Drumlins' Greenskeeper Busy Behind the Scenes

Greenskeeper doesn't get much recognition for the hard work

SYRACUSE- As the head Greenskeeper at Drumlins Golf Course, Peter McPartland knows the amount of work it takes to maintain a course.

"Usually we're out here by 6:00 AM, five o'clock on weekends and we work anywhere from eight to 12 hours a day," McPartland said.

According to McPartland, he mows about ten thousand yards of grass a day down to tiny millimeters depending on if he's cutting the rough or the fairway. This is the standard job day for the maintenance crew.

"We have everything from weed whackers and push mowers that most people would use on a lawn, to big unit fairway mowers that can cut down to fractions of an inch," said Matt Bednarski, an assistant to McPartland.

Most people would hate waking up before the sun rises every day, but maintenance worker Michael Frasher doesn't mind at all.

"I love being out here, you know what I mean?" said Frasher. "It's a challenge being out here and prepping a course."

At the end of the day, with new divots scattered across the course, the Greenskeeper and his maintenance staff know the next day starts pretty soon.

NCC sports reporter Mario Sacco's package can be seen by clicking below.

Recession Hits the Links

Syracuse, NY -- Local golf courses are being hit with a penalty stroke because of the struggling economy.

Golfers seem to be falling into three different groups. The first is made up of those who are canceling their memberships and giving up golf because it's just too expensive. The second is comprised of those who will continue to tee it up, regardless of the cost. The final group is made up of those who are making the switch from traditional golf courses to the more cost-friendly Par-3 style courses which are made up of shorter holes.

Marvin Bodley is a member of Drumlins golf course and one of only two people who were playing golf at Drumlins on Monday afternoon. He said he was one of the lucky few who could continue playing the game he loves.

"I'm retired and I've been quite fortunate in my retirement," Bodley said. "I try and work in the golf regardless because it's something that is a big part of my life. But I have seen some of my friends that definitely have had to cut back."

Some golf managers in the area say they believe that many golfers will start frequenting Par 3 or municipal golf courses such as Sunnycrest or Popes Grove if they decide to cancel their memberships to more expensive courses.

Anne Fox, the business manager at Drumlins, says the course could survive one or two years of economic troubles before layoffs would have to be considered.

Mike Hardman's video of the story can be seen below.

Charity Golf Tournament Supports Children's Miracle Network

Ex-Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas headlines field

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y.- Foxfire Golf Club played host to one of the first charity golf tournaments of the year in Central New York. Wal-Mart was the lead sponsor of the event, which featured former Buffalo Bills star Thurman Thomas.

Most of the money raised in the event will go towards fighting pediatric cancer.

Thomas helped lead the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990's. While the Bills lost all four games, Thomas came out a winner today in helping fight pediatric cancer.

"Oh, we're just having a good time," said Thomas. "That's what it's all about. Just coming out here, having a good time, meeting new people, but most of all, trying to raise as much money as we possibly can."

It was no surprise Thomas appeared at the event because Wal-Mart is a big sponsor of the Thurman Thomas Foundation, which helps inner-city kids have the opportunity to play organized sports.

"They've been a tremendous supporter of my foundation for the last two years, so anything that I can do to help their foundation is great," said Thomas.

Sponsors paid $1500 to enter a team of four into the tournament. Cassandra Rucker, Associate Director of Galisano's Children's Hospital, said how much money the golf tournament can produce.

"At a golf tournament like today, with their vendors here...we'll raise over $50,000."

NCC Reporter Sean Bagnardi attended the charity golf event.