| Kent Larsen, Steve Burke, Rick Simons, Ryan Winn, and Ralph Bluemel roll up the green cover. |
On March 11, Millsite Golf Pro Steve Burke and Ferron Mayor Kent Larsen began removing the covers from the greens. The covers were originally installed last fall to protect the tender grasses from the harsh winter winds. As an added bonus, with the dry conditions the county has experienced, the covers acted like a snow cover to protect them from the cold. Millsite Golf Course Superintendent Ryan Winn has kept a close eye on the condition of the grass underneath the covers to ensure adequate moisture through the mild winter.
Burke, Larsen and Winn went to Evanston, Wyo. last summer to talk to the superintendents and pros of courses there that have approximately the same weather conditions as Emery County. The pro there reported that after installing the green covers on their golf course, the greens held up better and not only survived the harsh winter conditions, but were thriving when the covers were removed.
With a certain amount of apprehension, the covers were ordered and installed at Millsite. Not wanting a repeat of the destruction to the greens of last winter, Burke, Larsen and Winn decided that the benefits would outweigh the risks. The covers are expected to be used for many years to come. They are durable and can be used year after year. When the covers were removed, the grass underneath was as lush as if it was the middle of summer. The greens had not even lost their color during the winter. They are ready for play now and Burke is looking forward to getting a jump start on the season with the healthy greens. Burke added, “With the greens in this condition and we have all new carts, we will be ready to open fully on March 14. “The crew at the golf course expressed their appreciation to the season pass holders who had supported the golf course last summer during the rough start. The course is offering those loyal patrons a special deal on their passes for the upcoming season. The club house will again be full service with the opening of the proshop. The restaurant, under the management of Rick and Robyn Simons operators of Lotsa Motsa in Castle Dale will be opening March 15. They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They will also have snacks and drinks available.