2013 Fall Projects

If you follow my blog it's very obvious I have not done a great job of keeping it up-to-date.  This fall was very busy for our staff with a multitude of projects to keep us extremely busy.  So here's a little recap of projects that kept us going.

The croquet lawn is a very important entity of the property.  Weddings are hosted on the lawn, tents are erected for major club events, children play numerous games on it while taking a break from swimming, tennis courts are set-up twice annually and this is the location of our ice skating rink.  

The last time any significant work was done to the lawn was when it was constructed in the early 90's.  The edges and corners of the lawn were no longer straight and square and there was over 1% slope from corner to corner.  This 1% slope created too many difficulties when trying to create an ice rink. Ultimately we ended up with too much ice on one end and not enough for good ice on the opposite end.  

The first step was to remove the existing sod with our the skid-steer and repair it for Hartman Companies to re-level the surface.

The soil was tilled and then laser leveled to a .5% slope from west to east.  No additional mix was required as they were able to make the fill adjustments with the existing mix.

The green was then sodded, using creeping bentgrass sod. Interestingly the sod did not come from anywhere on site, nor was it purchased from a sod farm. The sod came from the approaches at Olympic Hills Country Club in Eden Prairie.  They were going to kill all the sod for their remodel project.  They had an excellent bentgrass stand and we deemed it acceptable for our croquet lawn.  

Due to the work we did this fall we decided we would forgo the ice skating rink this winter and allow the sod to gain proper establishment before we attempted to install the rink.  

XGD on all remaining greens.

During the past two years the club installed XGD drainage in 5 greens (1,4,6,11 and 17).  It was decided this spring to continue with the process on all remaining greens.  So beginning in late September, XGD arrived to begin the greens drainage project.  On average each green took between 1.5-2 days to complete. 

The entire process went quite smoothly.  Only one greens irrigation loop was cut as we could not locate it, but of course the trencher did. It was interesting to see the sub-soil make-up in these old greens.  There was not too much that surprised us.  The greens that are typically on the dry side had a sandier or more gravelly mix and the greens that tend to hold more moisture had the heavier soils.  All and all its amazing how well they built these greens 100 years ago with no soil testing labs and no specific soil recommendations, they just used what they had on site.

Now with the internal drainage we have brought the greens to the 21st century without the need to completely rebuild them.  Only one green was taken out of play at a time and the day following completion members were allowed back on the green to play.  The staff from XGD did an outstanding job and I had many members comment how surprised they were at how good the greens were immediately following their completion.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the greens will perform from a play-ability standpoint and agronomically.

First Tee Area

 

Local hardscape contractor, Westlake Landscape, was brought in this fall to rebuild the 1st tee terrace. Over the years the blue-stone was beginning to fail and required replacing.  The old stone was installed with gaps between the stones so turf could grow in between.  This approach did not work.  Over-time the grass died and crabgrass filled in and some cracks were void of turf or weeds, leaving a less than desirable look.

The new stone matches the look on the entire terrace.  The size of the terrace was also expanded slightly, thus providing more space for the caddies to stage bags and a better location for them to stand and reduce the wear and tear on the turf next to the tee.

Play it Forward

One of the most widely seen initiatives across the country right now in golf is the concept of playing it forward. The Board realized this and with the help of a few "forward thinking" ladies, the club installed 13 new forward tees. These new tees will provide the Gold Tee players a yardage of 4738.  Much consideration was taken when deciding on the locations.  The tees were placed in locations that will provide the player with optimal angles for the tee shot all while allowing a well placed ball to role to ideal landing locations.  Additionally many of the tee locations are in areas that do not impact the architectural views of the golf course from the back tee locations. I'm sure the players utilizing these tees are going to love it!

While looking for locations to tee it forward, we also looked for areas where we could extend the length of the course.  We were able to extend the 9th tee an additional 20 yards. The new blue tee on 9 will now play 570 yards.  Good luck from back there gents. You won't find this guy teeing it up from that location.

Tree removal at Tennis

This fall it was finally time to remove the arborvitae from around the tennis courts.  I have no idea how old the arborvitae were or when they were planted?  They had to be at least 40 years old.  Well it was decided this fall it was time to remove them and replace them with new plant material. Initially the removal was quite shocking.  Once the new plant material was installed I think the shock subsided.  

