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.