It is no secret that Maine golf courses experienced a brutal winter. Just about every course in the state was damaged by the severe temperatures, along with ice and snow. Plus the length of the winter and the lack of warm spring days has made it difficult to get many courses into conditions typical of late June.

Ed Michaud of Fox Ridge, is one of Maine’s most respected and experienced golf course superintendents, was frank to admit that the winter of 2013-14 was not kind to his course. But he was quick to point out that the winter was not the most severe he has seen.

“I worked at Sugar Loaf for 20 years,” he said of the course and ski resort which regularly experiences winters like Fox Ridge just endured.”And Maine was not the only state hard hit. I have heard stories about the condition of courses at Cape Cod, and Pennsylvania.”

Michaud’s solution is to be patient with Mother Nature. Seeding and reseeding is necessary, adding that there have been three seeds and some spot seeding at Fox Ridge, where seven greens came out of the winter brown..

“We opened April 18,” he said. “That meant a 30 consecutive 12-hour days. We’re about 90 percent back.”

Nancy Storey, executive director of the Maine State Golf Association, said an overview of the state shows the golf industry to be six weeks behind because of what winter did to many golf courses, along with a spring that was not conducive to golf grass growing.

“The impact on courses and the state’s economy in general has been significant,” she said. “And seasonal work is six weeks shorter.”

The greatest problem this spring has been the temperature, Storey said. “In the month of May, no nights were above 50 degrees. Grass seed was just rotting. I feel for course superintendents, because they are having difficulties staying within their budgets.”

“Things are starting to grow now. So, all we can do as an industry is hope for a good September, October and November,” she said.

And it goes without saying that Maine needs a sunny and warm July and August.

Warren rules

Sean Warren of Falmouth won the second event of the 2014 Exotics Tour Thursday at Penobscot Valley where he shot a 2-under 70 to capture the first place money ($3,000) and the lead in the 2014 Exotics Tour money race.

Mike Hersey, also of Falmouth, tied for second with Dirk Ayers of Samoset with even-par 70, while Tim Desmarais of Purpoodock was fourth, shooting a 74. Tied for fifth were Jason Harris of Penobscot Valley and Ryan Gay of Augusta, each recording a 75. In a three-way tie for eighth at 78 were Mike

Worroll of The Golf Learning Center, Paddy Badcock of Falmouth and Evan Hyman of Nonesuch River.

Tournament director Johnny Johnston said a total of 26 professionals competed in the event.

Reason to celebrate

Fox Ridge is celebrating its 13th anniversary next Sunday with greens fees specials: $35 to play and $12 for the cart. The first 75 persons to book tee times will receive a $20 future discount coupon.

MSGA on tour

The Maine State Golf Association will conduct its “County Tour” next weekend at three Aroostook County courses. Friday, it will be a tournament at Mars Hill, Saturday at Aroostook Valley and Sunday at Presque Isle. Players who have experienced this weekend have spoken very favorably about it.

The MSGA schedule for the week also includes the Club Team Championship today at Belgrade Lakes with a Senior Tour event tomorrow at Sable Oaks. Tuesday there will be a Maine Amateur Qualifier at Martindale and the opening of the Junior Tour with the Kit Bartlett Memorial at Belgrade Lakes. On Thursday, the Junior Tour will resume action at The Woodlands, and a Maine Amateur Qualifier will be at Penobscot Valley.

That is a nine-event week.

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