Greens Aerification

Last week we completed the aerification of the greens.  The process includes topdressing each green with a deep layer of sand.  After the sand dries we aerify with a machine that pokes 3/4" diameter x 11" long tines into the ground.  This year we chose to only go down to a depth of 5" due to a weather pattern that was not conducive to drying sand.  The more sand we have on the green the longer the dry time.  An ideal day for this project would include 10-20 mph wind and low humidity.

After the holes are punched the crew and I come back through with hand brooms and make sure every hole in each green is full of sand.  

By completing this process each year we encourage water percolation, deeper roots, reduced organic matter and reduced compaction.  

Tee Project 2015 - Week 2

With the short week (Labor Day) and the rain we received, work has been slow going for Vintage Golf.  17t complex is taking shape despite the set backs.  Work should complete on Tuesday or Wednesday and then 18 red and yellow tees will be next.  

Below sand is being placed on the new 17 yellow tee. 

The picture below shows sand in place on 17 blue and white. 

The new view from 17 blue.  

Tee Project 2015 - Days 4 & 5

16t was shaped and the rough has been sodded. Seeding of the tee top will take place Monday. 

Tee Project 2015 - Day 2 & 3

16t work is moving along nicely.  The entire area is sandy, which is drastically different then most of the course.  Even after a Tuesday afternoon downpour the area was able to be worked on immediately.  

The picture below shows our crew lowering the existing irrigation pipe.  This was needed due to the changing contours of the new tee complex.

Below is the viewpoint of standing on the new back tee.  Vintage Golf is finish grading the tee top.  

17t complex is in the picture below.  The entire area was sprayed with a herbicide to kill the grass.  Most of this area was contaminated with bentgrass, which is undesirable in the rough.  The area also is without irrigation in the rough between the tees and the fairway.  The grounds crew and I will be adding irrigation to this area next week as work is being completed on the tees.  

Tee Project 2015 - Day 1

This past Monday marked the beginning of the Tee Project for 2015.  16t was the first to be touched by Dave Esler's crew, Vintage Golf Construction.  The picture below shows the crew removing the tilled sod and hauling it away.  

Drainage Work

Over the past two days Dan Kaiser and his crew installed drainage in a number of areas on the course that continue to hold water during and after rain events.  Last night's .90" of rain was a great test for the work and I'm happy to say mission successful.  

Areas that received drainage were:  The path behind the Hamlet near 1T, the low area on the right side of 3 fw, the low area on the right side of 6 fw, a small spot in the front of 7 fw and the area near the front of 11 fairway, just past the red T box.

Path behind the Hamlet near 1T.  

Area near the front of 11 fairway, just past the red T box.

2015 Grounds Crew

I am fortunate to have a great group of hard working guys with me at the club.  We also have a lot of fun together, which makes for an enjoyable work environment.  When you have a chance, say hello to the grounds crew.  From L to R is:  Eric Rank – Director of Grounds (14^th year), Cody Galanda (3^rd year), Joe Lovison (3^rd year), Carl Ardissono (4^th year), Klay Hobson (1^st year), Forest Galanda (5^th year), Austin Payne (1^st year), Brad Miller (5^th year), Zac Adkins (1^st year), Dylan Shroeder (1^st year), Dallas Galanda (2^nd year), Paul Ardissono – Crew Foreman (5^th year), Joe Lewicki (3^rd year), Nathan Stanage (1^st year), Rob Lemon – Facilities Manager (17^th year).  Dayton Siewert (1^st year), Alex Lincoln – Assistant Superintendent (1^st year), Darrell Chitty (14^th year), Paul Kniola – Equipment Manager (12^th year), Michael Petro (10^th year) and John Maximoff (14^th year).

Bug Spray

Over the past month we have received regular rain events, so much so that we have only used the irrigation two or three times.  As of today, our irrigation reservoir is completely full. 

With all of the rain we have been receiving it will only be a matter of time until the mosquitoes start appearing.  Please remember to apply your bug spray on a hard surface such as a cart path or parking lot.  The bug spray can and will damage the turf that it comes in contact with.  The picture below demonstrates this well.

Drainage Work

It has been quite some time since my last post and a lot has happened.  The new tees, with the exception of 18 blue and white, are open for play.  Trees have been trimmed and some have been removed during the winter.  There has also been a lot of rain and it continues to rain.  As I write this post it is raining.  So, drainage is on my mind.

Last week we tackled a re-occurring leak in front of 17 green.  Whenever we received a substantial amount of rain a sod bubble would appear in the approach.  After some investigation we found broken clay drainage tile was the culprit.

We also found a number of repairs that were made over the years utilizing newer black, plastic drainage tile.  All in all around 30 ft of clay tile and old, plastic tile were removed and new tile was put back.  

Old, broken clay tile is indeed a problem for us.  This particular repair was very large compared to most.