Test Bunkers

Two test bunkers have been constructed at the short game area near the Pro Shop to sample and compare different bunker sands and construction methods.  Below you will find a step by step explanation of a typical bunker rehabilitation proposed in the Renovation Plan.

Bunker sand was removed from 2/3 of each bunker.  The remaining 1/3 was left undisturbed for comparison purposes.

Removal of the bunker sand reveals a 90 degree angle of sub-soil at the bunker edge.  This 90 degree angle causes a deep layer of sand around the edges of bunkers.

This close up shows the deep layer of sand near the edges and the steep transition from 9" to a consistent 2"-3" of sand in the bunker flats.

Plugged lies are common in the deep layer of sand near the edges.

Once bunker sand was removed and drain lines cleaned a layer of clay was packed around the edges on the inside of the bunker.  This layer of clay will allow the bunker sand to "mirror" the bunker bottoms providing a consistent 2"-3" sand depth throughout the entire bunker.

A bunker liner was added to the center section of each bunker.  This bunker liner reduces contamination of soil into the sand and also hold the sand in place on any sloped areas during heavy rains.

Bunker sand was added and compacted.

A "view port" was left exposed to show the difference in edge construction.  The left photo shows our current bunkers with over 10" of sand near the edge.  The right photo shows a renovated edge where sub-soil is ramped to the edges allowing for a consistent sand depth throughout the bunker.

From left to right "North Face" "Best Tour Grade Signature" & "Steep Face" 

On October 5th a heavy thunderstorm dumped 2.5" of rain in a short period of time.  Notice how the sand in the middle installed with a liner didn't wash while the other 2 sands washed from the bunker edges.

Fall Greens Aerification Complete

Core aerification of all 18 greens is complete.  Utilizing an outside contractor and our in house staff we were once again able to complete the process in 1 day minimizing course downtime.  All open holes have been filled with sand, and I expect the greens to be fully healed in 7-10 days if the current forecast of warm temperatures holds.  Thank you for your understanding as we complete this extremely important practice.

June Golf Course Update

May started dry but ended wet. We received a month's worth of rain in the final 2 weeks of the month for a total of 3.81".   Between the showers and storms, grounds staff was busy preparing the course for daily play while finishing spring projects.  The summer months bring a shift to the grounds department as we focus on daily maintenance and grooming while projects and improvements wait for the fall.

After the final frost in late May Assistant Bob McCallum led a crew planting nearly 1,500 flats of annual flowers throughout the golf course, clubhouse grounds and pool areas. 

Assistant Todd Vermillion marks a shamrock on the 4th green for Celtic Day.  A nice idea by Golf Pro Chris York.

Greens were "pencil tined" on Monday to create air channels during the recent wet conditions.  These 1/4" solid tines penetrate 6" deep and heal very quickly on the surface.  The air channels created allow the turf roots to breath and help the green dry down during this extended wet period.

Sand topdressing was also applied and brushed in on Monday.  We strive to topdress greens bi-weekly as weather allows to provide smooth, firm, healthy greens.

Granite Path #1 "Before" - Inconsistent width and granite depth, worn edges and ruts.

Granite Path #1 "After" - Our experiment in restoration provides a uniform width and sharp, clean edges.  We are experimenting with different equipment and methods to find the most cost effective way to revitalize and maintain Ridgemoor's 10,000 linear feet of existing decomposed granite cart paths. 

Tree vs Turf - The tree always wins the battle by shading and outcompeting the turf for essential sunlight, water and nutrients.  Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best to seed and nurture these rough areas until a long range plan of tree thinning and pruning is implemented.

Fairway Aerification

Core aerification was completed on all 18 fairways on Monday, May 6th.  Our staff worked in shifts from 3am - 7pm to complete the process in 1 day.  Tons of thatch and built up organic matter was removed from the fairways.  In the long term core aerification is key to providing healthy turf and firm playing conditions.

Three tractor mounted aerifiers began work at 3am Monday morning.  The above photo was taken at sunrise on the 5th hole.

Our 1st shift cleanup crew began dragging fairways at 8am.  The metal drags separate the sand from the organic matter and thatch returning the sand to the fairways as topdressing.

