CARLYLE — There has been a changing of the guard at the Carlyle Golf Club, as Steve Polsom is retiring as the groundskeeper and superintendent.
Polsom has been employed at the golf club for 23 years and he has loved every day of it.
He started there in late 1999 when the new greens were placed and the golf course saw a facelift.
Polsom has many fond memories. Seeing the grounds flourish into the beautiful course it is today is one of them.
He remembers when the trees were planted. They are now 40 feet high and tower over the course, making it like a park.
“Back then there really was not a nice walking park,” said Polsom, “And this is what we wanted for our club, and this is what we have.”
He will miss the people, as he thought most people came to the course in a great mood, since it was their relaxing time.
The work has always been enjoyable for Polsom, but he admits it is beginning to get harder for the 71-year-old.
His wife Tracy goes to Riding Mountain National Park for a month every summer, and he looks forward to being able to do the same as they purchased a new truck and fifth-wheel unit.
Polsom’s sister lives in Dallas and his daughter is in Phoenix with his three granddaughters, and he plans to visit them in the winter.
His sailboat has not been used in a long time and this will be another one of his projects.
His last day of work will be around Oct. 20, after the lines are blown out and the greens have the tarps placed.
Course manager Terri Field expressed that Polsom’s knowledge and dedication were exceptional.
“He keep the tee boxes and greens in excellent condition with his sparkling personality and he will be greatly missed,” said Field
Larry Schick is the new groundskeeper and superintendent. Fields said Schick comes with a lot of experience and they look forward to working with him.
Polsom has shown Schick where the water lines are, as this can be tricky to find on a new course, and where things are kept.
Schick is also an experienced groundskeeper, and took a Turfgrass Management Program in Fairview, Alta., from 2003-2005.
This taught him all about plants, trees, soil types, plant diseases, and which fertilizers to use and grasses to seed, as well as the science behind it all.
He has worked at Kenosee Lake’s golf course as the assistant, which has less responsibilities.
Schick looks forward to his new position, which will fully start in the 2024 season.
Field said they held many tournaments this year, with a seniors' tournament on Aug. 10, but the largest one was the Wade Robertson Memorial held on Aug. 19. It had 108 golfers on the course.
There were four recreational/service tournaments and a Ryder Cup. Three other events were hosted for business building relations.
Men’s nights were held every Monday night with 30-40 participants attending. A homecooked meal was offered the second and fourth Monday of the month.
Women had Tuesday nights reserved for them. Usually, 20-40 golfers attended with a homecooked meal the first Tuesday.
Pairs night would be the third Thursday of the month, with a steak dinner served for the golfers. Every pairs night offered a meal and was 100 per cent payout.
On Sept. 17, the club held its year-end windup party with 72 golfers in attendance.
This evening was also a farewell retirement for Polsom. Twenty more people attended the supper which was catered by Weir’s.
A presentation was done with an appreciation plaque and putter given to Polsom. Also presented to Polsom was a canvas photo of the Carlyle Golf Club with a rainbow ascending over it.
Club secretary Gord Paulley said the photo was amazing.
”He did an amazing job,” said Paulley, “And we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
With another season behind the club, they hope to see everyone next year.
