Cart Path Attention

Now that our crew size increased a bit this week, we are starting to address issues that needed attention.  Our crushed stone cart paths were full of pot holes and carts started driving around them and wearing out the rough.  On top of that we have all new carts that we want to protect.  The good news is the the paths look awesome once we regrade them but the bad news is the material we used to build them in the past is no longer available.  The new material we are using now is whiter and may pack better so now we must recap all the paths so they all match each other.  We are doing the 17th hole now for members to take a look at and see how it performs.  Stay tuned.

New Machine Paying Off

We purchased this motorized spreader and sprayer this winter to help offset labor.  Today it proved its worth with Patrick O'Brien fertilizing all greens by himself in 4 hours rather than 3 men taking 2-3 hours.  The machine also has a small sprayer that can spot spray weeds etc as well.  Tomorrow Pat will be doing tee and green surrounds and the machine once again will save us at least 2 men most of the day that can be used to do other important work.

Coming Along

The putting course got its second mowing of the season since we seeded it back in early April.  The lower portion was seeded 3 weeks later and it is pretty far behind but with the warmer weather and some rain, we should be mowing the entire area by the end of the week.  We are hoping to have it in use by September.

Bunkers Are Truly Hazards Now

This is just one example of many of our bunkers after a single day of play.  This is not the members fault or the grounds staffs fault either.  Without rakes out on the course, there is not much you can do to alleviate this problem except to give each member a small rake.  With our minimal staff right now, we will rake the bunkers with a machine in the morning and by the afternoon they will look like this.  On weekends, we will have to rake bunkers both mornings and this will add to overtime and also will start to beat up the edges of the bunkers with the machine coming in and out.  We will figure something out in the short term and the long term to help alleviate the problem but until then please be patient.

Needed Tree Work Today

This tree has been slowly leaning more and more towards our neighbors house left of the 5th hole.  We have been unable to get a crane to this location due to the soft conditions.  Today we were able to get the crane in to remove the tree before another 2" of rain tomorrow night.  Our staff will chip the branches due to the tight location for the chip truck to get in.

Germination!

It is hard to tell in this picture, but we have seen germination starting the past week on the putting course.  Once the warm weather sticks around and we start feeding it you will really see it greening up quick.  We keep watering it each day and rolling it every few days to get the plugs nice and tight.
Will keep you posted with more progress.

Putting Course Taking Shape

We have made a lot of progress on the new putting course.  Today, more than half of it was seeded and plugs were spread on it.  We will spread more plugs tomorrow.  Next week we will eliminate the green and shape the bottom portion of the course and do the same, add seed and plugs.  In another few weeks this area will start to green up significantly.  The importance of the putting course is this adds another source of practice and more importantly fun for members and guests.  We will keep you posted as we make more progress.