The Superintendents Notebook July 2026

The Superintendent's Notebook

Issue No. 1 • July 2026

Joe Distefano, Golf Course Superintendent

A Note from Joe

Welcome to the first edition of The Superintendent's Notebook.

Every few weeks I'll share a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening across Telluride Golf Club, from major infrastructure projects to the small details that help make every round memorable.

Much of our work happens before the first tee time or beneath the surface, so it's easy to miss.

My hope is that this notebook gives you a greater appreciation for the talented crew caring for the course each day and the extraordinary alpine environment we're privileged to steward.

Thank you for being part of Telluride Golf Club. I hope you enjoy following along throughout the season.

3,000 Feet of New Irrigation Mainline

Our largest project, occurring over the spring months, was the installation of approximately 3,000 feet of new irrigation mainline from the pump house toward Hole 15. This investment strengthens one of the course's most important systems and improves water delivery reliability during our short mountain growing season.

“Much of our work happens underground, but it is the foundation for exceptional playing conditions.”

First Impressions

One of the simplest ways we can enhance the member experience is by paying attention to the places everyone sees first.

This summer, our crew installed a new perennial landscape bed at the Golf Club bag drop and Racquet Club entrance. While it's a relatively small project compared to irrigation or bunker renovations, thoughtful improvements like these help create a warm welcome from the moment members and guests arrive.

The planting palette was selected with Telluride's mountain environment in mind, providing seasonal color while complementing the surrounding landscape. We look forward to watching it grow and mature in the seasons ahead.

Better Bunkers Begin Below the Surface

Bunkers are among the most recognizable features on a golf course, but they're much more than decorative sand. Thoughtfully positioned bunkers create strategy, reward good decision-making, and help define the character of each hole. Keeping them in excellent condition preserves both the playability and the architectural integrity of the course.

This spring, the Hole 1 fairway bunker received a new liner and fresh sand. While golfers see the finished bunker, the liner below improves drainage, minimizes contamination, and provides more consistent playing conditions for years to come. Holes 7 and 11 greenside bunkers were completed in spring of 2025.

Enhancing the Landscape

As part of our ongoing commitment to the course, we also planted several new trees throughout the property. Thoughtfully placed trees enhance the character of each hole, improve long-term course aesthetics, and ensure future generations of members enjoy the same beautiful mountain golf experience.

Mountain Moments

This summer our crew discovered a blooming Green Gentian (Frasera speciosa), one of the Rocky Mountains' most fascinating native wildflowers. Each individual plant may spend 20–30 years storing energy before flowering only once in its lifetime. Seeing one in bloom is a rare reminder that Telluride Golf Club is home to an extraordinary alpine ecosystem.

Stewardship Beyond the Fairways

Every maintenance decision balances exceptional golf conditions with thoughtful stewardship of the surrounding landscape. Healthy stream corridors, native vegetation, and wildlife habitat are all part of what makes Telluride Golf Club unlike anywhere else.

In partnership with Alpine Water Resources, we continue to monitor and manage beaver activity in ways that protect both the golf course and the surrounding watershed. By working with natural processes whenever possible, and using science-based solutions, we protect course infrastructure while supporting healthy streams, wetlands, and wildlife. This helps preserve healthy streams, improve habitat, and support the long-term resilience of this remarkable mountain ecosystem. The photo below shows a Beaver Deceiver, a wildlife-friendly water management device that helps regulate pond levels without disturbing active beaver habitat.

healthy stream corridors and sensitive habitat

Did You Know?

• Telluride Golf Club sits at approximately 9,500 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest elevation championship golf courses in North America.

• Golf balls travel noticeably farther in Telluride's thin mountain air.

• Our growing season is remarkably short, making every maintenance window count.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the heart of summer, our crew will continue irrigation improvements, closely monitor turf health through changing mountain weather, and focus on delivering exceptional greens, fairways, tees, and bunkers every day.

Crew Spotlight (Coming Next Issue)

Beginning with our next edition, we'll introduce you to the talented members of the Golf Course Maintenance team whose dedication keeps Telluride Golf Club looking and playing its best.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you on the course.

Joe Distefano Golf Course Superintendent