Early in the week we were busy doing a little solid tine aerification in some areas where we needed to reseed due to wear from the winter golfers. We followed up with some seed and a covering of compost. Here's Jake out on #7.
Another job we were able to finish up this week was the grinding of a couple stumps from two dead Oak trees we cut down last week. Here's our assistant superintendent Tom on the stump grinder attacking a wide stump on the right of #9.
This week we also put the finishing touches on most of our sump drains that are along side our cart paths. Scott was hard at work looking for the right rock combinations to fit into these areas. We are covering the 3/4" drain rocks with the larger 4-6" rocks to help keep the drains open as well as eliminate the amount of gravel that gets blown around when we're blowing off cart paths. Here's a couple pics of the handy work.
On Thursday we were on to another project between #10 & #18 rough. This entailed transplanting some cypress trees we found growing in some wood chips to the right of #2 tee. Enrique carefully dug up 6 of the smaller trees and planted them into their new home between 10 & 18. Our plan here is to continue transplanting a few more to eventually fill this area and separate the holes even more. Once we get the rest of our trees planted we will begin working on spreading some wood chips around the entire area.
Thursday also was the start of another project along side the cart path at #16 Blue tee. Jose was busy at work putting in new posts and cable to eliminate another section of rope line and stakes. So far he was able to get the posts in and a little bit of concrete around three of them for stability. This next week he should be wrapping up this project up by installing the cable. Final step would be to spray some round-up underneath so we don't have to mow too close.
To finish our busy week off we had a nice full field shotgun on Friday. With a little earlier start the guys were able to get everything prepped with no problems. All their hard worked is paying off providing some amazing conditions as you can see below.
As the tournament went out on the course we were hard at work for a couple of hours on the driving range. We were trying to address a few of the thin areas and a couple areas that needed a little drainage. The range has some of the worst draining soil on the entire course. A full aerification of the entire range will happen on April 1st.
With all hands on the range we were able to accomplish quite a bit in a short time. Here's some pics of some of the things that happened on the range.
Here's Tommy spreading compost over the seeded areas to help keep the seed moist and hold in a little warmth.
The range work was finished off with Jose doing a little spring trimming on the plants by the range building.
All in all, another great week with a very talented and amazing staff. This golf course wouldn't be what it is without their dedication and hard work!
- Posted by Austin Daniells, Golf Course Superintendent
