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.