IGM Team Completes Bunker Renovation

The first phase of bunker renovations has been completed at IGM maintained Bear Valley Springs. The IGM special project crew led by Golf Course Superintendent Brad Batchelor and Regional Manager Robert Diebold has completed the work which included removal of existing sand, restoration of the bunkers to their original size and shape, installation of drainage and new top quality sand. “Brad and the entire team did a great job. The project is thus far is a huge success.” commented Robert. "We are really looking forward to resuming work on the bunkers later this year". The second phase of this three year project is set to begin winter of 2009.

“WOW!! What a difference! I almost forgot what a real bunker is supposed to be like. The crew you sent is incredible. We really appreciate all the hard work!” commented Duane Gore, Director of Golf. Bear Valley Springs is a gated community nestled in the foothills and mountains just west of Tehachapi, California. Amenities include horseback riding, golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, a shooting range, camp grounds, workout facility and more.

For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at http://www.igminc.net/.

Golf Course Lightning Safety

It always seems to happen when you are having the round of your life. The sky darkens, the wind picks up and the thunder begins to roll across the golf course.

The temptation always exists in these circumstances to convince yourself and your playing partners that there is enough time to finish your round, or at least a few more holes. If you play on instead of seeking shelter, your great round could become the last round of your life.

Every year more people are killed or injured by lightning than by tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. In fact, it's estimated that in the United States, as many as 300 people are killed by lightning each year.

Because they are generally open areas with scattered individual trees, golf courses are dangerous places during a thunderstorm. A lightning bolt will take the shortest route between the cloud and the ground, which means that a golfer standing in the middle of a fairway or huddled under a tree is a prime target for a strike.

However, there are several safety measures you can take to avoid being hit by lightning:
- Seek shelter at the first sign of a thunderstorm. If the course's warning system sounds, cover.
- If possible, get off the golf course or go to a designated lightning shelter.
- Do not stand under a lone tree. This is where most people are injured or killed.
- Stay away from water.
- Stay away from your golf clubs.
- If your shoes have metal spikes, take them off.
- Move away from your golf cart.
- If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.

First aid
If a player in your group is struck by lightning, the person is no longer carrying any electrical current, so you can apply first aid immediately. The golfer will be burned and have received a severe electrical shock.

People who have been apparently "killed" by lightning can be revived if quick action is taken. If you must make a choice, treat those who are not breathing first -- those who are unconscious but still breathing will probably come out of it on their own.

First aid should be rendered to those not breathing within four to six minutes to prevent irrevocable brain damage. Mouth-to mouth resuscitation should be administered once every five seconds to adults and once every three seconds to infants and small children.

However, if the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is necessary, but should be administered only by persons with proper training. You should also check for burns along the extremities and around areas in contact with metal, give first aid for shock and then send for help.

Source: http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/facts/lightning.aspx

IGM Assists in Course Improvement

Planning and execution of capital improvement projects are just another area of expertise in the IGM portfolio.

The IGM Team at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida recently completed a much needed irrigation installation project. The overall scope included installation of new lateral lines to supply sixteen new Rain Bird heads.

"It was quite a challenge trenching in the sugar sand. We fought trench cave-ins constantly." explained Sean Gillen, IGM Assistant Superintendent. He went on to say of the great team effort, "Our team worked very well in very hot temperatures and high humidity to complete the project in just two days."

Regional Manager Melanie Mark, CGCS is proud of the staff also. "They did a great job in difficult conditions. With the overall goal of improving course conditions with the most effective use of the course's resources in mind, the project is a huge success".

For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, the IGM Business Developement Office at 800-413-5500 or visit us on the web at http://www.igminc.net/.

Fixing Divots - It's Every Player Responsibility

If you play golf, you create divots -- it's part of the game. However, if you create divots, you should also repair them -- that's part of the etiquette of the game. Repairing your divots ensures that the golfers who follow you have the same level playing surface you had when you started your round.

A number of different methods are used to repair divots, and each of them is designed to make sure that the type of grass growing around the divot fills in as quickly as possible.

Some courses ask that you simply replace your divot. In this case, you should replace it in the same direction that it came out and firmly tamp it down.

On courses whose tees and fairways feature actively growing bermudagrass, you will often be asked not to replace the divot, but rather to fill the hole with sand the course provides. In this situation, fill the divot and then tamp down the sand so it is level with the surrounding area.

At some courses in the North that feature ryegrass and in the South where dormant bermudagrasses are overseeded, you may be asked to fill the divot with a sand/seed mixture. Again, it is important to tamp the sand down so the seed will germinate.

Be sure to ask about the local procedure and follow it when you are playing at a new course. Do your part to keep good conditions for the next player or for your next round.


Source: www.gcsaa.org/solutions/divots

Blackthorn to Host College Football HOF Enshrinement Tournament

Meadowbrook Golf managed Blackthorn Golf Club is proud to be hosting the annual College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Golf Scramble. For those who might like to participate in the July 17th event, registration is at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Each foursome paired with a Hall of Famer or sports celebrity. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 574) 235-5743 or visit http://www.collegefootball.org/.

IGM Maintained Waynesville Inn Rolls Out New Logo

Following the recent rebranding of the IGM maintained Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa; the new logo has made its way out onto the course and new flags are currently waving on the 27 hole mountain retreat.

Working with its supply partner Golf Ventures, IGM is working to update all of the course accessories as part of the overall course improvement program begun in March.

“Most players don’t yet see the impact of the agronomic programs we have put in place to improve the course but everyone notices the new flags. It’s a small thing but it’s a sign that change is happening” commented Jeff Miller, IGM’s Director of Golf Maintenance.

June Milestones

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

9 Years of Service
Angel Alcala – Crew Foreman – IGM at Silver Lakes
Brad Rook – Director of Maint – IGM at Silver Lakes
John Lecour – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Habitat

8 Years of Service
Jay Ferguson – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Pine Lakes

5 Years of Service
Aaron Warstler – Superintendent – IGM at Terraverde

4 Years of Service
Lonnie Smith – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Orlando Rivera – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at The Ledges

3 Years of Service
Laura Liffiton – Administrative Assistant – IGM Corporate

2 Years of Service
William Myers – Equipment Technician – IGM at Cler Brook
Robert Cassese – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Silver Dollar

1 Year of Service
Bernabe Matias - Equipment Technician – IGM at ChampionsGate
Oscar Lopez – Irrigation Technician – IGM at ViewPoint

Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

June Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with June birthdays:

Dean Lindquist – Technician – IGM at Heritage Greens
Greg Hunter – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Tarpon Springs
Brad Rook – Director of Maintenance – IGM at Silver Lakes
Joe Carranza – Equipment Technician – IGM at Date Palm
Kent Crouch – Superintendent – IGM at Hunting Hills
Timothy Farr – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Country Wood
Mike Fontaine – Superintendent – IGM at The Ledges
Daryl Morris – Equipment Technician – IGM at Savannahs
Chris Eckart – Superintendent – IGM at Spessard Holland
Kenneth Parker – Equipment Technician – IGM at Habitat
Art Hampton – Superintendent – IGM at ChampionsGate
Aaron Parker – Equip Technician – IGM at Spessard Holland
Wayne White – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Silver Lakes
David Weaver – Equipment Technician – IGM at SilverStone

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!