Before we dive into our Golf updates, remember that you can find the 2025 Golf schedule here. More information about when you will be able to begin signing up for events will be coming next week, so check back soon. 

As we step into 2025, excitement is building for the upcoming golf season at Bishops Bay Country Club. With the weather gradually shifting, the team is closely monitoring conditions to determine the best time to open the practice facility. The driving range will likely start with mat practice before transitioning to full course play. Continue reading below for a video with our Director of Agronomy, Nick Krysinski, for some insights into course conditions. 

This season also brings updates to the golf shop staff, including the introduction of a new team member, TJ Klement. TJ is a Madison native with a decade of experience in the golf industry, most recently serving as an assistant professional in Madison. He is eager to join Bishops Bay, drawn to the club’s values, integrity, and community-driven approach to the game. Check out the video above for more information about TJ.

Along with welcoming TJ, the club is pleased to have Chris Meyer and Jeremy Toutant returning for another season. Jeremy, who has been undergoing cancer treatments, is making progress and was recently granted a wish to attend The Masters at Augusta. You can see highlights of that special day here. Meanwhile, Kyle Kroener will be with the team until May, when he and his wife will relocate to La Crosse.

With a strong team in place and preparations underway, the club looks forward to an exciting 2025 golf season. Welcome, TJ, and here’s to a great year on the course!

In this video, our Director of Agronomy, Nick Krysinski, breaks down what root shearing is and why patience in the early season is essential for long-term course health.

As we get closer to spring, our team is keeping a close eye on course conditions—both on the surface and beneath it. While factors like temperature, moisture, and turf growth are easy to see, there are also hidden conditions beneath the soil that play a critical role in ensuring a healthy and thriving golf season.

One of these key factors is root shearing—a phenomenon that occurs when the turf’s roots remain frozen in the soil while the upper portion of the plant begins to thaw. This creates a fragile situation where any traffic—whether from golfers, maintenance equipment, or even foot traffic—can cause the delicate roots to snap, leading to long-term damage and weakened turf.

Why Does This Matter?

At Bishops Bay, we take great care in monitoring subsurface conditions, including the presence of permafrost, before making decisions about opening the course for play. Even though warmer temperatures might make the course appear ready, the underlying frost can create an unstable environment for the turf. Premature play can lead to root damage that affects course conditions for the entire season.

A Little Patience Goes a Long Way

By waiting for the ground to fully thaw, we ensure stronger, more resilient turf that will stay lush and playable throughout the summer. As Nick explains, we’re currently at a couple of inches of thawed soil, and we want to get to a point to where we’re at around six to seven inches of thawed soil in order to ensure that our grass is protected. 

Stay tuned for more course updates as we approach the season opener, and thank you for your patience as we prioritize the health of our greens and fairways. 🌱⛳