Master plan

As we near the beginning of the 2016 season, we are planning out our work load ahead of us to finish up the project we started last fall on the 10th hole.  This spring, our project list on #10 includes:

·         Expanding the corners of the green, allowing for more ‘tucked’ pins

·         Expanding the approach to the right according to the architects markings

·         Reseeding the old fairway to rough

·         Planting trees to the left of the start of the fairway

·         Removing the fence between the parking lot and the old 10 fairway, also adding some landscaping

·         Finishing growing in the new grass and sod

·         Installing cart paths to the new tees

 



The completion of these items will cap off the first piece of our Master Plan.

The project on #10 was done for a variety of reasons, including safety.  Another logical reason for starting with 10 was that this piece of the plan needed to be complete before we begin on other projects such us a new short game practice area and updated range facilities.  While these projects are still a long ways off, we are thoroughly planning and preparing for the day when it does happen. 

We are very aware that a large scale renovation on the course will not happen in the near future.  But, what we can do is small scale projects that point towards the end goal.  While a project at first may seem out of place or not carefully conceived, a review of the entire plan would say otherwise.

 

If you have any questions regarding the Master Plan and the end product, please don't hesitate to call me or stop by.  I would enjoy the opportunity to walk you through the entire plan. 

Winter tree projects

The balmy winter has given us a great opportunity to focus on tree trimming while also allowing us to remove a few trees.  Over the past few months we have been busy going through the course in a systematic way, trimming every tree.  The past few weeks we have been able to get larger equipment on the course which was needed for tree removal.

Tree trimming is an important task on the course.  As trees age, the limbs reach lower and lower.  The low hanging limbs don't offer easy access to the area by golfers or by maintenance equipment while also robbing the turf below from needed sunlight.  With the removal of these limbs, access is improved and turf benefits due to increased sunlight.  Another great benefit is the improved aesthetics, the look of a well manicured tree or grove of trees really adds to the overall detail of the golf course.

The tree removals this year are significantly less intense as in the recent past.  We have done a great job of removing trees that were affecting turf health and playability in the main areas of the golf course (greens, tees, fairways).  As the need for removals around these areas decreases, we can focus more on the failing trees and trees that don't have a positive effect on the beauty of the course.  Above is a Spruce that is being removed from 16, left of the start of the fairway, near the river.  As you see in the picture, the canopy of this Spruce was almost devoid of needles. 

Yesterday was one of the few days this winter that we could allow large equipment on the course.  This was needed to remove a few larger trees that we could not take down in-house.  We sought help removing a Walnut, Ash and a Cottonwood off of 14 - all of which were in major decline and threatening to fall on neighboring property. 

Fresh air

It doesn't get better than this - being able to work with the shop door open in February.  Loving the sunshine!

 

Winter sunrise

Beautiful sunrise this morning over a frost covered course.