2012: A Year In Review

TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, & TRIUMPH

2012 IN REVIEW

                As I set back and think about 2012 there are many thoughts that come to mind and one word can best describe it, success!  The season as a whole is the longest growing season I have ever been involved in during my 20 years in the turf industry and the overall lack of rainfall was the lowest in my 15 years at Idlewild.  What does this mean? Basically, there was no true road map to follow.  This was uncharted territory.  It is always nice to have experience or data in the history books to reflect on, whether successful or unsuccessful, as this helps in selecting the most probable decision for the desired result.  The knowledge and data added to my personal hard drive this past season will surely prove to be invaluable as time moves forward.  I can say this all now with a smile on my face but at times this season there were many obstacles to overcome and I thought I would share as season in review through my eyes.

                The beginning of March brought a few different things to Idlewild.  The greens were opened on March 10^th, which about 2 weeks earlier than any of my previous 14 seasons, and a new Assistant Superintendent.  Having the previous Assistant for 6 seasons, I knew there would be a learning curve with someone new and I was excited for the change and starting the season is always exciting.  The first month of the season was going well with course cleanup, bunker work, & overall turf maintenance; but I was starting to see some lack of performance from the new Assistant.  This progressed into something that wasn’t salvageable so I made decision to let the new Assistant go.

                By mid May the course was in ideal shape and things were rolling along quite good.  Even with everything 2 weeks ahead of schedule, we were able to get everything done as needed and the crew was hitting its stride. The weather was beautiful and the playability of the course was exceptional.  Memorial Day weekend is just about to arrive and the temperatures were well above normal.  Oh boy, hand watering greens in May; it’s going to be a long season.

                The calendar turns to June/July and we have pumped more irrigation water in the 1st part of the season than we have in some entire seasons.  The 1979 irrigation system & the well pump, which supplies our irrigation pond with the irrigation water; were being put to the test and so was the grounds crew.  The irrigation hydraulic leaks (97 total leaks for the season) were happening every other day it seemed and I noticed the well pump wasn’t giving us the normal output.  I remember saying to myself, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”  After some testing performed by Layne Christensen Pump Co, we were able to determine that the well pump was operating at about 40% capacity but the unknown was how much longer the pump would last.  Water is life for turfgrass so I was very much concerned.  The decision was made to get the necessary new components ordered for a repair should failure happen.  Peace of mind was now at hand should failure arise as the repair could be completed in a timely manner that would allow the course to continue to shine.  We were handling any hydraulic leaks that popped up without any turf loss & the well pump situation had the solution on the ready, course is in great condition, what more could you ask for; clogged irrigation heads.  The irrigation heads were unable to operate properly due to a type of debris that I haven’t really seen in the past but the only thing to be done was to pull the irrigation head and flush the debris out as fast as possible as the turf needed water with 90 degree days becoming the norm.  There are certain times of the year when you can invest the time to truly solve a problem like this and this was not the time so we just kept unclogging heads as needed for the remainder of the season.  After testing the water it was determined that it was lime deposit from our water supply that was coating the irrigation pipe and breaking free during irrigation cycles.

                August rolls along and the long hot summer has taken its toll on the crew.  The numerous long days in the heat wear you down physically but sleep usually recharges that battery.  Mental fatigue is the toughest challenge.  Keeping the crew working at an efficient rate and making sure the focus is there to ensure the turfgrass can make it through.  By this time of the year the turfgrass plant is truly fragile.  The root system is about a 3^rd or less of what is was to start the season and this means there isn’t much leeway between green and brown.  I have to be focused and on task all day, every day to ensure the job tasks are performed properly to ensure we get to the finish line successfully.

                The fall portion of the season brings aerification and a focus on the 2013 season by rebuilding turfgrass health.  The success of the 2012 golfing season is truly a reflection of the numerous tasks performed the fall prior.  This fall is no different if we wish to have similar results in 2013.  Aerification went really smoothly and all of the needed fertilization and plant protection applications, reseeding and sodding of weak areas, & proper irrigation are done with the lone purpose of building the turfgrass into a healthy plant that will be able to handle the struggles of the next season.