Turbine blowers followed the drag crews moving the thatch and organic matter to the edges of fairways.

A turf vacuum picks up the debris from the fairway edges.

Mountains of removed material are deposited at our dumpsite. 

Greens Aerification

Greens aerification was completed on Monday, April 29th.  Utilizing an outside contractor and our own recently purchased equipment we were able to complete the process on all 18 greens in 1 day.

Our contractor utilized 2 tractors to pull cores and windrow the pulled plugs.

Our staff then removed the plugs and applied a heavy layer of topdressing sand.  Brushes, brooms and blowers were then used to work the sand into the aerification holes.  

Greens Aerification Monday

Course Closed Monday, April 29th

A reminder all greens will be core aerified on Monday, April 29^th which will require closure of the entire golf course for the day.  In past years, full core greens aerification was eliminated.  The aerification process allows us to remove organic matter and provide healthier, firmer putting surfaces throughout the season.  Every year in the spring and fall we will be pulling cores and backfilling the open aerification holes with clean topdressing sand.  I expect to complete the process in 1 day with good weather conditions.  The full healing process should take 10-14 days with favorable weather to produce good growing conditions.

Flood Update

The golf course will reopen at 1pm on Saturday.

The driving range remains open for use from the mats.

We received a little over 6.5" of rain in the recent storm.  As of 9am most of the floodwaters have receded except for portions of the 5th, 9th and 10th holes.  We are currently utilizing pumps to expedite water removal and return the golf course to playable conditions as soon as possible. 

Snow is in the air this morning!  If you look close you can see some snowflakes on the 9th green.

Bunkers drain quickly, but the floodwater leave behind washouts around the perimeter and a layer of silt and debris.  This silt contamination must be removed before washouts are repaired and bunkers raked in preparation for play.  A labor intensive operation.

Pumps are utilized to expedite water removal.

View from the 5th tee at 9am.

18th tee looking towards 1st green taken Thursday and again on Friday, nearly back to normal.

Flooding Rains

Thursday, April 18th - 6" of rain so far...

The forecast is calling for 1-2" of additional rain today and tonight.  Once the rain ends staff will begin pumping water from low areas to help speed up the drainage process.  I expect the course to be back in play for the weekend with little if any noticeable damage.

From the 5th green looking at the 5th & 10th fairways.

Looking back towards the 5th tee from the fairway bunker.

From the cart path on #1 looking east at #1 green.

Course Preparation

 

                                   

Quite a difference from the first fairway mowing (top) compared to the most recent fairway photo.  Warm spring rains and frost free nights have allowed the turf to break dormancy.

 

Unfortunately we had to remove one of the large Oak Trees at the club entrance.  Our certified arborist recommended immediate removal of the tree due to its declining condition and potential hazard in a wind storm.  Once removed it became apparent that the trunk was almost completely hollow and what little wood remained was soft and rotten.

 Aerification of greens is scheduled for Monday, April 29th.  The benefits of aerification are visible in this photo taken recently on the 10th green.  Notice the healthy green turf growing in last falls aerification holes.

   

Spring bunker preparation is nearly complete.  Edges were cut, winter washouts repaired and excess sand was removed.  I expect you will notice an immediate difference in the firmness and consistency of our bunkers.

The Season Begins...

The golf course officially opens Friday, April 5th.  I am expecting numerous frost delays as the colder than normal temperatures still have a grip on Chicago.  Please keep in mind that the majority of the turf is still dormant and unable to recover from daily wear.  It is extremely important that ball marks be repaired and divots replaced.  I look forward to seeing you on the golf course in the near future! 

The removal of covers signals the beginning.  The first step is a quick cleanup with a backpack blower in preparation for the first rounds of the season.  I expect the kelly green color to fade with exposure to a few cooler nights. 

A pass with the roller smooths any rough spots from winter freeze and thaw cycles.

Greens mowers make the first cut of the season on #3.

Antonio mows #18 green, still dormant from the recent cold weather.  Mowing along with warmer temperatures will help stimulate the grass into a growth cycle.

Todd cuts the first cup of the season on #3