Our state-of-the-art irrigation system was completed on June 23rd, two weeks ahead of schedule.  The new system will provide a more efficient, environment friendly and potentially cost effective irrigation, fertilizing and turf grass management system.

 Our contractor, Midwest Irrigation Systems, working side-by-side with Eric and his staff did an excellent job of completing the project with minimal player inconvenience.

A total of 685 sprinkler heads were installed along with 3 automatic valves for filling our ponds on holes 6, 9 and 13.  The system is computer controlled with several devices or from an internet connection.  Also, several soil sensors have been installed in some greens to monitor moisture, temperature and salinity.  One of Eric's biggest challenges was keeping the old system working while installing the new system and he did an outstanding job.

The system has been working very well with the exception of some of the Toro irrigation heads, which are sticking during the irrigation cycle.  Toro Corporation and Midwest are in the process of correcting the problem.  Also, some minor adjustments to part circle heads and nozzles are taking place.  Yardages will be posted on sprinkler caps out to 250 yards.  This project is currently in progress.

As you may recall from our spring meeting newsletter we listed several of our objectives for the year.  One of the major objectives was to complete the irrigation system project on time and under budget.  The second was to tightly manage our expenses while maximizing our revenue potential.

From a financial perspective we continue to have positive results in our cost controls.  In 2012 we will be integrating for the first time our new long-term debt of our new irrigation system and martgage with our existing short-term loans.  This will provide a more restricted cash reserve as we manage the debt service and will require a continuing focus on revenue generation and expense control.

Spooner Golf Club and its membership continually works to position SGC to be one of the premier golf facilities in northern Wisconsin.  As members, let's continue to strongly support our club and keep our positive golf course reputation moving forward.



SGC Board of Directors