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.