This winter has been a roller coaster ride for temperatures. After the 4th warmest December on record for this area, January ushered in below normal temperatures. Snowfall was scarce and the ground, especially greens, froze 6"+ deep. The turf went from a late March emerald green color in December, to a brown, frozen tundra by the beginning of February. Then we had a 3" ice/sleet storm that hit the grounds on February 3rd. This storm was a challenge to plow, since 3" of sleet is much heavier than the same amount of snow. We had to plow the lot 7 times to stay up with the precipitation so our bobcat could keep up with pushing the sleet. After working long hours for two days we were able to have the parking lot ready for members as soon as the roads were passable.
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| #5 green looking like an ice-skating rink |
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Plowing during the ice storm
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The cold January temperatures allowed us to get much of the winter tree work accomplished. All of the limbs that the Green Committee suggested for removal have been eliminated. This will be noticed by many golfers this spring. It definitely opens up these holes for more aggressive shots. Most of the trees recommended for removal are taken down, and now we are beginning the process of grinding up the stumps, removing the grindings, filling up the holes with topsoil, and overseeding.
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| #9 tee area after limb removals |
The grounds maintenance building is getting some much-needed upgrades. The lighting and heaters were installed in the mid 1980s and were malfunctioning. The 16 fluorescent lights in the back area were replaced with new flat panel LED fixtures. 12 fluorescent lights located in the mechanic shop, hallways, and break room were also replaced with flat panel LEDs. The old 200,000 BTU heater, that when turned on sounded like a bomb exploding, was replaced with a more efficient 250,000 BTU unit. This heater is much more effective and should save money on propane usage. In addition, the garage doors, and some other doors will be replaced. The drop ceiling will be lifted up in the back corner of the garage to accommodate a new lift that will be used to work underneath many of our heavy carts, mowers, and tractors. This will be installed once the new golf cart building is completed, and we have access to the existing cart wing for storage.
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| New flat panel LEDs on the right and the old fluorescent bulbs on the left. The old heater in the back. |
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| New LED fixtures in hallways. I never knew that door was white! |
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New 250,000 BTU heater
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The railroad ties on #16 tee are being replaced with left over stone used for the pro shop retaining wall. We have had issues with golfers slipping on the railroad ties and this should eliminate that problem. Also, another retaining wall was built next to the walkway by the men's grill to keep mulch from clogging up the drain by the door after rainstorms.
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| Replacing railroad ties on #16 tee |
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| New retaining wall by walkway to men's grill |
So far, the month of February has had below normal temperatures, but long-range forecasts suggest the latter half will be warm. Once the temperatures rebound, we will begin cleaning up the course and starting to prep for regular play. Dormant seeding will take place at the end of the month in all rough areas. Verticutting of fairways will, hopefully, start in mid-March but that is heavily weather dependent. The projects are currently on hold and the floor of the driving range needs to be completed as soon as mother nature cooperates and tentatively will begin sometime in March. Staff recruitment is underway, as we try to navigate the rough waters of this limited labor market. In the meantime, springtime temperatures are closing in, and the staff is ready for whatever roller coaster lies ahead!
Brad Piecuch
Grounds Superintendent