                The 2012 season has provided a lot of added knowledge; some good and some bad but more importantly some solutions and a road map to future successful seasons.  Some of the solutions are in place.  The well pump will be fully repaired in February, an acid injection system will be installed on our irrigation system to eliminate the lime issue & subsequently the clogged irrigation heads, and a new Assistant will be hired.  I am happy to see 2012 in the rear view mirror as it was tough at times but I am grateful to have been able to go through this with a great grounds crew that cares and takes pride in Idlewild and a membership that is very supportive in our efforts. 

                So where does that leave us with the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of 2012.  In a few words, we did it….success!

Regards,

Kurt Sams, CGCS

               

Greens Are Closed for the Season!

The golf season of 2012 will go down in the records books for being the longest season and one of our more successful seasons for the Grounds Department.  I want to thank the membership for all the positive support throughout the hot, dry summer and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.  See you in 2013!!!

The greens were opened March 9th!

By Mid April, the course was hitting its stride.

Temporary pins are in place as the season has officially come to an end!

Tree Removals

The winter season is when we get a majority of our tree work done but with the season extending and course cleanup 99% complete; we are getting a jump start on the tree removals.  As of today we have cut down & chipped 27 trees.  A majority of the removals this winter will be ash trees that have been infected by the emerald ash borer.

Tree cut down and limbed up for chipping.

The branches are put through the wood chipper.

Do you remember when trees were fun?

Green Complex Sod Work

While we have been busy with fall clean up from the leaves, we have been able to get quite a bit of sod work done around some green complexes and bunkers.

# 2 green.

# 3 Green

# 13

In addition to these 3 areas, we have also done some sod work at # 1, # 4, # 6, # 8, # 11, & #12.  The sod work should help to improve the playability around these greens.  Hopefully, next season will not be as dry as our current irrigation system does not have perimeter irrigation which makes if very difficult to keep our bunker faces & green complexes adequately watered.

Putting the Dragon to Sleep for the Winter

Myself and Cesar have had a very hard year dealing with the 97 irrigation leaks.  Around August of this year we started to call our irrigation system the Dragon due to the numerous "fires" we would have to put out.  Last week the irrigation system was winterized or "blown out".  This is done using a large compressor that pushes air through the irrigation pipe forcing the water to be blown out.

The compressor is attached to the main line in our pump house.

This practice is crucial as if it isn't done properly there will be broken pipe from the water expanding as it freezes in the pipe.

The air from the compressor forcing the water out.

Every irrigation head is turned on until all the water is out of the irrigation lines and heads.  Gladly the Dragon will sleep until April of 2013.  Sweet dreams!!

Beaver Be Dam!

A beaver taking out a tree along the creek.

We have noticed a busy little beaver over the past few weeks.  I haven't been able to get a good photo of this large rodent but have seen the evidence.  I believe the main dam is north of our property but I see signs of a 2nd home being built close to 3 green in Butterfield Creek.  We will try trapping him over the winter before any potential flooding issues are created.

Tree Plantings along the Range Area

We are moving some trees from our tree nursery to the range area.  As the trees grow over time this will provide some protection to the golfers on holes # 8 & #11.

Tree Nursery located to the north of # 15 Fairway.

Arbor Care Tree Arborist are installing the trees with their tree spade.

4 new plantings along # 11 fairway side of the range. (notice the willow tree)

These tree plantings will coincide with the removal of the decrepit Willow Trees this winter.

# 16 Tee Renovation

The Tee mix being installed on #16 Tee.

Last week we installed the tee construction mix on # 16 Tee which was the last phase of the project for this fall.  We will use the winter months to allow for settling of the soil.  Early next spring we will laser level the tee and install the bentgrass sod.  Assuming the spring weather cooperates the tee should be open around the 1st part of May, 2013.

