Just an update on the end of the season chill that sets in... 

Recently I've been working on the newest course in Milan, IL.  Camden II will be one the courses played at the 2009 Women's National Championships in the Quad Cities (Davenport, IA * Rock Island, IL * Bettendorf, IA * Moline, IL)

Paul Roesner a local club workhorse asked me to walk the original design w/modifications going back 8 years, the only problem was it was a single 18 hole loop on what was to be a huge course.  I made a case for redesign changing it to a 9/9 8/10 7/11 double loop to get people back to their cars and the restrooms.  With only 2 weeks until the city was set to start, Paul turned me lose in the woods for what would become a 70hour ordeal.

  In the end we had 2 loops 8/10.  A daily easier par 56, White Gold 58 (easier course w/ par 4's) a pro par 57 Magnum (reachable pro distance par 3's), (2) pro par 60's blends, and a par 64 Gold layout.

  After walking the course with the City Supervisor, I was hired to work with the city crews and help coordinate the cleaning.  The Saturday before I started work, the local club knocked down 3 fairways and brushhogged'em clean.  The city couldn't believe it on Monday, but they got to see a finished product, and understood what was needed.  With the city we were able to finish 7 holes before the weather went bad along with my job.  

Now I'm kicking it in a 5 Star Salon, doing maintanence and attending clients and staff. It's was an immediate opening through a club member, and has turned out to be a nice place to network that's fun to work at (free massage and services plus a gym membership - not bad)

As for the course, well it's on hold in light of the recent snow and ice storms.

Congrats to Dave on a big win down at the Players Cup!  Aspen House owns the CUP!

I reached a couple of milestones this year - 40th career sanctioned win in Los Angeles and my 50th career win at the Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA.  Not all my wins have been listed (1 in 2000 and a tournament in 2007) not including Marshall Street.
Can't wait for Spring, but at least I'm warm inside!
Hope everyone has a happy holiday!  
Chris Sprague #16425