HomeMy Public PortalAboutGolf Commission Packet - 10.24.23Golf Commission
Andrea Johnson
Chair
John Kissida
Vice Chair
Rob David
Jim Juras
Anne O'Connell
Jay Paggi
David Valcourt
Town Employees
Jay Packett
Director of
Operations
Colin Walsh
Course
Superintendent
TOWN OF BREWSTER
GOLF COMMISSION
1000 Freemans Way
(508) 896-1716
golfcommission@brewster-ma.gov
www.CaptainsGolfCourse.com
GOLF COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
2198 Main Street
October 24, 2023 at 4:00 PM
This meeting will be conducted in person at the time and location identified above. This means that at least a quorum
of the members of the public body will attend the meeting in person and members of the public are welcome to attend
in person as well. As a courtesy only, access to the meeting is also being provided via remote means in
accordance with applicable law. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is
being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if
technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast or affect remote attendance or participation, unless
otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda, which
includes an applicant and its representatives, should make plans for in -person vs. virtual attendance accordingly.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner:
Phone: Ca11 (312) 626 6799 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID:890 9291 0526 Passcode: 509224
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
ZoomWebinar: httils://us02web.zoom.us/j/89092910526?1 wd=WHM2V3hrVklhSTloW WhVU09kanUz(.)T09
Passcode: 509224
To request to speak: Tap Zoom "Raise Hand", then wait to be recognized.
When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide public comment or otherwise participate in
the meeting, may do so by accessing the meeting remotely, as noted above. Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast
live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (li estream.brewstcr-ma. )2n ),
or Video recording itv.ham ster-ma- =o\
Please note that for any item listed in this section the Select Board may take officials action including votes.
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of a Quorum
3. Meeting Participation Statement
4. Recording Statement: As required by the Open Meeting Law, we are informing you that the Town will be
video and audio taping as well as broadcasting this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to either
video or audio tape this meeting they are required to inform the Chair.
5. Public Comment
6. Divot repair article - Jim Juras
7. Commission calendar - Andrea Johnson
8. Getting ready for upcoming fee, rate, cap, and tee time percentage discussions -Andrea
Johnson and Jay Packett
9. Strategic Planning Updates
10. Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons
11. Review and Approve Minutes: 9/26
12. Future Agenda Items and Meetings (11/14 & 11/28)
13. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
14. Adjournment
Date Posted:
Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
Title: The Art of Fairway Divot Repair: A Golfer's Guide
Introduction
Golf is a sport that places great importance on etiquette and respect for the course. One of the
fundamental responsibilities of every golfer is to repair divots, especially those on the fairway. A well -
maintained fairway not only enhances the playing experience but also promotes the overall health and
longevity of the golf course. In this article, we'll discuss the proper way to repair divots in the fairway,
ensuring that you leave the course in better condition than you found it.
Many of us have golfed for decades, and I'm sure we've all heard a lot of 'lore' about the proper way to
repair fairway divots. This article hopes to address the true 'science of turf repair'.
Why Repairing Fairway Divots Matters
Divots are depressions or scars on the fairway caused when golfers strike the turf while taking a shot.
They can have a negative impact on both the aesthetics and playability of the course. Repairing divots is
essential for several reasons:
1. Promotes Growth: Repairing divots helps the grass to recover more quickly, encouraging
healthy growth. This ensures the fairway remains lush and well -manicured.
2. Enhances Playability: Unrepaired divots can create uneven lies and interfere with the roll of the
ball, affecting a golfer's next shot.
3. Respects Fellow Golfers: Repairing divots is a sign of respect for other golfers who follow you on
the course. It helps them avoid frustration and enjoy a smoother round.
The Proper Way to Repair Fairway Divots in the Shoulder Seasons (March, April, May, September,
October, November):
1. Assess the Damage: Before you start, assess the divot's size and depth. If it's a deep divot, you
might need a different approach.
2. Collect Loose Turf: Begin by gently collecting the loose turf from the divot. Use your club or a
divot repair tool to lift the upturned grass. Be careful not to further damage the roots or the
surrounding area.
3. Place the Turf Back: After you've collected the loose grass, carefully place it back into the divot,
ensuring that it's level with the surrounding fairway. Press down on the turf with your foot to
make it sit flush with the ground.
4. Use a Divot Repair Tool: If the divot is too large to fix by simply replacing the turf, use a divot
repair tool. Insert the tool at an angle around the edges of the divot and gently work your way
towards the center, pushing the grass toward the center.
