Momentum

        Walnut Lane Golf Club is the home of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia. The course is owned by the City, but TFTGP maintains the golf course. This past winter, the Superintendent resigned . Bob Sawicki, had just left the Superintendent position at Gulph Mills GC. When Bob said he was interested in the job, obviously there were thoughts that this might not be any easy transition. But as my Mom always says, "things happen for a reason!" Bob has had an incredible impact, in just a short time on the property, primarily because of his personality.
       Bob's positive influence has helped to create a push to upgrade some of the tools he needs to keep making improvements. Just about when Bob started, Arader Tree had stepped in to help and dropped some trees that the city had deemed dangerous and needed to be taken care of as soon as possible. Now the trees were down, but what was available to clean them up? With a little luck and the generosity of a board member, Frank Shuman, a slightly used chipper was delivered that still had the paint on the feed deck!
Next up was looking at his equipment fleet. The rough unit, fairway mower and sprayer ,all ranging from 15 to 25 years old, are obvious candidates for retirement, but as we all know not cheap.
After talking about some options with Ken Jeinnings ,the Vice President & Sales Manager of my employer, Lawn & Golf Supply Company, we were able to work with Jacobsen and provide Walnut Lane with a brand new Jacobsen LF550 fairway mower! We delivered it this past Thursday.
With the Director of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, John MacDonald and some board members in attendance, it was a great photo shoot! Especially appreciated was the banner made up to thank Lawn & Golf and Jacobsen.
The momentum that has been created in improving the golf course at Walnut Lane is exciting to see.
The goal of enhancing the playing conditions for the kids in the program is truly inspiring.
Yesterday, for me, was a day I won't forget and one of the better ones in my career!

John MacDonald, Director of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, Assistant Ben Davies, Superintendent Bob Sawicki, Ken Jeinnings, VP & Sales Manager at Lawn & Golf and me.

Superintendent Bob Sawicki out taking his new unit for a test drive!

Hope you and your family have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

WJC