Good Morning,
It was another busy week at The Muni and the temperatures continued to be above normal. Maintaining course conditions has definitely been challenging due to the high nighttime temperatures and daily high humidity. These conditions definitely increase stress on turfgrass health and raise disease pressure. The course has held up well and staff continues to do their due diligence to maintain high conditions.
The turfgrass is showing significant fungus development in the fairways, tees, and other closely mowed areas. The greens were treated with a fungicide to help control the emerging dollar spot. This fungus is visible in other areas of the golf course but treating the fairways with a fungicide is not financially feasible.
It is a normal issue that arises each season and the turfgrass will recover once temperatures decline and humidity decreases to normal percentages. Quite a few tan lesions are visible on some of the collars and in the fairways. We will fertilize these areas next week to help turf recover. The fungus does not disrupt playing conditions and is not really noticeable but it is present.
Skunks digging for grubs overnight have caused some visible turf damage in the rough. The tees, fairways, green and bunker surrounds, as well as some areas of the rough were treated with an insecticide in mid-July to control the presence of grubs during this time of the season. Skunks can destroy a lot of turf digging for grubs in a very short period of time. Overall, the areas of the course that were not treated sustained very minimal damage.
Staff completed several additional irrigation repairs this past week. These repairs are common for an irrigation system that is 27 years old. Several days of precipitation allowed us to shut down the irrigation system to complete the repairs. We still have a few minor repairs to complete but all main irrigation lines have been repaired. Remaining issues are on lateral lines that are not under pressure unless that particular station is open for irrigation at night.
September marks the time of the season when golf leagues close and we have fewer events on the calendar. We will host the Carl Spackler golf event on the 12th and 13th followed by SGOWA playing on Monday the 14th. On Wednesday, September 30th, we will host a senior two person best shot. This event is open to men and women in a two person best shot format. Once we get into October there will be a 4 person best shot on October 4th and the Chili Open on October 18th.
Currently we are offering payment for all 2027 season fees, which will also include the remainder of the 2026 season for cart storage, driving range, punch cards, and season passes. This is a great option for anyone that wants to join The Muni for the 2027 season. Payments can be made in the clubhouse or online at our website.
It has been another wonderful golf season at The Muni. The staff and I are very thankful for everyone who regularly plays the golf course or stops by occasionally. The staff works hard to maintain the golf course to a high standard and also provide great service in the clubhouse. The staff and the golfers who choose to spend their recreational time with us are the driving force that continually makes The Muni such a great asset to our community.
The City of Spencer hired me as golf course superintendent in 1994. Over the past 32 years the golf course has expanded to 18 holes, a new maintenance facility was constructed, one new cart shed was built, and a beautiful clubhouse opened in 2009. So many changes have occurred during this time and the game of golf has continued to grow. In February of 2026 it will be time for another big change at The Muni as I have made the decision to retire.
There have been so many amazing people on the team over all these years. Some stayed for a few years and others have been here for most of my career. I am beyond grateful for every single person that has been a part of this team over the past 32 years. Each person has been like family to me and made the job so enjoyable because they cared for the golf course as much as I have.
It’s also a great feeling to see how proud our golfers are of the golf course. The majority of people coming to The Muni for the first time frequently comment how proud everyone is to be at The Muni! This creates such a wonderful welcoming atmosphere. That makes me very happy.
As we celebrate the Labor Day weekend I want to thank everyone that has worked or played golf at The Muni! You have made my career very memorable.
Brian C Mohr
Director of Golf Operations
City of Spencer
101 W 5th Street
Spencer Municipal Golf Course
Spencer, Iowa 51301