Fall Projects

Well in has been awhile since my last post but we have been busy trying to make some improvements.  Here is what we have been up to:

Resodding the #16 Green Complex

We first removed all the old sod and excess sand that has accumulated on the bunker bank followed by adding some fresh topsoil and fertilizer.  The new sod is then installed.  It generally takes a few weeks during cold weather for the new sod to reroot.  Resodding of #16 green banks generally happens about every 3 years as the sand from bunker shots weakens the turf.

#16 bunker banks resodded.

Renovating the #16 Tee Box

We are in the middle of renovating the #16 tee box.  We are reshaping the back portion of the tee and expanding the back portion.  This will gain us about 10 yards of added tee space once the project in finished.

Reshaping of the back portion of the existing tee box.

We have completed the rough shaping and additional irrigation.  This week the sand mix will be installed followed by the laser leveling of the tee.  Due to the late start of the project, we will be sodding the tee box either this fall or earlier next spring (weather dependent).  The new tee box will be open by the 1st event of next season in May.

Bentgrass Seed Germination

The front right portion of # 17 Green continually gives me problems during summers with extreme heat.  It is an area that holds water and that is a serious No No when the heat of the summer is extreme.  The ultimate solution is to install drainage but until that time comes, I will reseed the area in order to have a healthy green for next season.

Seed germination in the aerification holes.

Penncross bentgrass seedling.

Fairway Fertilization

Today we completed the fertilization of the fairways.  This is an important step in preparing the course for next year and in the short term it will help with recovery after the fairways are aerified in a few weeks. 

Fairway fertilization completed by Harrell's spreader truck.

The mini size granules are almost invisible.

The fertilizer is watered in to help release the product and provide safety to the turf.

The work is contracted out to Harrell's as they can spread the product over the 26 acres in about 2 hours which allows me to water the product in with the irrigation system before member play begins. 

Bunkers are a Problem for Us...Not Just the Golfer

We are all well aware of the inconsistent sand throughout the bunkers on the course but there is also the drainage issue.  While praying for rain so much this year, I have forgotten the time it takes to get the bunkers back to somewhat respectable condition.

Grounds Crew pumping the water that won't drain!

After the water is pumped out!

The conditions after the water is pumped out are still wet for a period of time until they dry out.  A lot of labor hours go into this process and I would love to see time spent on other job details not to mention the improved playability of the bunkers if more renovation work could take place.

Feeding Bonaza.....for the Birds!

With the recent rains and the soft, moist conditions in the fairway; the birds have been getting a healthy diet of earthworms.

# 5 fairway early morning buffet!

I have noticed birds feeding in years past but nothing to this extent.  While we have had problems with earthworm castings in late fall and/or early spring in years past, I have never seen something like this.  There is really no solution but to let nature take its course.

Improving Course Etiquette

Course Etiquette Guidelines

1.  During frost delays and inclement weather, it is the Grounds Department objective to get golfers and golf carts on the course as soon as it can safely be done.  We will be in communication with the Pro Shop as to a time frame for the course to be open and the availability of golf carts.

2.  Repairing your ball marks plus 3 others will improve the condition of the greens.  Always push your ball mark inward and tap it down.

3.  If your divot is in one piece…..replace your divot.  If not, please use the divot mix supplied in the golf cart.  This divot mix is for fairways and tees only.  Do not put in the rough!!!

4.  After teeing off, please put your broken tee in the broken tee caddie.

5.  Obey the cart direction devices.  This will limit any damage that may occur and keep the traffic areas in more out of play areas.  Golf carts are not to be driven to the back tee boxes.  The golf carts should remain on the cart path at the tee box.

6.  During inclement weather, special cart restrictions may be put in place.  It is crucial that these restrictions be followed.  Failure to follow these restrictions can not only cause damage immediately but in the future especially during the heat of the summer.

7.  Cigarette buds need to be placed in the trash receptacles along with any other trash.

8.  Golfers at the range tee should be aware of other golfers on holes #8 & #11 as they have the right of way.  Please keep aware of this to limit anyone getting injured.

