AGM Report - Greens Committee

The mandate of the Greens Committee is to advise and assist the Board of Directors on all matters related to the golf course grounds, ensuring the course is maintained and enhanced for the benefit of its members. Throughout the golf season, the Committee meets monthly, with additional meetings in the off-season, to review course conditions, identify areas for improvement, address member feedback, and guide long-term planning.

This year’s most pressing challenge was drought and water usage. With no full rain days from May through mid-October and a record number of rounds played, the turf faced unprecedented stress. Our irrigation records, which date back to 2008, confirm that 2025 was by far our highest year of water consumption, roughly twenty percent higher than the previous peak in 2015. Despite these extreme conditions, all usage remained within permitted limits, and daily maximums were reported as required.

Member communication continued to be a top priority. Our turfgrass website and blog have become essential tools for transparency and education, offering members access to course standards, updates on daily maintenance, and insight into capital projects. With more than 2,500 visits and over 2,100 blog post views this season, the site has proven to be an effective channel for keeping members informed and engaged. Special thanks to Kevin Moores for his leadership in maintaining this valuable resource.

A major highlight of 2025 was the completion of Phase 2 of the Master Plan. After in-house preparation work in fall 2024, contractor-led construction proceeded smoothly and was delivered on time and on budget. The membership response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the newly reconstructed tee on Hole 3. Additional projects completed this spring included:

·       Fairway bunker reconstruction on Holes 1 and 6

·       Tee reconstruction and widening on Hole 3

·       Greenside bunker reconstruction on Holes 8 and 16

·       Removal and redesign of greenside bunkers on Hole 13 with the creation of a new chipping area

·       Fairway bunker removal, fairway widening, and greenside bunker work on Hole 17

·       Removal of the left greenside bunker and reconstruction of the right greenside bunker on Hole 18

We also continued to see meaningful improvements in turf growth and playing conditions around several greens, evidence of the long-term value of our tree management initiatives. Increased sunlight and airflow are making a noticeable difference, and this work will remain a priority. With the help of volunteers, we will continue selective clearing to further improve turf health and consistency.

Member satisfaction with course conditions reached exceptional levels this year. Overall satisfaction climbed to an impressive 99 percent, up from 95 percent the year prior, reflecting the combined efforts of our Turf Department, Committee members, and dedicated volunteers. The improvement across tees, greens, fairways, and bunkers demonstrates the value of sustained investment and careful stewardship.

As the Committee looks ahead, several priorities were discussed and presented to the Board by our Board Liaison, Steve Foot. Potential large-scale capital projects include discussions around the irrigation system, improvements to the retaining wall on Hole 13, new orange tee construction, and continued bunker replacements. With the success of the Hole 3 tee project, enhancing tees across the course, especially par threes and smaller high-traffic tees, will be a central focus in the coming seasons.

The Greens Committee is proud of the progress achieved in 2025 and remains committed to pushing forward with new, manageable initiatives in 2026. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors, our volunteers, and the entire Turf Department for their ongoing dedication and professionalism. We also thank our members for their continued support and invite them to reach out with questions or suggestions as we work together to strengthen the conditioning, playability, and long-term health of Oakfield’s golf course.

We thank the 2025 Greens Committee members for their dedication and service:

• Chairperson: Robert Hawkins

• Club Member Volunteers:Cheryl Burgess, Ryan Theriault, Jay Cameron, Heather Tillsley, Greg MacDonald, Mike McGrath

• Board Liaison: Steve Foot

• Staff: General Manager Eric Tobin, Golf Course Superintendent Kevin Moores, Assistant Superintendent Brandon Saker

Thank you for your support and commitment to Oakfield Golf Club.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Hawkins Committee Chair You’re Greens Committee