First week done.....

Well there we go. First week of Winter Turf School complete, didn't quite manage a full week but that was due to matters out of my control. What a week it's been, but let's concentrate on all matters Turf School. The course thus far, and I'm sure will continue to be, has been challenging, thought provoking and enjoyable in equal measures. Subjects covered have ranged from Soil Science, Turfgrass Entomology, Turfgrass Management, Turfgrass Weeds & Turf Pathology. Quite a lot to pack in and that's just half the week I was here!!
The course is being delivered via lectures, group work, assignments & test's  (although my host's call them Quiz's, imagine my disappointment when our first 'quiz' didn't take place down the pub.....)
Where being continually assessed on the course so should have an idea of where I'm at in relation to grades etc.

It's been interesting to see the range of different diseases that are managed here and also the range of products available. Also experiencing the range of temperature differences that turfgrass here are exposed to and next week we'll be looking into the effects of Winter kill on turfgrass, which will be something new.

The other students on the course are mostly local from neighbouring State's, they've all been very welcoming. One thing that has struck me is how many green staff get laid off over the winter. Even some Superintendent's are laid off, this is obviously a result of the harsh winter weather experienced in these part's but speaking to some of the guy's it leaves a certain amount of uncertainty on regarding long term future's. Most seem quite used to it, the guys laid off are allowed to claim unemployment money and some guys work ploughing snow etc. It also highlighted how short the golfing season can be in these parts if there is early snowfall & subsequent late spring thaw.

Also on the course are, they assure me, the only two Greek greenkeeper's in the world..!! Now I have nothing to either back this statement up or dispute it, not that I have any reason to.. Fotis & Kris (shortened names...) are good fun and speak very passionately about the game of golf & Greenkeeping in Greece. (Anyone looking to speculate next emerging golf market, remember where ou heard it...).

So quick note on the weather, still absolutely freezing, we've not got anywhere near 0 yet. -10 about the average & 4 inches of snow yesterday. I've never seen as many snow ploughs in action. Really is a sight to behold.

Also last night a first, witnessed my first ice hockey game. Absolutely fantastic. Now it didn't quite match watching the mighty Dale at fortress Spotland but what speed them lads move around the ice. And there big lads.!!

So that is where I'll leave it for now.

One final point about Greenkeeping  that I'm glad to report must be a worldwide tradition, after we finished on Friday everyone found there way to the pub..!!