Transformation of the Landscaping at the Cart Staging Area

After the removal of the Ash Trees.  Next step was the removal of the junipers.

Emerald Ash Borer started the process by killing the Ash trees

Installation of the new landscaping material

A new & improved look for the area

With only a few more plants to install, the area has greatly improved its aesthetics.  Over the past several years we have updated the landscaping in areas to provide a more modern look that provides more color and appeal. 

Idle Chatter With Course Updates

FROM THE GROUNDS

MAY 2013

Spring is quickly escaping us as we move into the end of May.  We have gotten a lot of work done and the course shows the progress that has been made even with the extra work that was put upon us with the flood.  For the most part we have achieved all the necessary duties during the timing that was necessary but for a few things.  Here are a few tidbits to either mark on your calendar or maybe even make you laugh a little.

Irrigation working properly on #10 Tee.

The irrigation system, “The Dragon” as I call it; has once again awakened for the season.  It took a lot of man hours but we finally have it operating properly.  My fingers are crossed that my old nemesis will maintain itself thus allowing me to maintain my sanity.

 

Solid tining provides benefits without the major disruption of pulling plugs.

The aerification process that I have used for the last few years is pretty membership friendly and it has all but been completed.  The only areas remaining to be aerified are the fairways.  Without the irrigation system operating properly, I had to delay fairway aerification to ensure the health of these 25 acres.  Now that the irrigation system is up to snuff….we will begin fairway aerification next week.  We will be solid tining the fairways so they should recover pretty quickly.

 

New #16 Tee.

I am happy to say the new #16 tee will open Friday May 24^th just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.  It’s kind of a funny thought but I think some people may be upset.  Numerous members have said they like the temporary tee box as they have hit the green more often.  From that stand point I find it hard to say sorry but some good things must come to an end.

 

Andrew performing flood clean up.

In case you haven’t noticed the new face on the course this spring I wanted to mention Andrew Narlow.  Andrew is the new Assistant and I am happy to say the he is off to a great start.  Andrew is a hard working and diligent young man that is going the help me a great deal.  He has quite a few things to learn about the operation here but I am sure he will give the effort necessary to succeed.

 

Thinking about the heat makes me think of snow.  O-H-I-O!

I hope everyone has had a great spring thus far and are looking forward to some normal weather before the heat and humidity set in for the summer.  I am really looking for to the 2013 and the great things it will bring to the club.  I feel the same way every year about this time; ask me that in August and you may get a different answer.  For future, frequent updates follow the blog or follow me on twitter @idycc

Respectfully,

Kurt Sams, CGCS

#16 Tee Renovation is Completed

Putting the final touches on the grade and sodding the bluegrass around the tee.

Installing the bentgrass sod on the tee surface.

The equipment makes the job a lot less labor intensive and time efficient.

Completed # 16 tee.

The renovation of #16 tee is finally complete.  I would have liked to have seen the work done a couple of weeks ago but if you are wondering why......read the previous post.  We will be topdressing and watering the tee heavily for the 1st 2 weeks and hope to have it open shortly there after.  Please refrain from using the tee box until is officially opens.  I must say this is a great improvement.

# 16 Tee Update!

# 16 Tee

The less than idea weather we have been experiencing this spring has delayed just about everything except the desire for warm weather.  The renovation of the 16th tee has been in a holding pattern as we wait for the proper conditions to get the work completed.  It would be my hope that the sod work will be completed by the end of April.  Based on that time frame, plus warm weather that is bound to come eventually; the tee should be open for play around Memorial Day Weekend.  Why the wait you may ask.  Once the sod is installed it will need time to establish its root system in order to sustain the attacks given by the golf clubs and foot traffic.   

# 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.