The Proper Way to Repair Fairway Divots in the Summer (June, July, August):
1. Topdressing: Some golf courses provide a mixture of sand and seed for golfers to use to fill
divots. If available, use this mixture to top -dress the repaired divot. This helps with grass
regrowth and provides extra protection for the repaired area.
2. Tamp Down: After filling the divot, gently tap it down with the sole of your club to ensure it's
level with the fairway surface.
3. Water and Finish: If possible, water the repaired divot to promote quick recovery. However,
don't overdo it, as excessive watering can damage the grass. Finally, stand back and admire your
work, knowing you've done your part to maintain the fairway.
At The Captains, we're blessed with the opportunity to play golf year-round. The Proper Way to Repair
Fairway Divots in the Winter (December, January, February) is a bit more difficult. Grass will be dormant
in the winter, so topdressing with seed is not effective, and replacing divots will not allow the roots to
re-establish themselves. It is best to follow these steps in the Winter:
1. Topdressing: it is likely the winter mixture will be mostly sand, the seed will be saved for golfers
to use to in the spring. It is still important to top -dress as it provides extra protection for the
repaired area.
2. Tamp Down: After filling the divot, gently tap it down with the sole of your club to ensure it's
level with the fairway surface.
3. Finish: Stand back and admire your work, knowing you've done your part to maintain the
fairway.
Additional Tips:
• Repair divots immediately, if possible, this will help the roots re-establish themselves (when
replaced).
• If you can't find the loose turf from your divot, use the seed and sand mixture provided by the
course (if available) to fill the hole.
• Be mindful of other divots on the fairway and repair any you come across during your round, not
just your own.
Conclusion
Repairing divots in the fairway is an essential aspect of golf etiquette and good course stewardship. By
following the proper divot repair techniques outlined in this article, you can help maintain the beauty
and playability of The Captains courses for yourself and fellow golfers. Remember that golf is not only a
sport but also an opportunity to connect with nature and respect the environment. Repairing divots is a
small but meaningful way to contribute to the sustainability and overall enjoyment of the game.
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TOWN OF BREWSTER
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631
(508) 896-3701
GOLF COMMISSION
Minutes of September 26th, 2023
Commissioners Present: Andrea Johnson (Chair), John Kissida (Vice -Chair), Anne O'Connell, Jay
Paggi, Jim Juras and David Valcourt.
Others Present: Jay Packett (Director of Operations), Colin Walsh (Superintendent), Terry Ivester
(Women's 18 -Hole Assoc.) and Bill Meehan (Liaison to Finance Team)
THIS MEETING WAS VIDEO RECORDED. The meeting may be viewed at: https:/%reflect-brewster-
ma.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/7700?site=1
Andrea Johnson read the meeting participation statement and called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Declaration of a Quorum — Six Commissioners present which constitutes a quorum.
Public Comment: None.
State of the Captains - Discussion and approval (Dave Valcourt) - Andrea Johnson noted they will be
unable to approve The State of Captains at this meeting as she had sent out a draft not the completed
version. Dave Valcourt expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to discuss and clarify any
discrepancies or issues related to the commission's message. The main focus of the discussion was on the
"State of the Captains," with two key objectives in mind: finalizing adjustments to the document and
establishing a plan for how these documents will be created and distributed in the future, including the
frequency of such reports.
The discussion covered various topics related to The Captains Course. Key points and decisions made
during the conversation include:
Financial Review:
- The discussion began with a financial review, highlighting the revenue and expenses for the year.
- Overall, it was reported that the course had a successful year, exceeding revenue targets.
Membership Numbers:
- There was an emphasis on the increase in memberships, particularly non-resident memberships, which
contributed significantly to the financial success.
Course Conditions and Renovations:
- The discussion touched on course renovations, the condition of the course, and specific areas that
needed attention.
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Teaching Programs and Growing the Game:
- The teaching program, led by Patrick, received praise for its role in introducing and teaching golf to new
players, especially in youth programs.
Pro Shop and Merchandise:
- The success of the Pro Shop was noted, with a mention of diversifying merchandise to cater to
different tastes and price ranges.
Capital Planning Updates:
- The Commission discussed the town's Capital Planning updates for the 2024 season. Several capital
projects, such as equipment replacement, new maintenance building, and course improvements, were
mentioned.
Environmental and Water Savings Initiatives:
- The Commission highlighted technological advancements, such as using drones for thermal imaging
of the golf course to improve irrigation efficiency and conserve water. It was noted that significant water
savings could be achieved through these measures.
