Winter Maintenance

Back in 1997 the club invested in a new office and break room facility for the maintenance department. Since that time we have done our best to try and maintain the quality of the building with simple upkeep items. Just like a home there is continual maintenance and upkeep that must be accomplished in order for the investment to last. This year Nick repainted all of the office and break room walls and Rick and Johnny spent 2 days stripping and waxing floors. A project that we have completed every years since the addition was made. Not only is our office and break room utilized by all of us in our department, but since the members are here every Saturday in the winter months for Skeet Shooting, it is imperative that we maintain the highest standards for our building.

Another project that was long over due was the replacement of the windows in the mechanics bay. This part of the building was built in the mid 1970's and with many energy saving updates made in past years this was one of the last tasks that needed to be accomplished. The other windows offered little to no insulating value and we couldn't even see out of the old ones. Now we finally have a view...of the maintenance yard.

Almost too Late

Better late than never I guess. We finally received our 84" Ginsu groomer from Yellowstone Track Systems. Not their fault we just ordered it late and apparently they had a lot of orders for groomers this year. So it's here and we have about 2 more weeks to utilize it and keep our current cross country ski trail in top condition. The temperatures are warming up but we have a good base of snow so we are hoping to enjoy a few more weeks for this activity and allow us the opportunity to train ourselves on using this new tool for maintaining trails.

Our head Mechanic, Ken Diethert, did a great job wiring the cables to the snowmobile. This groomer has a cultivator attachment that can be raised and lowered which allows us the capability of really grooming the trail to help freshen it up when the snow becomes to packed and icy. We are looking forward to using this new tool to improve the cross country skiing experience for many years to come.

Monitoring Winter Soil Temperatures

Since the winter of 2005 we have been monitoring soil temperatures on three greens throughout the winter months. We have been using the Watchdog Data Logger 450 series system. There is one sensor located about 2 inches into the soil profile of the green, one sensor located between the green and the cover and then we also record ambient air temperature. This year we are recording temperatures on greens 6, 7, and 12.

Substantial snow cover in December has provided ideal conditions for maintaining consistent soil temperatures. The coldest recorded soil temperature this year has been only 25.5 degrees. Temperatures have never reached above freezing. It is an ideal situation once the soil temperatures reach 32 degrees and we are able to maintain below freezing temperatures until the spring thaw. Additionally the greens covers along with the snow provide ideal insulation from extreme cold temperatures. If left uncovered for long periods the sub-zero temperatures will have a detrimental affect on the poa annua plants. With the consistency in this years temperatures we are optimistic the finer sward of turf should emerge from winter in fine condition.

The Golf Industry Show

Two industry leaders are based right here in Minnesota

This year marked my 13th year of attending the Golf Industry Show. It should have been my 16th but I missed one year due to the birth of our son Owen, another time we skipped the Dallas show to go to the BIGGA Conference in Harrogate, England and last year I skipped New Orleans to go with the Turfnet group to Ireland where we toured maintenance facilities and had the opportunity to play golf. I feel fortunate to have attended so many conferences and I continue to look forward to it year after year.

This year a couple of Superintendent friends and I had the opportunity to play golf before the conference. We first played at Cordavalle Resort in San Martin, CA. Then we played at the California Club of San Francisco and finished our tour at the prestigous San Francisco Golf Club. Anytime I have an opportunity to play these type of quality golf courses (with other respected Superintendents) that in itself is a form of education that cannot be taught in any class room.

The 2010 Golf Industry Show was held in beautiful San Diego, California. Seminars were held on Monday, Tuesday and Friday with Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to the Trade Show. As expected attendance was down with an estimated 15,000 plus in attendance. That's still a lot of Turf Heads in one location. I guess that's one reason why I love attending year after year.

Turf talk dominates conversations at all venues, all dinner events and all pubs. Turfnet.com hosts a Beer & Pretzels event annually and that is a can't miss event for anyone who is a member of the sight. I also had the opportunity to meet with many other Superintendents who are working with Greenway Golf. It was great to hear the many success stories of guys who have adjusted their maintenance practices and implemented the nutritional and cultural practices that Marc Logan has combined to create a healthier stand of turf while reducing inputs.

Golf Industry Show

Last week I was able to attend the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California. With the snow fall last night and the day spent removing snow today, I have had no time to down load any photos or even take any time to think about what we saw and learned last week. Give me a little more time and I will get you up to speed with last weeks events.

Little touch-ups

Finished product

Johnny hand sanding MGA plaques

Rick power sanding MGA plaques

Painted plaque

The all important sandblaster!

Last fall all of the MGA tee markers were pulled from the course. All 72 were sandblasted to remove old paint. Johnny then repainted them with black paint. Following the painting process Rick and Johnny sanded the paint off the raised letters so the brass could shine. Following the sanding process a coat of polyurethane lacquer is applied. Refurbished and ready for at least one more if not two more seasons.