Open for business

Your Fourteenth green has reopened for play.  The sod has matured to the point that I feel it can withstand golf and foot traffic.  Work will continue on a weekly basis to true the putting surface but this will take time.  To accomplish that goal, this green will be topdressed heavily weekly, rolled frequently and aerified as needed. I hope you enjoy your new green.  _Mk

Golf Course Tree Hazards

 A large Eastern White Pine near the service drive along #18 severely tilted to the point that it had to come down.  This tree initially split after the severe windstorm of June 2001 and the injury overtime became rotted.  Loud cracking noises emanating from the base of the tree during several days of high wind alerted us to pause and take note how serious the condition became.  The tree became more severely pitched to one side, an Oak tree was actually acting as a crutch supporting the pine.  As a precaution we roped the area off betting that the tree would be on the ground before long with help from the near 40 Mph winds.

Because the tree was split and severely tilted we knew from experience that we would find extreme pressure points at the base of the tree at all points of were we would typically make our saw cuts.  The tree had the potential to pinch the saw blade when trying to cut the wedge or to "barber chair/shatter" when making the back cut.  Very dangerous situation for the chainsaw operator.  To be safe we called upon the advice of our "In House Expert" foresters, Tim Johnson and his father Dave for a second opinion.  They agreed with us that this job was too dangerous and should be left to the experts.

First Choice Tree Service of Auburndale was hired on a time and material basis to get the tree safely on the ground with minimum damage to the surrounding trees.  They brought in a bucket truck to help them drop the tree piece by piece making the job safer for all.  Clean up of the litter was completed in house.  _Mk

#14 Green Progress Update

The new sod on Fourteen green was aerified watered and rolled Monday May 5th to help level the high and low spots and to help the soil profile to become more uniformly moist.

The soil cores were removed by hand, mechanically rolled then finally watered in.  Note the size of the soil core being removed. That tells you all you need to know as far as rooting goes.  A soil core removed from a mature green would be measured a full 2-4" in length!

Fourteen green it is coming along nicely. The sod is knitting in but isn't knit yet.  The putting surface is being rolled and topdressed frequently to make level the surface.  We felt the sod could handle the mechanical abuse after we aerified a small section of the green the green light was given to complete the green.  This will further assist us in creating a smooth puttable surface that you'll enjoy.  It was cut for the first time on May 2^nd with minimal scalping.  A good sign of progress in my mind.  I know what you’re thinking so here’s my answer. The green will open for play once the sod has enough root mass to keep the lip of the cup from collapsing when impacted by a putted golf ball.

 In the photo pictured above the sod seamed haven't knitted together enought to form a uniform tight surface. Warmer weather will help.  FYI, the temporary green is cut with the same mower as used on the greens at Tri City.

From "Useless to Useful."

Our long winter allowed Equipment Manager Tim Johnson time to fabricate a small mower transport trailer.  Tim salvaged axles and wheels from this long under utilized over priced trailer pictured below.

To a trailer that will actually be used for work on the course hauling equipment like this hand greens mower.

It took Tim a couple of days to cut and construct his trailer between other maintenance jobs.  Metal costs were less than $300.  (Far cheaper than the five figures the club paid for the original!)  We estimate this trailer, if properly cared for, has a useful life of forty plus years.  The original trailer had to be wedged from the tennis courts as it had fused itself to the court surface.  The birds that had taken up nesting weren't pleased to lose their home, but I was pleased to gain a trailer.  Great job and thanks Tim!