April Update- Welcome Brandon!

We started April optimistically. Weather was improving and night time temperatures had improved to the point of being comfortable removing the tarps this past Friday. We were happy to see no winter damage on any of the putting surfaces. Some minor blemishes from the sand bags will grow out as the spring progresses. Contrary to what many onlookers have commented on, we have not painted the greens! A combination of climate control with the tarps and the turf plants being much longer than normal contribute to the distinct green color. We completed our first mow of the greens at a height approximately 60% higher than our peak season HOC. Over the next couple of weeks we will be progressively lowering the cut to get them ready for play. That and the turf acclimating to the conditions without the tarp will bring the color back closer to what is seen on the tees and fairways, which will green up more naturally as summer approaches.

Any hope and excitement of the crew returning and starting to make progress towards Opening Day have been effectively neutralized. Heavy snow has blanketed the golf course and stopped us in our tracks. We were looking forward to our second mow of the greens, and for further progress of Phase 2 of the Master Plan renovations, completed by Turf Masters, has been further stalled. Hopefully the madness has ended, the snow melts quickly, and we can resume with our work. We will be meeting with the contractor next week to plan our next move.

No "Poor man's fertilizer" comments please!

Exciting times here at Oakfield! Our new Assistant Superintendent, Brandon Saker has made his debut with the team. Brandon comes with recent experience at Brunello and Ashburn and is going to make a welcome addition to the club. We were able to somewhat get him acquainted with the property on Monday before the snow ground things to a halt. From Brandon:

"My name is Brandon Saker and I'm thrilled and honored to be the new Assistant Superintendent at Oakfield Golf and Country Club. I bring a deep range of experience with me to the club, having been in the golf-turf industry for 20 years. My wife and I will be celebrating our daughter Haddie’s second birthday this September and we all look forward to becoming part of the Oakfield community.  I am passionate about my faith, family and the game of golf and I can’t wait to see everyone out for what is sure to be a great 2025 golf season."

Welcome Brandon!