Rain, Rain, Storm, Rain, Storm Repeat

The last four days have been interesting for the state. Thankfully, we had some damage but not like some of our counterparts that have flooded courses right now.  Some have received over 10" of rain.  We have had 2.65" in 4 days with the storms.  Stretches like these, remind me of the countless hours grounds crew members push through tough circumstances to make golf courses what they are each and every day.  As a whole, I'm honored to be included with such a network of peers that push through these tough times in our industry.  It's not what we signed up for, but always do it for the betterment of the golf courses we work at.  When we all have to respond to what Mother Nature gives us each day is a testament to the people that work on courses!  

Last night, the storms came through and took out 5 trees on the course.  Here is one on #18...

Who's That?

 Get to know Zach Roth 

Hello members of Oconomowoc Golf Club, I’m Zach, and I’m beyond thrilled for the opportunity of being the assistant superintendent here at OGC. I’ve heard nothing but phenomenal things about your golf course, and I can’t wait to see what this summer brings.
I grew up in Reedsburg, WI, a small-ish farming town a few miles west of the Dells. I received a degree in Biology from UW-Madison in 2014 and completed my Turfgrass Management certificate through the Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program at UW-Madison in 2024, alongside our class president Adam Lois. This is my sixth year on an agronomy team, and my 13th year working at a golf course, between my role here and my time spent as a cart attendant at Wild Rock Golf Club in the Dells and Reedsburg Country Club. 
        I’m an avid golfer, and have been playing since I was eight. I love to be outdoors (hence the career choice), and to explore new hiking trails and nature areas with my dog Ziggy. I’m a big Wisconsin sports fan, especially Badger football and hockey, and try to get to as many games as I can. If I'm not doing something outside, you can probably find me with my nose in the latest sci-fi or fantasy epic novel, or listening to the latest Goose concert.

 

What to Expect when you're Expecting!

 The OGC Agronomy Team has published a few videos about what to expect out there...

1. Course updates and a new naturalized area
2. How to play the course
3. Front of fairway areas

If you have any additional questions, please let us know @ steve@ocongolfclub.org

OGC Foreman - Bryan Beaudoin

 My Name is Bryan Beaudoin, this is my third year but fourth season working at OGC. I started as a grounds team member working between my college semesters at Northern Michigan University where I studied Indoor Agriculture. There I was able to strengthen my knowledge and experience in horticulture and water cultural practices. I find a lot of joy in nature and hands-on working environments, at OGC I was able to find a great interest in the care and expertise it takes to maintain such a course.  In my personal life I am a musician (saxophone, guitar, and piano), a hobby mechanic, an outdoorsman, and an aquarist. Most of my time outside of work I spend maintaining aquariums that I have set up as well as scraping new ones for my never ending projects. However, any day that I can get out on the water and snag some fish or turn a wrench on my truck is a good day in my book. Now, that I have accepted a foreman position on the agronomy team, I am truly excited to compound my experience with different cultural practices used here at OGC.

Poll Results - limited to first 25 votes

 What do you look forward to in 2026 at OGC?

Label	Value	%
Fast Greens	11	44%
A Manicured Property	1	4%
The Completed Bunker Renovation	9	36%
Playing Golf	3	12%
Meeting the Grounds Crew	1	4%

April Update

Welcome to April!  The back nine will open for play starting April 8th while the front 9 will remain closed for the bunker project.  We have gone through the back nine and have worked on roping and staking off the new bunker complexes.  We are trusting each of you to help us this season and abiding by the course markings out there is huge.  We frankly, don't have enough stakes and signage for every nook and cranny out here.  But, we are hopeful that each of you will help us out with minimal stakes out there (don't get me wrong, there's still a lot out there).  You'll notice when you get out here, some of the bunker faces had some animal damage done to them through the winter season and we will look at options to work on these areas as the weather improves and maybe even sodding may occur if areas don't fully bounce back.     

