Fall
Drainage Projects
The mild fall weather provided the perfect opportunity to replace several main drain lines that drain three different areas of the golf course. The existing drain lines were blocked by tree roots and debris and during any
substantial rain storm these areas would flood and often become unplayable until excess water was removed by gas powered pumps.
The first area
we addressed was the area located on the east side of #6 near the fairway
bunker. The new drainage ties the main lines from holes #6 and #7 to the new
pond near #5 tee. We also added various lateral drains in the rough on #6 near
the fairway bunker to assist in draining the lower areas.
Standing water east of #6 Fairway bunker after a heavy rain
Excavated trench through the fescue mounding connecting #6 mainline to #5 lake
The second area
we replaced was the main lateral drain line that drains #14 fairway and the
large greenside bunker at #14 green. The 6” clay tile traveling through the
rough between #14 and #17 was filled with tree roots and sediment, restricting
drainage to the main drain tile along the east side of #2. The addition of new
drainage allows for #14 to quickly drain after heavy rains, and allows additional lateral lines from #13 and #17 to drain more efficiently.
#14 Fairway flooded due to failing drain tile
6" drain tile filled with tree roots & debris
The third and
most important drain line is located along the east side of #2. The 8” main line was
replaced allowing for the water to drain completely off the property. During
substantial storms the entire east side of #2 along with the bunkers at #2
green would flood and have to be pumped to remove the standing water. With
the replacement of the entire mainline, this area now will drain without the
need of any pumps.
East side #2 flooded and unplayable
Excavating 8" drain tile filled with tree roots & silt
Winter
Tree Work
During the few frozen days we’ve experienced this winter, we
have continued to remove unsafe, damaged and dead trees throughout the golf course.
Dead & decaying tree due to insect damage
#7
Brush Clearing
We
also took advantage of the off season to open up the areas around the black
tee and the auxiliary tee at #7. Clearing these areas will allow for
sunlight and better growing conditions for both tee complexes. The remaining
stumps will be pulverized and cleaned before topsoil and seed are added this spring.
Tree & brush removal west of #7 Black tee
Tree & brush removal east of #7 Black tee
Winter
Detail Projects
As part of our winter routine, we spend time
repairing and staining our wood course supplies. Bag racks, trash cans,
benches, and tee markers spend the majority of their life in the elements, making winter refurbishment a necessity. We give all our Ipe wood fixtures a light sanding, and replace any worn parts before a sealant is applied to extend the Ipe wood's lifespan.
Light sanding to all our Ipe wood accessories
Ipe wood trash can stained and ready for the golf season
Winter
Equipment Maintenance
During the winter months our staff spends considerable time completing preventative maintenance to our equipment fleet. We also devote a significant
amount of time grinding and setting up our mowers so they are sharp and ready
for the golf season. We focus on fixing any major mechanical problems along with changing
all fluids and filters in each piece of equipment. The
time spent gives a considerable benefit in prolonging the life span of our
equipment fleet and prevents down time during the golf season.
In-house repair of utility vehicle saving thousands in outside costs
Ernesto installing a newly ground reel on the fairway mower
