team event with very strong play from Emmet Herb who placed 2nd individually. The Individual medalist was won by Brandon Smith of Texas A&M whose three round score was -10. We are excited to host this event again in 2020! Please come out and watch this very talented field.
What's New in the Pro Shop
World Handicap System
The USGA has implemented the World Handicap System that replaces the GHIN handicap system. You can learn more about the new system on the USGA website.
All GHIN handicaps have automatically been moved by the MGA to the new WHS.
New Bev Carts with Credit Card Processing
We have to new beverage carts this year - no more backfires during your backswing! We will also be able to start taking credit card payments on beverage cart purchases.
Leagues/Lessons Open for Registration!
Senior Men's League- Description - 18 hole league, various games/events each week, proximities and skins
- Day - Tuesdays
- Time - Tee times from 6:30-11:00 A.M.
- Description - 9 hole league, various games/events each week, proximities and skins
- Day - Thursdays
- Time - 4:10-6:20 P.M.
- Description - 9 hole league, 4 man teams, match play with handicap, individual prizes for most points per individual "Top Gun"
- Day - Wednesday
- Time - 4:20-6:10 P.M.
- Description - 9 hole league, various games/events each week, proximities
- Day - Tuesday
- Time - 4:00-5:10, 6:10, 6:20, 6:30 P.M.
- Description - 9 hole league, vaious games/events, proximities
- Day - Monday
- Time - 4:00-6:00 P.M.
- Description - Combination of teaching/drills and on course play. Girls and Boys, 2 - 4 week sessions
- Day - Mondays
- Time - 8:00 A.M. - Noon
- Description - Play 4 or 9 holes, family rate, great way to get the whole family on the course!
- Day - Sunday
- Time - 5:30-7:00 P.M.
We have multiple individual and group lesson options. Details and signup forms are available on our Lesson Information page