The new arborvitae provide a fresh new look to go along with the new tennis courts that were installed in 2011.  In a few years the arborvitae will be as tall as the fence and all will be normal once again and yet provide a better look than the old plant material did.

With all we had going this fall I'm sure I even missed a few other minor projects we found a way to fit in this fall.  All and all it was a wonderful season and we were able to accomplish a great deal of work.

A Clear View

One day while standing on the 8th tee looking back, up the 9th hole, Isaac and I realized all that was blocking the view to the approach bunker and green on 9 was one large Hackberry branch and a few basswood suckers.  

 30 minutes of work later and there you have it.  A beautiful view up the 9th hole from the 8th tee. Absolutely stunning.

A Seamless Transition

Isaac Kasper has made a seamless transition to the Lead Assistant position here at Minikahda.  Isaac was promoted to the position following the departure of Nick Folk.  The decision to promote Isaac was an easy one.  Isaac has been the 2nd Assistant for the past two years here at the club and previous to his time here, Isaac and his wife Jessica lived in Maryland.  While in Maryland Isaac was the Assistant at Andrew's Air Force Base and 2nd Assistant at Columbia Country Club. So Isaac has worked in one of the most difficult (worst) turf growing regions in the country where he had to keep pure poa annua greens alive at .085" and ryegrass fairways, ugh! 

Originally from Deerwood, Minnesota, Isaac and Jessica are thrilled to be back home and closer to family and friends, especially since the birth of the baby girl Daphne. We are delighted to have Isaac as part of this department.  His leadership and knowledge will benefit the club and our department substantially.  

On to Greener Pastures

After almost 7 years at The Minikahda Club, Lead Assistant Nick Folk, is moving on to greener pastures.  Nick has accepted the Superintendents' position at Rochester Golf & Country Club in Rochester, MN.  Nick has really honed his skills during his time here at Minikahda, growing as an individual and a turf professional.  We are really going to miss Nick's leadership in the department and his get it done attitude.  Rochester picked a winner and the course and club will benefit greatly from his abilities and knowledge.  Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to The Minikahda Club.  We wish you and the family nothing but the best.

Welcome our New Horticulturalist

I’m pleased to announce the hiring of our new Horticulturalist, Alyssa Schell.  Alyssa is a graduate of the University of Minnesota (Ski-U-Mah) with a degree in Environmental Horticulture and is a certified Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association Professional.  She has a great deal of experience in the horticulture industry and we are excited to see her skills put to work on the golf course and around the club house and glad to have her as a part of our team.

The Best the Course has Ever Been

It's always such a nice compliment from members when they tell you the golf course is in the best condition it has ever been in. A few of us in the Grounds Department joke about this comment. So its better than last year when that comment was made?  Is the golf course is better than the 2007 Trans-Mississippi Championship event or the 1998 Curtis Cup?  When I sit back and ponder this question, I think yes the course probably is the best condition its ever been in and yes it probably should be.  Every year we try to improve upon the previous season.  Those changes don't even have to be major changes to our maintenance program.  Subtle changes and adjustments to our program maybe all it takes to help make the course the best it has ever been.  We certainly are not moving backwards and doing less maintenance or not trying to make regular improvements to the overall condition to the golf course.

The statement of the course being in the best condition ever, no matter how cliche' it may sound, made me take a closer look at some of the tweeks we made this year to our operation.

For a number of years we have been mowing the clean-up pass on greens with a separate greens mower. We do this for a number of reasons.  First, consistency.  We feel by having a designated mower we have a more consistent cut and less scalping into the collar. Thus consistent collar widths by having only one employee make cut, as opposed to each individual greens mower assisting with this task.

