Good Morning,
Today is a quick reminder that Winter in Iowa can change in the blink of an eye. The Muni had 16″ of snow covering the ground a couple of weeks ago and hoar frost covering the trees. The snow melted quickly this past week but there were still patches throughout the golf course. Golf courses were open for play in Central Iowa all week. Golf courses as close as LeMars looked like it was Fall golf season. Today, we are watching the snow blow with the howling gusts of wind and temperatures plummet.
The Park Department provided us with some assistance to cut down the final three trees on the golf course. These trees included a large ash tree behind #1 black tee, and ash tree on #18 fairway, and a pine tree by #8 tees. We were able to get equipment to these areas to clean up and haul away all of the tree debris. The only remaining evidence is a large tree trunk and some stumps.
#1 Ash Tree Removal 12-23-25.jpeg
Pine Tree Removal by #8 Tees 12-22-25.jpeg
I met with a local tree contractor to schedule the removal of the two large ash tree stumps, two amur maple stumps from the removed landscaping by #2 tees, and two amur maple stumps from the removed landscaping behind #18 green. These tree stumps will be removed sometime in the near future once the ground firms up and the wind is not howling.
#18 Ash Tree Removal 12-23-25.jpeg
There are still seven smaller ash trees laying on the ground that need to be cleaned up and hauled away. A handful of small tree stumps also need to be removed in various areas around the golf course. Close to twenty tree stump areas have been removed but the clean up still needs to be completed and new soil added to the hole. Weather will be the key factor determining when these are completed this off season.
Servicing equipment and making necessary repairs continued to be on the agenda for yet another week. I was able to complete repairs on several pieces of equipment in the maintenance fleet. The goal is to always prolong equipment life and keep it functioning at a high level.
There has been discussion with the Golf Board to update our course and clubhouse policies since it has been a few years since they have been evaluated. I went through the existing rules with the City Manager and will have them reviewed by the City Attorney prior to bringing them back to the Golf Board for approval.
I spent time working with 154i to convert our website from Empower to WordPress. This change will most likely not be noticed by the people visiting our website but it has improved the management options of the site. It was launched last weekend along with new photos added to the gallery.
You can visit the website, login to your profile, and pay for your 2026 season pass, punch cards, cart storage, driving range, or trail fees online. Quick and easy without leaving the warmth of your home. Fees need to be paid prior to starting golf in 2026. We look forward to seeing each of you again for the golf season, hopefully starting in as soon as three months.
This upcoming week I will continue to work on equipment and complete all inventory at the golf course. You can reach out if there are questions or the need for further information from a topic at the golf course. Stay warm today and “Happy New Year Wishes” to each of you!
Brian C Mohr
Director of Golf Operations
City of Spencer
101 W 5th Street
Spencer Municipal Golf Course
Spencer, Iowa 51301
712-260-5370
