A little dirt moving

I spent a little time today with a rented dozer in our 'dump' area in the middle of the course.  Over many years, extra soil, sand and sod had built up from projects, making a significant pile of debris. 

The pile of debris was located next to our service road through the dump.  I was able to knock the height down and smooth out the soil creating a nice berm, which will be planted with grass, as this area is visible from the course. 

We will now be dumping all of our project spoils on the back side of this berm, which will enhance the look off to the left of #4.

 

Home lawn fertilization plan - back again

FCC is again going to give you the opportunity to purchase your home 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 application.  Each application equates to 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.

Here are the highlights of the plan:

• 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 8th.  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!

Future of the Master Plan

Over the course of the last few weeks, as I have been highlighting the Master Plan, I have heard many positive remarks and also some criticism.  Many members have seen the wisdom in having a plan that provides us a road map as we discuss potential changes to the course.  We now have a course wide plan that creates continuity, a plan to guide future committees, and a plan that is separated from personal design requests.  The old adage goes 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail'.  We know that FCC and every other golf course out there evolves over time, some slightly and some more aggressively.  To sit here today and say this course will be good enough for the next 50 years is not wise.  It is our responsibility to keep FCC viable and maintain its prominence in the community, and that means updating the course from time to time.  Thank you to the Grounds Committee and Board for your leadership and foresight in planning for the successful future of FCC.

One notable criticism I have been hearing regarding the plan is 'We can't afford this, this is too costly for the membership'.  The answer to that would be yes and no.  If I were to sit here today and ask the membership to pay for a complete renovation of the course, - that would be too costly at this point.  But, we can complete and afford small projects just like we did this past year on 11 and the previous year on 10.  These projects were funded not only by the Grounds operating budget, but mainly from the Golf Course Improvement Fund.  This small account is funded by the fees charged to our Junior Academy members, it does well enough for us to pick off one small project a year.  So back up 4 years ago, we knew we needed to start improving the course over the long term and we knew we had modest funds to complete small projects but we didn't have a plan - enter the Master Plan.

Moving forward, you will see us continue to complete small projects that can be afforded within our budgets.  Another adage says 'A goal without a plan is only a wish'.  It is our goal to provide consistent improvements to FCC on an annual basis, to continue to grow and evolve with our members needs.  It is also our goal to continually reach for our Mission Statement - 'To offer our members an inviting family atmosphere, personalized services, outstanding facilities, and a commitment to excellence.'

Master Plan - 9th hole

And finally, the last hole of the Master Plan - hole 9.  This is probably the simplest of the plans, with slight changes to the tees being the most significant.  The tees would be rebuilt and moved slightly to the right for a better angle onto the fairway and the forward tee would be brought down the hill to create easier access to the tee.  Another notable change is the addition of a cart path spur to 9 tee, also allowing easier access.

Notable changes to 9 include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Expanded cart path to 9 tee.
• Narrowing the fairway.
• Expanding the green pad in the back.

Master Plan - 8th hole

The plan on the 8th hole is quite different than the other plans we have gone through as we are unable to construct bunkers on this hole due to frequent flooding.  The first change to note is the teeing area.  The cart paths around the tees would be renovated and shifted allowing for the tees to be moved to the right and enlarged.  This will change the angle of the hole slightly, making the decision to bite off the corner more of a strategic move.  Due to the fact that no bunkers can be installed, a series of grass moguls would be constructed to penalize the player trying to cut the corner of the hole and not making it to the fairway.  The plan also calls for drainage to be installed in combination with proper grading of the fairway. 

Significant changes include:

• Altered cart paths around the tees.
• Rebuilt tees, shifting them to the right.
• Grading fairway, add drainage.
• Add grass moguls on the right side.
• Expanded green pad.
• Tree planting and removal.

Master Plan - 7th hole

The changes to the 7th hole will look impressive from the tee, the topography of 7 makes it possible to get an outstanding view of the fairway from the tee.  The strategic changes to 7 revolve around the bunkers.  As stated earlier, we are removing the large bunker between 1 and 7; the right side fairway bunker will get shoved closer to the tee - actually putting this bunker in play; and the approach bunker will be placed next to the green.  Combine these changes with an additional green side bunker on the right and we can make this formidable hole.

Changes to the 7th hole include:

• Bunker alterations.
• Rebuilt tees.
• Altered fairway perimeter.
• Expanded green pad.
• Tree removal.
• Cart path updates.

 

One of the qualities of a good Architect is seeing the details that we sometimes don't see.  In this 'existing' picture we can see that the cart path comes well into view as we look down the fairway, taking away from the beauty of the landscape.  In the plan, they call for the path to be moved to the right, allowing space for a new tee while also shifting the path away from the sight line of the hole. 

 

I find it interesting looking at these before and after pictures, flipping back and forth to see the changes.  You may notice as I did that with our current view, our eyes are either drawn to the path on the right or the large expanse of sand on the left, but not down the fairway.  With the proposed view, my eyes are drawn closer to the center to of the hole.   