9.  Enjoy your round of golf and the beautiful surroundings.  If your golf games brings upon some frustration, please do not take that frustration out on the golf course.

Thank you for your cooperation and doing your part as a member of Idlewild CC.

Grounds & Greens

Happy Days are Here Again!!!

We are into the 2nd full week of August and I couldn't be happier.  We have had some much needed rain and the temperatures have become more normal.  These two factors will help bring the soil temperatures down which is crucial to plant health and its recovery after such a hot summer.  We have had 34 days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees and the rainfall has been very limited creating quite a workout for our irrigation system and the grounds crew.  The 10 day forecast looks to be very favorable and should help any blemishes on the turf to recover.  This should lead us into the club & class championships with ideal turf conditions and playability.  I have seen a lot of things this summer that I can say are different from the norm.

A mess of hydraulic irrigation problems!

To many clogged irrigation heads to count!

Wind storms with no rain!

Some beautiful mornings!

Did I say clogged irrigation heads and the debris after cleaning!

Some long days into the night! (Brutus in the dark)

More wind storms with no rain!



Golfers driving their cart where it shouldn't be!

More clogged irrigation heads!

Minimal turf damage!

A lot of exhausting days!

Some really beautiful days!

Overall some great golf course conditions!!!



Clean Up Isle 5

We had a little storm blow through the course yesterday and we got .3 inches off rain which was great.  Unfortunately, it came with some heavy winds which created a lot of tree debris on the course. 

# 8 Green

The greens, tees, & fairways have been blown off as well as cleaning/raking the bunkers.  The next few days we will be picking up the tree debris and hauling it to the dump.

Rainfall has its Benefits, But......

While I have spent most of the golf season praying for rain, I do get a little nervous when we get to much at one time.  This can lead standing water on the fairways which is very dangerous to the turf when the temperatures are high.

#18 Fairway

The standing water can "cook" the turf like boiling an egg.  We do are best to remove the water off the surface but the saturated turf is still in harms way.

Turf thinning due to saturated conditions & heat.

Cleaning Clogged Irrigation Heads

Usually during the spring start up of the irrigation system I expect to clean the irrigation heads to make sure they are operating properly.  Early last week when we began to irrigate after the previous weekends rain, I noticed a lot of irrigation heads were not working properly and throwing the water as it normally should.  This began a mad dash to check all the irrigation heads to make sure the irrigation heads were working properly and clean the heads that needed it.  On Thursday, myself and Cesar were able check/clean all the irrigation heads on the course.  This was done just in time as the heat required numerous syringe cycles to keep the turf cool and the course in great condition.  With the cooler temperatures and the .5 inches of rain this morning, I can say the course held up well and should get some recovery time before the next punch that Mother Nature will surely throw.

Clogged screen at the base of the irrigation head

Irrigation head removed and ready to flush

Flushing any debris from the irrigation lines

Irrigation Used to Cool the Turf

With the hot, humid weather upon us we will be using the irrigation system to help cool the turf canopy.

# 8

The irrigation heads will run in a sequence down the fairway at either 3 or 5 minute intervals.  This is a necessary maintenance tool that allows us to maintain the turf quality during these tough weather conditions.

Needle Tining Greens

needle tining greens

In order to promote healthy greens, needle tining greens is a very important agronomic tool that we use.  It allows the exchange of air, eliminates compaction, and creates avenues for root growth. 

8 inch deep holes with minimal surface disruption

These holes will allow the greens to get oxygen to the root zone without disruption of ball roll.  We will do this every 3 weeks and sometimes more if the weather conditions are overly wet.  Once we complete the needle tining we roll the greens to smooth the surface.

Views of the Course

The forcast is calling for some very warm weather and it started today.  We had a great week of weather and here is some of the pics that caught my eye throughout the week.

#17

#15

#8

#13

Sunrise on the course

#7

#2