Nitrogen Mitigation Plan:
- The conversation mentioned the nitrogen mitigation plan, which involves drilling wells on the golf
course and using pan lysimeters to measure the nitrogen flow and its impact on groundwater. The results
indicate that the golf course's impact on nitrogen levels is less than previously estimated, contributing
positively to the town's environmental goals.
Discussion of Communication Strategy:
- The need for reorganizing and possibly condensing the information in the report was discussed. It was
suggested that the most critical information, such as capital planning updates and environmental
initiatives, should be placed closer to the beginning of the report to ensure it receives proper attention.
Quarterly Reporting:
- There was a recommendation to move towards quarterly reports to keep the information current and
allow the Golf Commission to better monitor and communicate course operations, initiatives, and
challenges. The idea of rotating responsibility for compiling these reports was also considered.
In summary, the Commission covered a broad range of topics, with an emphasis on the golf course's
financial performance, future plans, and environmental initiatives. The decision to transition to quarterly
reports could help streamline communications and keep the Golf Commission updated more regularly.
Dave Valcourt expressed a desire to organize and capture the comments and input from the Commission
members. Anne O'Connell suggested that comments should be consolidated and sent to one person, then
shared accordingly. The discussion emphasized the need to maintain the Commission's collective voice
and engage all members in the reporting process. Overall, the goal was to streamline communication and
share critical information effectively.
Pump House Protection: RFP, Irrigation water source/supply study, scope of work (John Kissida &
Jay Paggi) - The Golf Commission discussion revolved around the proposed scope of work for the
"irrigation water source and supplies study." The scope was renamed to be more focused and precise,
previously named "pump house protection plan". There were concerns about the budget of $100,000 for
the study, but the consensus was that it should be sufficient given the available data. The conversation
also touched on the importance of selecting the right consultant for the project. The potential use of a
pond as a storage solution was debated, considering the need for adequate water storage and its impact on
the golf course. The reliability of electrical power for the irrigation system was highlighted, especially in
the context of past issues during storms. It was clarified that the purpose of the scope was to prepare for a
Request for Proposal (RFP) related to the irrigation system study, not for presentation to the Select Board
or Finance Committee. The urgency of completing the study during the non -irrigation season was
emphasized, as the golf course's irrigation system could not be designed until the study's results were
available. Overall, the focus was on addressing the golf course's water supply and irrigation system
challenges, finding the right consultant, and ensuring the study's completion in a timely manner to avoid
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delays.
Capital Plan for 2025 - 2028; discussion of existing plan. - The discussion focused on the Capital Plan
and potential adjustments. The primary objective was to identify any missing elements or projects that
should be included in the plan. This was in response to previous discussions where some projects were
mentioned but not formally added to the capital plan. The main points of discussion included the need to
address specific budget elements. One notable concern was related to the Owner's Project Manager
(OPM) cost, which had not been included in the budget and might require a separate line item. The
commission acknowledged the need to resolve this and other issues promptly. The group also considered
the timing for discussing and potentially adding these items to the capital plan. It was suggested that they
aim to include the necessary adjustments for the special town meeting in 2024. The focus of the
discussion was on ensuring that the capital plan accurately reflected the upcoming projects and their
associated costs.
Strategic Planning Updates (Commission) - Anne O'Connell reported that both the Select Board and
the Finance Committee had unanimously approved the proposed bylaw change with slight modifications.
This change had been sent to the town manager for consideration.
Anne O'Connell also mentioned that she and Colin Walsh had been working on obtaining pricing for
plant materials to be used in the area around the starter shack. Friends of the Captains had expressed an
interest in providing $5,000 toward the first phase of planting. While the project was in progress, it was
expected to be completed in the following spring due to the time of year and the availability of Colin's
staff during the busy spring season. The planting primarily consisted of perennials.
Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons: Andrea Johnson noted that the Women's
Fall Cup Team was undefeated and heading to the state Cup Championship on October 17. She spoke
about the Friends of the Captains' annual golf tournament, which was canceled due to Hurricane Lee, and
that refunds were in process. She thanked all the sponsors and volunteers who signed up, and anyone that
donated. The Friends of Captains next events are Daffodil planting on October 28, The Turkey Shoot and
food drive on Veterans Day November 11 and their annual meeting will be October 23. Andrea Johnson
also noted that the new clock configuration will be finalized next week, and order placed with expected
delivery being approximately three months.
Future Agenda Items and Meetings (10/10& 10/24) - "State of Captains" vote on 10/10/23
Matters not anticipated by the Chair: - None.
A motion to adjourn was made - Motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned.
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