Secondly, the height-of-cut is slightly higher than the greens mowers. We maintain the hoc ever so slightly higher, .005" higher, to provide the turf with slightly more leaf tissue.  Typically we use solid rollers on the greens mowers and have always used a solid roller for the clean-up mower.  But this year we added a twist to the roller for the clean-up mower.  A solid roller is always going to be less stressful and less aggressive on the green than a grooved roller, but since the clean-up mower is never mowing a straight line and is always turning, we wanted to find a way to reduce the stress even more.  Hence we installed a roller with three independent rollers.  As the mower rounds the corners the rollers can move at their own speed, reducing stress even more.  This year the edges of the greens have held up exceptionally well.  The 3-section roller just may have a little something to do with it.  Thanks to Chris Tritabaugh at Hazeltine National Golf Club for the tip.

New to the golf market in the past few years is a product called Turf Screen.  Developed by former Superintendent, Scott May, Turf Screen is virtually sunscreen for grass.  I have provided the link to Turf Screen and Scott's website explains the product and how it protects the turf from harmful UV rays better than I can on this blog.  This is our first year on Turf Screen for greens and edge to edge this is the best I have ever seen our greens this late in the season.  Does Turf Screen have a little something to do with it?  It may.  I know our plants are able to go to lower soil moisture percentages before we even begin to see any signs of wilt.  We virtually made no other fertility changes to greens this year and the weather has been ideal for cool-season grasses, but I think a little credit will go to Turf Screen as well.

For the past 4 years we have been taking daily moisture readings of greens with a product from Spectrum Technologies called the TDR 300.  Early in the process of managing greens with the sensor my goal was to maintain moisture on the greens between 10-15%.  The goal being to provide firm greens and hopefully deeper roots.  The plan this year has changed. After struggling to keep the poa annua healthy on the dry side during the past two very stressful weather related summers, we have opted to maintain a higher moisture content between 15-18%.  Lower greens moisture provided us with little wiggle room on hot dry days.  Just a little extra moisture gives us the wiggle room we need. The poa annua is healthier and the greens are more receptive for players with higher handicaps.  The use of moisture sensors allow us to maintain more consistent moisture from green to green and allow us to stay ahead of any potential wilt that may occur.

Is the golf course the best it has ever been, as a few members have stated?  I like to think with the minor improvements we have made to our operation, that yes the golf course is the best condition it has ever been.

Jack Kolb, Past Minikahda Superintendent Passed Away.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jack a few years ago.  I had invited Jack to see the golf course and talk to me about his time here at Minikahda.  Many changes had taken place on the golf course since Jack's time as Superintendent but he really enjoyed touring the course.  Jack was still driving at the time and his mind was as sharp as a tack. I'm glad I had the chance to show him around one last time.   Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association July 14, 2013

Jack Kolb, an icon in the Minnesota golf turf industry, passed away on July 10, in an outpatient Hospice Home in St. Cloud, MN.  His family was at his side and he went peacefully.  The following is an excerpt from the January 1991 Hole Notes magazine that highlighted Jack's carrier as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. "When Jack Kolb was graduated from high school in 1941, the United States was preparing for war. There was little time to plan a career, so Jack left a job as a Wisconsin cheesemaker near Green Bay and took up work as a shipfitter, building submarines at Manitowoc, Wis. In 1942 Jack was drafted into the Navy and was trained as a torpedoman with the Pacific Submarine Command. Most of his Navy career was spent on Midway Island. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, intent on being a forester; however, he felt that a certain dark-eyed young lady was not about to be a homemaker in a cabin deep in the woods. So, after a change in majors, and 240 credits later, he was graduated with a degree in Plant Industry. Jack's first job was as a fertilizer salesman with the old Farm Bureau Service Company in 1950. In 1953, Jack was hired by Dr. James Watson and went to work for the Toro company as an agronomist. After a few years and because the pay was better, Jack became golf course superintendent with The Minikahda Club.  After 10 years at Minikahda, he moved to Minneapolis Golf Club for a few more seasons. During this time he evaluated the turf industry and the idea of Turf Supply Company was conceived. Jack left Minneapolis Golf Club on Dec. 31, 1969. Turf Supply Company was born the next day. Not one sale was recorded for the first three months of its existence. During this time his wife, Rajah, and five children under 11 years of age operated on a very low budget. Eventually, the business grew, and the next 21 years saw many new innovations in marketing.  One of Jack's hobbies was writing.  Several of his articles were published in the old Golfdom magazine. One of his treasured letters is a four-page document from Herb Graff is, editor of Golfdom, commending Jack for his approach on the golf course superintendent's role in the golf industry." Mr. Kolb mentored many aspiring turf professionals and will be remembered as a strong leader of the industry. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an excellent role model to his grandchildren. His generous spirit lead to his widespread involvement in the community to include: The Serra Club, The Knights of Columbus, and his parish community of St. Joseph's in West St. Paul, to name a few. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rajah, and their five children Michael Kolb, Dekalb, IL; Melanie Schmidt (Christian), St. Cloud, MN; David Kolb (Karen),Minnetrista, MN; John Kolb (Susan), St. Cloud, MN; and Amelia Daniels (Richard), Eau Claire, WI. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, his brother, James, sister, Margaret and many dear friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Conrad and Ruth Kolb and his sister Alice. The family would like to thank Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta, MN and the staff at St. Benedict's Senior Center in St. Cloud, MN for their loving care and support. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 14 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Klecatsky and Sons Funeral Home in West St. Paul. A mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am on Monday,July 15, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in West St. Paul. Friends and relatives may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice. More information about Mr. Kolb can also be found at: Jack Kolb Obituary

