We are putting a wrap on the 2019 golf season.  The golf course will remain open as long as the weather allows.  Temporary greens and tees are set up and will be used as necessary.  If we are on temporary greens only the back nine will be available for play.  Currently greens 3,4 and 5 are covered as well as 15 tee.  These will reopen in March weather permitting.

 

The irrigation system has been winterized for the season.  Here compressed air is blown through the system to remove excess water in the pipes.

 

 

Leaves are still a problem but we are getting close to finishing.

 

 

Putting winter turf covers on the fourth hole on a foggy morning.

 

 

Julio and Rony covering tulip bulbs with pine fines mulch.

 

 

Our Redexim overseeder was an excellent purchase.  Despite some difficult weather conditions we established quite a bit of tall fescue throughout the rough.  This will become more apparent in the spring.

 

 

Another photo illustrating rows of shade loving seedlings between one and nine.

 

 

The challenge for 2020 is to reduce the bermudagrass population in our fairways.  We have shown that we can remove bermudagrass in the rough with herbicides and sod/seed as shown in this picture.  The fairways will be more of a challenge.

 

 

Adding rip rap to the eroding ditch between one and nine.

 

 

The wildflower garden on the third hole has been a success.  As cold weather arrives it provides cover for all types of wildlife from the elements.  This will be mowed down in late winter/early spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2019 golf season is in the books.  Overall it was a very successful year for the golf course.  The Monday half day closure was a big bonus and we hope you noticed some of the improvements that occurred.  Thanks to the membership for your understanding through this change.  Anytime change occurs we all know there is a period of adjustment.  We didn't always quite get it right and there were some occasional blips due to the weather.  We will continue to make this an overall win for everyone!

 

 

Prepping the greens for some golf and our final fungicide application of the season to prevent winter disease.

 

 

Josh applying two fungicides and a growth regulator to the 5th green to prevent annual bluegrass seed head development in the spring. Research has shown an application of Proxy growth regulator at this time in conjunction with spring applications gives better results than spring applications alone.  Winter covers will be placed on greens 3,4, and 5 as early as next week to protect these greens from cold temperature damage.

 

 

Can you say better late than never?  We are finally installing pipe to drain a wet area below the clubhouse.  Once completed we will enlarge the garden and provide Francesco with more fresh vegetables.

 

 

This pipe was installed underneath the blacktop to carry the water into the storm drain at the swimming pool.

 

 

 

Four weeks later a new knee and lots of improvements to the course!  Thanks to everyone for your support through this entire year and for all the kind words post surgery.  Our crew carried the torch while I've been out and are to be complimented for their fine work.  Now on to November's pictures.

 

The original cost for purchased irrigation water was much less than anticipated which allowed us to complete several projects before winter arrived.  The 7th fairway approach was shortened just a bit and a wet area was repaired.  All the surrounding rough was replaced afterwards.  The bent sod was used for an improved upper tee on 11.  The crew rebuilt this entire tee.

 

 

Preparing the base of 11 tee.

 

 

The base just about ready with drainage installed.

 

 

Adding construction mix after grading the base.

 

 

Wrapping up the final grade.

 

 

Adding bent and fescue sod and the tee is complete.  This tee should allow more play than in the past with a level surface and proper base.

 

 

Seven approach with new rough sod.

 

 

Once the work on 7 was completed it was on to the 17th hole where we wrapped nearly the entire fairway with fescue sod.

 

 

Beautiful work by the crew.

 

 

We spiffed up the front entrance to the club as well.  This area will be a real show place in the future!

 

 

We all know winter is around the corner.  Deep tine aeration is very beneficial at this time and was completed on all greens and tees.

 

 

Special kudos to Julio and Rony for planting a gazillion tulips for our spring enjoyment.  My back aches just looking at Julio in this picture.