There is not much going on golf wise this weekend.  Rain and more rain is forecast.  Fortunately temperatures are starting to climb so expect to see some green-up especially after this rainy weekend.  The course is still about six weeks from beginning to grow so it is paramount that we all do our part in protecting the course.  All divots must be replaced throughout the course.  Ball marks must be repaired correctly to ensure the greens remain in excellent condition.  Lastly golf carts must stay on the path when designated.

The crew rejuvenating benches before the season gets started.

The best time to evaluate drainage is when it is raining.  Here water moves into a new basin on hole 15.

Rain water following the cart path to the storm drain between the homes and our property on the 8th hole.  This water use to run down the middle of the fairway.

A sanitary sewer backup at the beginning of the 15th hole.  Luckily this was discovered before too much drained onto the course.  Ugh.

Bentgrass germinating in aeration holes!  Bermudagrass was aerated in November and then seeded with bent.  Hopefully the bent can get established before the bermudagrass gets moving.

A sure sign of spring-pruning roses.

Cutting back ornamental grasses throughout the course.  Mulch is around the corner!

Preparing the pollinating garden for the coming season.  Here Julio cuts back a butterfly bush.

We have two bee hives.  This one is alive and well.

Unfortunately the second hive didn't make it through the winter.  This picture shows thousands of dead bees.

Geese have suddenly become a nuisance despite the efforts of Jack and Gill.  That's Jack on the left and Gill on the right doing their thing.  We have staff coming in the evening to patrol the course with the dogs to help keep them off.

The course thawed out by Thursday allowing us to open.  We changed cups, rolled greens and raked bunkers.  Expect the turf covers to come off  3,4 and 5 greens this week and have the entire course open by the weekend- Weather Permitting! 

 

    

 Dang if the old ground hog wasn't right.  February has been cold and nasty.  Fortunately it looks like we are about to break out of this cold pattern and move closer to golf weather.  Expect to see the course open up this week at some point with milder weather on the horizon. 

Winter sunrise on the ninth hole on February 3rd.  This was our last day of tree removal for now-conditions were much too soft unfortunately.

Equipment damage in the rough on nine.  This will recover rapidly with good weather.

Removal of decaying landscape ties and sloping of sod.  Much better!

Repairing the landscape ties by the sixth green.

Now add some mulch and the job is perfect!

Tulips are emerging from a winter's sleep.

 
 

Winter has arrived and given the course some needed rest.  This weather break has allowed us to get our tree contractor back and work without golf interference.  There is some significant cold coming next week and we expect more to occur then.  The majority of the work is removal of dead trees or ones that are in decline and pose danger to golfers.  Remember the red dots?  That signifies a removal. 

Two green with the Siberian elm removed in the background.

Thirteen green with the large dying red oak removed viewed from the rear.

A look at the thirteenth with two oaks removed.

These guys don't mess around.

Thirteen tee.  One big negative with winter play is there is no recovery till spring.  Our staff is filling divots with sand and seed as best we can.  When possible replace your divot in the winter!

Our crew installing drainage to correct a chronic wet area on the 11th hole.

Jack and Gill in their element.

Geese don't stay on property very long!