Proof is in the Pudding

Below is a photo of the 17th green last spring, on May 3rd, following two days of rain totaling 1.79".  Notice the two birdbaths.  This was a common occurrence.  Any idea where our weaker turf was on this green or where winter kill usually occurred? 

Now look at the 17th green following a 1" rain today after we had XGD drainage and some surface re-contouring to remove the birdbaths.  Quite a difference.  Over the years, 17 has been one of the most difficult greens to manage.  I'm quite certain now that we have internal drainage we will see a dramatic improvement to the overall health and condition of the turf on this green.

XGD Drainage Installation

XGD drainage installation was completed this week on three greens.  Last year XGD drainage was installed on our two wettest greens, 1 and 6.  The drainage worked excellent last year so we felt it was necessary to continue the process on our next three wettest greens.  Greens 4, 11 and 17 were completed earlier this week.  The process takes about 2 days per green depending on the amount of additional work that is required. All three greens, in addition to the drainage work, we had the company re-contour a few birdbaths to improve surface drainage.  17 green had 3 major birdbaths that needed to be corrected.  With the improved surface drainage and the internal drainage we should see more consistent moisture levels in the greens soil profile and in the long term, healthier turf throughout the season. 

 Drain lines being back-filled

 Tamping the drain lines.  These guys never miss the hole.

 The finished product on 11.

Re-contouring the front right of 17. A perpetual birdbath no more.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This was the course at 9 o'clock this morning.  It's been a tough spring for EVERYONE.  The crew is ready and willing to work and do whatever it takes to get the course up and running.  Mother Nature apparently has other plans.  We attempted to apply wetting agents to tees and fairways today knowing the rain would water the product in. The rain turned to snow and the sprayers could not even drive up the hills without the tires slipping.  Looks like rain again tomorrow.  Hopefully Sunday will be a little drier and 20 degrees warmer.  

The New Look at 6 Pond

Last fall the three old willow trees had to be removed by 6 pond.  The trees had reached their life expectancy.  The quality and condition of the willows were failing and had become hazardous.  There were two remaining smaller willows located on each end.  It was decided last week by the Grounds Committee to remove the willows and completely open the view of the pond.  If we do decide to replant this area willow trees will not be the tree of choice.  Instead we will select a tree or trees with a larger canopy that will allow for a view up the 7th hole.

There is still a great deal of work that needs to be completed.  Tree stumps need to be ground, weedy grasses need to be sprayed with herbicide and then the area will then be tilled and prepped for sod.  The new look will be fantastic when completed.

6 pond with the willow trees.

Willow trees removed.

Winter Blues Got You Down?

Two years ago we had a young man working on our staff from China.  This was Tony's second year with us as a Trainee.  The first time he worked for us was in 2009.  We enjoyed having him so much we invited him back in 2011.  Tony always made us laugh.  He had a wonderful personality and he's one of those guys who once you meet them you never forget.

Tony was watering one of our bunker faces and had the hose inserted into an irrigation head.  When he turned on the head the o-ring was bad and water was shooting out everywhere.  He was determined to get the head turned off.  And...he finally did. Enjoy the videos.

A Winter Wonderland...or a Cruel Joke?

Minnesota was dealt another setback to spring yesterday. Over 9" of snow fell at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport with areas northwest of the Metro receiving considerably more snowfall totals. Year-to-date our staff has amassed 2 days of labor on the course. This was back on April 5th and 8th.We have yet to reach a temperature of 60 degrees and that is the average this time of year.  Last year the club opened the earliest in its 114 year history, March 23.  This year we are on pace to break our latest opening of April 27, 1974.  I guess this is Mother Natures way of balancing the seasons and this is what gives us Averages. Personally I'm not a big fan of this method.

The state of Minnesota needs moisture, but I'm pretty sure we would rather have it in the form of rain.

Never Ending Winter

April 11th.  Six more inches of snow

When will the weather finally break so we can start working on the golf course?  There have basically been two days when the staff has been able to work on the course.  Last Friday and this past Monday.  Both days  the crew spent the day removing covers from the greens.  Now the course is covered in snow and the long-term forecast shows temperatures remaining in the 40's and cloudy.

Last year the course opened the earliest in the clubs history, March 23.  This year? Well who knows when it will be? For sure after the 23rd of April putting us well over a month past last year.  The last time our records indicate this happening was in 1973 and 1974.  In 1973 the course opened on March 28th and in 1974 the course opened on April 27th.  Based on what's happening my guess is we will be pushing closer to the 27th of April this year unless Mother Nature changes her mind quickly and sends some warm weather our way and soon.