Drainage, bridges and wetting agents

Last week we added a drain to the low area in the intermediate along 18 approach.  This spot always collects water when it rains and grass is unable to survive the saturated soils.  The constant dirt patch will now remain turf.

 

 

 

 

We also lifted the sod around the walk bridges.  Over the years the turf at the entrance and exit of the bridge has settled, this made quite a bump for the walkers as they used the bridge.  We lifted the sod and added rocks and more soil underneath.

 

Today, wetting agents were sprayed on the fairways.  This makes the water more effective to the turf by breaking the tension between water and the soil.  This will allow us to water slightly less - keeping the fairways firmer while still maintaining a good appearance. 

 

 

Changes

This past week we implemented a few changes around FCC.

Toward the back end of the driving range we added 4 new flags.  From the front of the back range tee, these flags are at 40, 60, 80 and 100 yds.  This will give you chance to practice your short irons.

We tore out some landscaping near the Clubhouse and added new bushes.

The old bushes were dying and overgrown.

 

Last week we started mowing fairways only in the afternoons and evenings.  We have one individual that comes in at 12:00 and works until 8:00 pm. to mow fairways.  This allows us to mow them when they are dry, therefore getting a much better cut.  This also saves us time and gas by not having to send out blowers behind the mowers.

 

We mowed down 5 spots to test out a new "Gold" course.

 

Our current Gold course is only 80yds longer than the Red - essential we don't have a Gold course.  Chad and I have set up 5 new teeing areas for the Gold tees.  We mowed down temporary tees on 1,4,15,16 and 18.  The Gold course is now playing at 5,700yds.  If all goes well, we may build tees in the future, near these areas.  This will give us a Red course at 5,300yds, Gold at 5,700, White at 6,400 and Blue at 6,850.  We will then eliminate the White/Gold course.

Soil testing

Every year we have a soil consultant come out and take soil samples - we then test them for levels of nutrients that the turf needs.  We also test the tissue of the grass to determines what nutrients are in the plant, this gives me an idea of what the plant has and what is available to the plant.  Last week we took samples to get this testing done.  We also took samples of our water to determine salt levels and other contaminates. 

 

We found 4" roots on our poa greens, that is good for this time of year.

Every other year we will perform a physical analysis of the soil to determine how the greens drain and if the rootzone of the soil is adequate.  This will give us the information we base our aerifications on.

Patio open!

The last of the details were finished up today on the patio.  After the contractor was done sealing the patio, we were able to put landscaping around the bottom portion.  Tomorrow we will begin seeding the lawn below the patio and fixing the landscaping near the parking area below the hill.

The Clubhouse staff has put the furniture out and is ready for use.  Make your reservation now to enjoy this new addition of our service to our members.

 

 

Early April

 

Mid April

 

Mid May

 

June 5