Feels like spring

I think that winter has left us for the most part, we may see a few frosty mornings or a snow flake here and there, but spring looks like it's here.  Today was the unofficial beginning of the season for us - transitioning from winter projects to spring clean-up.  The first item on our list is cleaning up the course and preparing it for a not too distant opening. 

We had special help today from the clients at Blanchard Valley Center, they came over this morning to give a great start on picking up sticks.  A big thank you to Molly, Nicole, Jeff and Cary for helping us out!

 

So, when will we open?  Not sure yet, we will see how this weather pattern pans out and how much rain we get this week.  Right now the sun is shining, but we are wet! 

Found - Titleist Pro V1

If you've lost a Titleist Pro V1 on #3, near the Linden by the left fairway bunker, we found it!

It was about 20 feet off the ground.

 It has been up there a while, the braches were starting to compress the ball and grow around it.

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.

 

Winter equipment maintenance

One of the questions we hear about 20 times every winter is "so what do you guys do over the winter?"  I can't blame them, they're just not aware of what it takes to keep a course running at this level.  The presumption is that there isn't much to do and it must be nice to take it easy.  The answer I give in response is the list of items that we tackle over the winter, and inform them that we transition into our "winter" schedule which is back down to 40 hours a week.  So while it is nice to have a less hectic schedule, we still have a laundry list of items to complete to insure the course is in great shape for the following summer.

Typical winter projects include: detailing equipment, service and heavy maintenance on all equipment, clean and repair course supplies (tee markers, ball washers, trash cans, benches...) make repairs to and paint maintenance building, tree trimming, tree removals, snow removal as needed, and all the scheduling / planning /purchasing that is required for the upcoming season.

The last few weeks we have been focused on the equipment, more importantly, sharpening all the reels and bed-knives.  This process is probably the most important task we embark on every year, without a perfect cut the turf will tear, which decreases the quality of the playing surface.  With 10 pieces of equipment with reels, consisting of 30 individual reels and knives, we have a lengthy process of breaking down each reel, replacing bearings and applying a sharp edge.

Jim replacing bearings on a front roller of a fairway reel.

Evan working on a fairway reel.

Eric, removing a reel from the grinder.

Wayne has been busy detailing the equipment, he makes a 6 year old piece of equipment look new.

 

Eric, Jim, Evan and Wayne have been doing a great job, working together in an assembly line like fashion to get these reels cutting better than they ever have.  I know it's a few months away yet, but I can't wait to see these mowers in action. 

Home fertilization program

I recently went to Legacy Turf and Ornamental and proposed a Home Lawn Fertilization Program that would be an added service to our members, they loved the idea.  This plan is a win-win for everyone involved, here it is:

We (FCC) are going to give you the opportunity to purchase your lawn fertilizer through us, in doing so, you will get a great deal - $79.00 for a four step program that will cover 10,000 square feet of lawn per app.  Each application is less than $20.00 per app  You would pay over $180.00 for the same fertilizer at a home improvement store.  We will tell you when and how to apply, and you will be able to pick up the fertilizer all at one time at the club.  All you need to do is tell us before March 31st if you would like to participate in the plan.  The fertilizer order will be ready for pickup in April, we will charge your account at that time for the program.

Like I stated already, this is a win-win for everyone, you get a great deal on your home lawn fertilizer, Legacy increases their sales and FCC gets valuable rebates towards the products we purchase for the course.  The more members that take part in this program, the more we can save on our future chemical purchases.

 

Findlay Country Club Member

Home lawn fertilization plan, provided by:

• Four applications, less than $20 per application
• Everything you need to keep your lawn healthy
• Plan of application, we tell you when and how to apply
• One stop shop, pick up all the products you need in one stop
• Great value, save over 50% vs. purchasing at a home improvement store
• Supports local business, all products are manufactured in Fostoria

For a one-time charge of $79.00 per 10,000 square feet, you'll receive:

1. Mid-April app, 30-0-0 with Dimension pre-emergent (crabgrass control)
2. Early-June app, 21-0-4 with Mallet insecticide (grub control)
3. Mid-July app, 24-4-12, late summer feed
4. Late-September app, 18-0-2 with Trimec (weed control) the best time to control weeds is in the fall

*Each application consists of 1 bag which covers 10,000 square feet.  Measure your lawn to be sure you order the correct number of bags.  Calibrate your spreader to apply 5lbs of product for every 1,000 square feet.  Always read and follow label directions.

All orders need to be placed by March 31st.  If you would like to take advantage of this program, please call me at 616-405-5016 or email me at dkoops@findlaycc.com to sign up for the plan.  You will need to know the size of your lawn.  A typical suburban home lawn is around 10,000 square feet, if you have a larger lawn, you may need to order more than 1 bag per app.

All the products will be ready for pickup on April 9th.  We will set up a time were members can come pick up their fertilizer and take it home, you will also receive a guide on when and how to apply the products. 

We want our members to be proud of their lawns and we're going to make it easy for you!

Assistant update

The people that we have on staff in the Grounds Department are an integral part to our success.  Two key positions that I rely heavily on are my two Assistants.  We recently had a change in 2015 with one of those positions.  As you are aware, Adam Bateson moved on in August, leaving an opening.  This open position was filled rather quickly, but it has occurred to me that I never posted this information on the blog.

I have promoted Evan Riggs to Assistant Superintendent.  Evan was born and raised in Findlay, started his working career on the family farm and got his feet wet in the golf industry working at Red Hawk.  In 2013 he came to FCC as a grounds crew member, in 2014 he performed his internship here at FCC, and in 2015 he came back after graduation for a summer position.  Evan now holds the title of Assistant Superintendent, supporting myself and my Assistant Eric Lowery. 

