Range turf and safety concerns raised; no irrigation, youth use causing wear, drone purchased for spray work

Meeting participants reported the driving range has little or no irrigation in some areas, resulting in bare turf and prompting discussion about whether to revert to mats in affected spots. Speakers said juveniles and large groups routinely use parts of the range, accelerating turf loss and creating safety and supervision challenges. One participant said the club has tried staggered weekend openings to reduce pressure from tournaments and groups. Why it matters: turf condition affects playable areas, safety and long-term maintenance costs; lack of irrigation may force a change in how the range is used and supervised. During the meeting a speaker said there is no irrigation over certain tee areas and noted, "if it starts to rain, it gets normal again," but that heavy use by high-school groups or large youth gatherings removes any chance for grass to recover. Participants discussed limiting the clubs that can be used in lower practice areas and restricting unsupervised access to prevent injuries and theft of balls. A speaker reported the club bought a drone to assist with spraying and other maintenance tasks; the comment on the drone was presented as an operational change already made, not as a formal board action. Participants also said staff abandoned an unsupervised lower area because people walking down there would remove balls and be unsupervised. No formal policy change or vote was recorded in the transcript; speakers described operational practices and options under consideration.