As this week began, Hollembeak construction brought in some equipment and a few guys to start work on the front 9, specifically Hole #2 green and #6 green bunkers.  The processes include: removing the old sod around the bunker, taking out the old sand, moving irrigation water lines, and shaping the new bunker complexes are underway.  Hollembeak will continue to work this week and next provided Mother Nature does her part.  Below is a picture of #2 green bunker being worked on...  We are already seeing the front 9 take on a new identity!

Adam didn't even know I was recording him.  But here he is explaining what is happening at OGC!  The first site of large equipment on the course in 2026!  Videos will be better, this is just a free throw in.  Adam consented, aka volun-told  :)

    

Puppy news.  In February, the Houlihan's welcomed someone new to the family.  Meet Remi Rose (mini-long haired Dachshund).  She was born December 2nd, 2025.  Today, Remi is a whomping 7.5 lbs, has sharp baby teeth, loves everyone, and is a big time cuddler.  Lately, she loves the outdoors, and is even helping picking up sticks and chasing after leaves so far for a few late night walks here at the course.  It's been really nice to come back in the late evenings and walk the perimeter with her.  We've seen a pack of 19 deer, and I've been able to see how the course is truly getting better for you as each day comes to a close.  Spring cleanup does take time, but by next week, we will be ready to go!         

WI Golf in the News

From a WGCSA email in early March...

Wisconsin Golf Powers a $6.44 Billion Economic Engine, Driving Jobs, Tourism, and Statewide Impact

Tourism, major events, and world-class public and private courses drive Wisconsin’s thriving golf economy.

A new statewide report released today shows that golf in Wisconsin generates $6.44 billion in total economic impact, supports 56,595 jobs, and contributes $2 billion in wages, underscoring the industry’s dynamic role in Wisconsin’s economy and communities. The game produced $3.37 billion in direct economic impact and returned more than $288 million in state and local taxes.

Golfers played 11.24 million rounds in 2023, and Wisconsin attracted 1.8 million golf trips that fueled $902.7 million in direct golf tourism impact. These numbers reflect both the strength of everyday public play and the powerful draw of nationally recognized destinations such as Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, and Blackwolf Run, positioning Wisconsin as one of the country’s most compelling golf markets.

“Golf in Wisconsin is one of the state’s most powerful economic engines,” said Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association. “The industry’s $6.44 billion total impact outpaces the combined contributions of Wisconsin’s craft beer, wine, local spirits, and Packers home-game industries, which together generate nearly $5 billion. This report highlights how golf strengthens local economies, attracts visitors, and enhances our communities.”

Major championships continue to amplify Wisconsin’s national presence. The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills reaffirmed Wisconsin’s standing as a premier site for championship golf. The 43rd U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld and the American Family Insurance Championship anchored the 2023 season, building on a legacy that includes the Ryder Cup, multiple PGA Championships, U.S. Opens, and decades of professional-tour events.

Golf delivers meaningful community benefits statewide. Facilities hosted more than 9,000 charitable events last year, raising $166 million for nonprofits supporting youth development, veterans, local schools, healthcare programs, environmental groups, and service organizations. Courses advanced player development at 97% of facilities, offered beginner programs, veterans and adaptive golf programs, and broadened access for youth with rounds at $5 or less through Youth on Course.

Environmental stewardship remains a defining pillar of the industry. Wisconsin’s 528 golf courses provide 73,000 acres of greenspace, offering habitat, stormwater filtration, air-quality benefits, and urban cooling. Facilities across the state have adopted multiple sustainability practices, including advanced irrigation technologies, native-plant conversions, efficient energy systems, recycling, and waste-reduction measures that strengthen ecological resilience.

“Wisconsin’s golf industry is demonstrating what modern golf represents - economic vitality, community connection, and responsible land stewardship,” said Gina Rizzi, President of Radius Sports Group. “The data shows how golf contributes to businesses, residents, and the extraordinary landscapes that define Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Golf Economic Impact Study was conducted by Radius Sports Group in agreement with the Wisconsin Golf Alliance comprised of the Wisconsin State Golf Association, Wisconsin Section of the PGA of America, Wisconsin Golf Course Owners Association, the Wisconsin Badger Chapter of the Club Management Association of America, and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Access the full report at: Wisconsin Golf Economic Impact Report Executive Summary.

 

Winter Update