 

Master Plan - 6th hole

The 6th hole currently presents a few quirky design features, one being a large bunker that is separated from the green, the other is a kidney shaped tee that is not square with the hole.  The plan addresses both of these items.  The plan also expands the approach to the left of the green - providing a bail out area for those that don't want to challenge the bunker.  This expanded approach is consistent in what we saw on holes 17 and 18. 

Changes to the 6th hole include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Move the approach bunker up to the green, add a back right greenside bunker.
• Expand the approach to the left.
• Expand the green pad.

 Current view of the 6th hole.

 

 

Proposed view after renovation.



Master Plan - 5th hole

The 5th hole has a lot of opportunity for improvement; with potential changes to the tees, cart paths and bunkers, this hole will be greatly improved.  5 is one of the few holes where we can add length by constructing a back tee.  The plan calls for the removal of the two trees directly behind the current tee to build a back tee, adding 47 yards.  Currently there are a few fairway bunkers on the hole that are not in play and serve no strategic purpose.  Those three bunkers will be removed and a fairway bunker on the right will be constructed at the corner, putting a premium on a well placed tee shot.  Also of note is the altered route of the service road through 5 / 13 / 14.  When you stand on 5 tee currently, your eye is drawn to the gravel road directly in front of you.  With an altered route through the course, your view from the tee will now be focused on the fairway ahead.

Changes to the 5th hole include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Move service road.
• Update cart paths around the green.
• Remove fairway bunkers, construct new fairway bunker, rebuild greenside bunkers.
• Alter fairway perimeter as needed.
• Expand green pad.
• Tree planting and tree removal.

Master Plan - 4th hole

Changes to the 4th hole concentrate around the bunkers, moving the fairway bunker on the right while also adding fairway bunkers on the left.  As you study the new bunker placements on the Master Plan you will see a consistent theme of challenging the lower handicap golfer, the 4th hole is a great example of how we can shift the bunkers to an area that will change golfers strategy off the tee.  Also of note, around the tee is an updated cart path, allowing traffic to access the path near 3 green and reduce the wear on the turf in that area. 

Changes to the 4th hole include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Removing fairway bunkers, adding new fairway bunkers, renovate greenside bunkers.
• Alter fairway perimeter.
• Cart path additions.
• Expand the green edges.
• Tree planting and removal.

 

Existing view of 4 green.

 

Proposed view after changes according to the plan.

Master Plan - 3rd hole

This week we will continue reviewing the front nine.  The 3rd hole doesn't see a lot of changes other than the bunkering.  The fairway bunker on the right is eliminated, the fairway is then brought out to cover that void.  The fairway bunker on the left is rebuilt along with the addition of a few more bunkers creeping further out into the fairway.  Longer hitters will have a tighter landing area in the fairway, contending with the bunkers on the left and trees on the right.  The bunkers around the green will also be rebuilt, keeping them close to the green surface. 

Changes to the 3rd hole include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Updated bunkering.
• Expanded green surface. 
• Alter the fairway contours.
• Tree removal.

 

Master Plan - 2nd hole

Hole 2 on the Master Plan has some significant changes including the bunkers, the approach and the green itself.  The bunker on the right will be split into two with the top bunker expanding further up the hill.  The bunker on the left will be enlarged and also creep up the hill towards the back of the green.  The approach will encompass the swale in front of the green; and finally the back of the green will be enlarged to create a back stop that will collect shots.  Also of note is the addition of a cart path cul-de-sac at the tee to allow carts to get to the tee more easily and remove the need for ropes in that area. 

Changes to #2 include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Add a forward tee.
• Updated cart paths, construction of a cul-de-sac at the tee.
• Expanded approach including the swale in front of the green.
• Expanded green perimeter.
• Rebuilt bunkers, expanding them towards the back of the green.
• Tree removal.

Existing view of #2

Proposed view

Master Plan - 1st hole

We have completed the review of the back nine, let's take a look at the front nine.  The notable changes to the first hole are updated bunkering and a new back tee.  This hole is one of the few holes on the property that we can gain a little length by adding a new tee, this new tee being across the cart path on top of the hill.  The large bunker between 1 and 7 would be removed and a new fairway bunker on the left would be constructed.  The approach bunker would be brought out into the fairway; the fairway bunker on the right side would also be removed. 

Changes to the first hole include:

• Rebuilt tees, adding a back tee.
• Rebuild bunkers, eliminating the right side fairway bunker, adding a green side bunker.
• Alter fairway contours.
• Move cart path to the left of the forward tees.
• Tree removal.

 

Master Plan - 18th hole

Today we will go through the last hole on the back nine - 18.  The most notable change off the tee will be the fairway bunkers, pushing them further down the fairway to challenge the lower handicap golfer; also shoving them in toward the middle, making a well placed tee shot a priority.  Around the green you will see a collection area off to the left side, similar to that on 17.  A shot missed left would roll down the green bank into this collection area.

