Page 75 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

green are too wet or too dry. On average, 20 per cent is the sweet spot with a slight upward or downward tick not an issue.
“It helps us localize spots
on the course where we may need to do less watering,” says Steve. “On the flip side, if an area is too dry, we can hand- water the exact area which needs it and not overwater the rest.”
To help monitor and plan a watering schedule – whether it’s daily, weekly or monthly – Steve uses an advanced computer program created by Toro which allows him individual control over the more than 500 sprinkler heads on the course. He can target certain hotspots, turn sprinklers on or off, and even use an app to monitor situations from home.
“If I’m home and a storm hits, I can turn off the sprinklers to keep from overwatering,”
says Steve. “I also use the Sun Seeker app to monitor sun movement and the Green Keeper app to monitor potential diseases.”
Steve also ensures areas thick with trees and plants, buffer zones around ponds – which range from 6-feet to 20-
feet – and other naturally- occurring plants or wildlife are well cared for. He says it’s part of the Muskoka
golf experience.
“Environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a quality golf course,” says Steve. “Healthy green spaces surrounding the golf course helps create the ideal scenery.”
Member benefits
As a truly private club, Port Carling Golf and Country Club’s number-one focus is on member satisfaction. On the course, in the dining
areas – or even through the greeters in the parking lot – members come first. Each is greeted by name and staff are well informed about their personal preferences.
If you like an extra towel
or two on your golf cart, or beverages made a certain way, the club’s management makes notes and the staff executes the requests. The food and beverage team notes members’ requests when creating menus and wine lists, while the various special events cater to a familial membership group.
The Port Carling Golf and Country Club hosts only one tournament annually – a member/guest team event – which is a highlight for their members. They won’t solicit
or accept requests for public events because it would take away from their members’ enjoyment of the property.
To experience what it’s like to be a member of the Port Carling Golf and Country Club, you can apply for a limited trial membership. This includes unlimited golf, fine dining, full use of the health club, tennis courts and access to villas.
“Members at our club know they come first,” says general manager Wayne Middaugh.
“If they want to play a round
in the morning, then break for lunch and a quick swim before heading out again, they can
do it. It’s part of the luxurious level of service we provide. We exceed the expectations of what a true private golf club can create for its members.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
Steve Saunders, Superintendent
of Port Carling Golf and Country Club
12 Donald Drive, Box 279 Port Carling • 705-765-6600 waynemiddaugh@portcarlinggc.com www.PortCarlingGC.com
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