Winter Course Conditions

The bulk of the pineapple express, atmospheric river or whatever else you want to call it is coming to an end.  We faired well compared to several courses in the area.  We received 5" of rain with very little damage.  A medium sized pine tree fell along the ditch on #14 and a few small slides are visible along the barrancas.  The bunkers should be back to normal by this weekend.  Overall I feel like we dodged a bullet the past 48 hours.  

To be honest, I had no expectations going into winter this year.  Coming off a fairly wet El Nino  (42") I was hoping for an average year of rainfall (30") spread out evenly October-April.  Some of this had to do with the fact that as much as we needed the rain to replenish our water supply I selfishly wanted the winter to be mild so we could finish our water project on time.  So far, it seems both are working in our favor.  

The water project is still on time after picking up a few weeks during the construction of the tank.  Our master schedule shows us back filling around the tank January 15th-February 1st.  All we need is a 10 day stretch of no rain this month to complete.  

We are also on pace for a very wet year.  Our total rainfall since October 1st is 30" with a few more inches predicted over the next 48 hours.  If we continue with average rainfall amounts over the next 90 days we could easily eclipse the 40" mark.  

Since 1948 Annual Rainfall Totals

• 40"- 50"  10 times (last year being one of them)
• 50"- 60"  2 times 
• > 60"       1 (1997-1998)

Loch Lomond reservoir is over the spillway and the rivers and streams are at capacity.  

You might think with all the rainfall the course would be almost unplayable.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  The significant investments in cart paths, drainage, bunkers, and top dressing are providing playable conditions throughout the winter.  As I type this post we are mowing greens.  The weekend looks clear and should make for a great round of golf.