Changes to hole 18 include:

• Rebuild the tees, shifting the back tees to the right.
• Alter the cart path around the tees.
• Construct new bunkers.
• Add a collection area to the left of the green.
• Adjust fairway contours.
• Tree removal.

Removing the last green fence

When I arrived on property 5 years ago, one of the first things I noticed were 3 large green fences scattered throughout the property and neither of them added beauty to the course.  In 2012 we removed the green fence along the range tee, last year we removed the fence along the 12th tee, and this week we removed the fence along the parking lot. 

 We started the removal last Friday, getting the top half down.  With the combination of steel and massive vines, this was no easy project. 

 Monday we started on the bottom half, raking up years of debris as we went. 

 Once the fence was out of the way we pulled out all the posts and dug up the roots to all the vines. 

Finally, at the end of the day we were able to load up all the debris into the trailer and haul it away.  While the fence served its purpose in the past, it was no longer needed and in my opinion an eye sore on a beautiful property.  This change will only add to the aesthetics. 

 

This spring we will landscape this area to provide an elegant break between the parking lot and the course.  We will leave access points through the landscaping to allow members and guests to easily get to any functions / registration tents that may be placed in the lawn for any future events.

Master Plan - 17th hole

The changes to the 17th hole will present a different view from the tee, with the altered tee location and the addition of a bunker, 17 will be a little more challenging.

The changes to 17 include:

• Moving the tees to the right.
• Moving the cart path to the tee.
• Addition of a bunker.
• Expanded approach to the left.
• Removing the mounds alongside the fairway.
• Tree planting and removal.

 Existing view.

 

 

Your tee shot will be played from the right of the current tees, giving you a slightly different angle into the green.  If you don't want to challenge the bunker on the right, there will be an expanded approach on the left to serve as a bailout area. 
 

Master Plan - 16th hole

This week will continue through the back nine and start viewing the plan for the front nine.  Taking a look at the plan for the 16th hole, we don't see a lot of change here, the changes include:

• Rebuilt tees.
• Altered fairway contours.
• Rebuilt bunkers, removing one greenside bunker, moving the fairway bunker up towards the green.
• Expanding the green edges.
• Install a cart path leading to 17 tee.
• Tree removal.

 

Master Plan - 15th hole

The changes to the 15th hole are somewhat minimal with the majority of work being done on the bunkers and the tees.  The current fairway bunkers would be eliminated and new bunkers constructed on the left hand side to deter golfers from aiming left while also challenging the longer hitters. 

The changes to 15 include:

• Rebuild tees.
• Remove two fairway bunkers.
• Build new fairway bunkers on the left.
• Rebuild greenside bunkers
• Alter fairway contours.
• Expand green edges.
• Tree planting and removal.

Existing view of 15 green.  

Proposed changes, note that the bunkers around the green are clearly more visible from 200yds out.

 



Master Plan - 14th hole

Next on our list for review is the 14th hole.  The two significant changes here are the bunkering and the service road relocation.  We will remove two somewhat unnecessary bunkers from the hole and add two more surrounding the landing area on the fairway.  The service road would move from its current location and follow the creek before turning toward the range, this removes the eye sore from 5 tee.  You may have noticed - when you are standing on 5 tee, your sight line is right down the gravel service drive and not down the fairway.  Relocating the drive will make it somewhat hidden as you play the course. 

The changes to 14 include:

• Remove 2 bunkers.
• Add 2 bunkers to the fairway landing area.
• Relocate service road.
• Add drainage to fairway.
• Square off tees.
• Expand green edges.
• Tree planting and tree removal.

While the length of the hole as not changed, navigating the fairway bunkers and staying out of the tucked green side bunkers will make this hole more challenging. 

 

Master Plan - 13th hole

As we continue going through the back 9, we will highlight the 13th hole today.  When you view the plan below, you will notice that the tees have moved to the left, where our current service road is located.  We were able to make this change due to the short game area moving to 12, giving us room to not only expand the range tee but also adjust the tees on 13.

The changes on hole 13 include:

• Rebuild tees, moving them to the left to offer a different angle into the fairway and creating distance between the tees and 7 approach.
• Adding a back tee.
• Add a fairway bunker.
• Adjust the bunkering around the green.
• Remove the unnecessary fairway bunker on the right of the hole.
• Adjust the fairway contours.
• Cart path / Service road alterations.
• Expanding the green pad.
• Tree planting and removals.

Master Plan - 12th hole

I will continue taking you through a tour of the Master Plan, continuing with the back nine.  Today we will highlight the 12th hole, which is our current 11th.  As previously stated, the current 12th hole will become a short game practice area with a new par 3 10th hole being constructed.  This past fall we started making changes to the new 12th according to the plan - moving the fairway bunker and altering the fairway perimeter. 

The main changes for the new 12th hole include:

• Move the fairway bunker. (completed)
• Rebuild the greenside bunkers.
• Expand the approach.
• Adjust the fairway perimeter.
• Rebuild the tees, making them square.
• Add additional cart paths around the teeing area.
• Tree planting and tree removal.

The existing view of the new 12th green.

 

The changes after completion as proposed.