The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge

Agronomy

Pro Tip: Course Care 101 – Divots and Ball Marks

Golf is a game of precision and respect—not just for the sport, but for the course itself. One of the easiest ways to keep The Grizzly in top condition is by properly replacing divots and repairing ball marks.

Here’s how you can do your part:

Replace Divots: If your shot takes a chunk out of the fairway, replace the divot whenever possible. Press it back in and step on it to help it re-root. If the divot shatters or is missing, use the sand/seed mix provided on the carts and fill the area evenly.

Repair Ball Marks: Greens are delicate, and an unaddressed ball mark can cause long-term damage. Use a proper ball mark repair tool (or a tee if needed) to gently push the edges of the mark inward—never lift upward, as that can harm the turf. Lightly tap the area with your putter to smooth it out.

A well-maintained course makes for a better playing experience for everyone. Thanks for keeping The Grizzly in great shape!

SPRING AERIFICATION

The Grounds and Maintenance crews are hard at work preparing The Grizzly for the upcoming spring season! In addition to exterior building and patio clean-up efforts, this month’s focus includes deep-tining the greens, spring aeration, and applying essential fertilizers and chemicals to promote healthy turf growth.

As early as possible in March, the team will deep-tine the greens, tees, and driving range. This process helps alleviate compaction and improve root growth, ensuring healthier playing surfaces. Disruption to play should be minimal. Then, approximately 3–4 weeks later, in late March or early April, the crew will conduct a solid-tine aerification, followed by verticutting and a light sand topdressing.

Aerification is a critical practice for maintaining high-quality turf conditions. Over time, foot traffic and routine mowing compact the soil, restricting air, water, and nutrients from reaching the root zone. By aerating the greens, we relieve this compaction, improve drainage, and encourage stronger root development, which ultimately leads to firmer, more consistent playing conditions.

These efforts will ensure the course remains in top shape heading into what looks to be a busy golf season. We appreciate your patience during these maintenance periods and look forward to providing the best possible playing experience!

Grizzly golf course Superintendent attains GCSAA Class A Membership Status

 

Recreation Management Services, Inc. is proud to announce golf course Superintendent Brian Pero, has achieved Class A membership status by meeting the standards established by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Brian has been a Superintendent at Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge since 6-1-21.

GCSAA Class A membership is awarded to members who are currently employed as a golf course superintendent and have met specific requirements in the following categories; formal education, a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education and at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent. To demonstrate environmental stewardship, Class A members have either provided proof of a valid pesticide application license or have passed the GCSAA Integrated Pest Management examination.

GCSAA Class A status is the preferred membership class of the association, and is a standard for the golf course management profession. Golf facilities employ GCSAA members because of their focus on overall facility success. This is because they understand what constitutes an enjoyable experience for the golfer and what it takes to make a facility financially successful. GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. To find out more visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.