Evan graduated from Ohio State in 2015 with a Turfgrass Management degree.  We now employ three individuals with Turf degrees - one from MSU and two from OSU.

 

Evan, pictured here with his girlfriend Katherine, recently took a trip out east to visit his brother out on Long Island, who also happens to be an Assistant Superintendent.  In Evan's spare time, he enjoys fabrication and wrenching - two skills we take full advantage of! 

Diesel leak

The warmer temperatures and low wind today gave us a great opportunity to spray our greens, giving us protection against snow mold.  Unfortunately, while spraying the 12th green a diesel line broke loose and stopped the machine in the middle of 12 green while leaking fuel.  The sprayer was quickly pushed off the green, preventing further damage, but a 2' x 2' area will need to be repaired.

Damaged spot in the middle of 12 green.  This will be sodded out before we open next spring. 

 

Pins removed from greens, minor flooding

Yesterday, the pins were removed from the greens, the official closing of the course for the season.  As usual, we placed a few pins in the approaches if you get the urge to walk a few holes on warm day over the winter. 

Evan is happy this is the last pin he has to move in 2015.

 

We placed pins on holes 1, 2 and 7.  In the past we've typically also placed pins on 10, 11 and 12 but we frequently see these winter pins on the ground due to the freezing/thawing and high winds.  Because I don't like the messy look of pins laying on the ground that are in view of all to see over the winter, I've opted to leave out a few pins.  If you decide to hit a few balls around over the winter, feel free to traverse some other areas of the course, we just ask that you stay off the greens.  Also, please keep in mind that over the winter the ground may freeze, please do not walk on any turf that is froze.

We are experiencing minor flooding from the rains over the last few days.  Portions of 8, 9 and 18 are underwater.  As soon as the water recedes we will begin our clean-up efforts.  Flooding during this time of year poses little to no risk of turf loss.

Bottom of 1 fairway looking towards 18

 

Course closing update

The course will remain open through the weekend, the course will then close for the season on Monday, December 28.  It looks as though the temperatures will then drop slightly and a wetter weather pattern will be on us.  With cold temps and rain, conditions will not be conducive for golf or towards maintaining a healthy stand of turf.

Carts will be allowed this Tuesday and Wednesday, effective Thursday - carts will no longer be allowed on the course.

Please note, the Golf shop will be closed over the Christmas weekend, if you wish to walk a few holes over the weekend, make sure you have your clubs out of the bag room before Thursday.

Merry Christmas!

Tree trimming

One of the perennial winter tasks we take on is tree trimming.  This week was the start of that month long project. 

 

This is one of those tasks I really enjoy doing.  After completing an area, I stand on the tee and admire the change and cleanliness that is now present.  There are many reasons why we try to keep trees trimmed, they include:

• Improved access by golf carts
• More space for that perfect swing if you happen to be under a tree
• Less damage to trees due to hitting branches with a rough mower roll-bar
• Improved turf growth around and under the tree
• Easier access by string trimmers
• More air circulation through the course which improves turf health
• And, a more professional/clean appearance to the grounds

 

Fence removal, creek cleaning

One of the prominent things I noticed on the FCC property when I toured the course before my interview in November of 2011, was the ugly mesh screens along the range and along 12 tee.  Nothing says 'bad design' like a well placed mesh shield in the middle of the course.  These fences took away from the beauty of the property - drawing your attention to their rusty, large and unnatural forms.  We removed the screen on the range in 2012, I am pleased to announce we have now removed the eyesore on 12 tee, and it looks great.  With the recent completion of the new 10th tee, the mesh screen will no longer be needed.

We tore down the screen, selling the posts for scrap metal, then dug up the concrete foundations. 

 

The view of the area improved dramatically.

 

Another project we are working on is the dredging of the creek bottom.  Over the years, large amounts of leaves find there way into the creek, decompose and raise the level of the creek bed.  Due to the dry conditions lately, we are able to get the heavy machinery out to the creek to dig it out

We are working on 18 today, tomorrow we will tackle 6 and 7.

 

October, I mean December projects

What a great stretch of weather, it was nice to see a few groups of golfers out on the course today soaking up the sun.  This weather has been a relief for us also, allowing us to get caught up on a few things that we were behind on due the recent project on #10.  We mowed greens today, for the second time during the month of December.  I doubt that has ever happened before.

The leaves on all the Pears are finally off, allowing us to clean-up a few spots on the course one last time, making sure we go into winter clean without leaf piles laying around.  Most of the equipment has been power washed and are now going through 'Wayne's World' of machine detailing - applying a generous coat of wax and Armor All.

The last three days, myself and few staff members spent time in Columbus for our regional conference.  I always enjoy these - catching up with Superintendents from around the region, hearing the latest and greatest news/research/ideas that are out there.  We listened to seminars with a plethora of topics - equipment repair, flower arrangements, ornamental care, algae blooms, renovations, USGA report, insect update, fungicide trials, poa annua control, growth regulators, seed research, and the list goes on.  Thank you for supporting continuing education and allowing us to grow, providing you with the best product in the area.

Next week we will be fixing a drain near 10 approach, removing the covers surrounding 10 tee to harden off the grass before winter, removing the fence along 12 tee, and begin tree trimming.  Speaking of the covers on 10, I'm glad we made the call to seed those areas this fall, we had a successful catch and will be looking great going into next season.

December is the typical month for our staff to use up any unused vacation time, therefore most of us have been in and out this month.  We will all be back in January and start the task of tree removals and more tree trimming.

One last note - we are out of firewood, if you regularly request firewood deliveries, please note that we will be unable to fulfill your order for the remainder of the winter.  If you need firewood for the winter, contact me and I will help you in your search.