Careful Practice or Careless Practice? It's Up To You, the Player

Since the construction of our new practice tee, I'm constantly being asked how long will it take for the tee to recover?  How long before we are back to the front of the tee and will it be recovered?  Many factors factor into the recovery of the tee.  Weather, water, fertilizer and how the players choose to practice.  

Now that we are back on the practice tee, it's the perfect time to remind members the proper way to practice on grass. Picture's are worth a thousand words.  From the photos it's quite clear how recovery of the turf can be affected by the way players take divots from the tee.   

This player attempted to practice in rows but did not leave an adequate amount of turf between the rows. Germination will happen but the turf will take a great deal longer to fill in and recover.

This is an example of an area that was completely void of established turf.  The area has been over-seeded, the seed has germinated but the area will take a long time to fully recover and heal back to the quality we desire and expect. An area completely void of turf also leaves an uneven playing surface the next time we move the ropes through this area of the tee.

                                          
This photo is a much better example of how we would like players to practice.  There is more established turf between the rows, offering greater stability to the soil and protection of the young seedlings which will then have a better ability to thrive and mature.

Lastly, a perfect example of proper practice with excellent germination and recovery of the practice tee.  This area will recover at 10 times the speed of an area completely void of any turf.  When you are practicing please remember this simple idea for practicing, this will ensure the fastest healing time for our practice tee.

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.

Minor Winter Damage

This week we were finally able to remove the greens covers.  Just in time too.  We've received some timely rain and are preparing for record snow fall amounts this week.  The additional moisture is welcome since last fall was so dry.  Unfortunately, we do have some minor damage on a few greens.  Water was able to find its way under the covers and settle into the low spots.  The worst damage is on the front left of 11.  Due to the late start to the season and with a forecast that shows no immediate warm-up we may end up having to resort to sodding these areas as opposed to seeding.  I will keep you posted as we address these damaged areas.  

Other areas of the golf course appear to have weathered the winter just fine.  Overall the fairways are in good condition with a few minor blemishes to some low spots where the turf is poa annua.  The tees emerged in great shape as they should since they are 95% creeping bentgrass.  Patience is going to be necessary by everyone this spring.  April is feeling like a typical March.  Until soil temperatures warm-up significantly, plants are going to remain ideal for quite some time.  Until then we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Front right of 9 green

 Front left of 11 green

Middle left of 16 green

Welcome Brian Cowin

Welcome Brian Cowin, Head Equipment Technician, to our staff.  Brian is originally from Burlington, Washington, but most recently was working in the Coeur d' Alene area in Idaho.  Brian has a host of golf course experience as well as heavy equipment experience.  We are looking forward to his fresh set of eyes as well as leadership in the shop.  Ask any golf course Superintendent and they will tell you, the Equipment Technician is one of the most important positions on the staff.  If you want a quality product, its all begins before the equipment sets foot on the golf course.

Brian has already made some wonderful changes to the shop area.  Thankfully the weather has remained cold and Brian has been able to use this time to get organized before the golf season hits full stride.  Welcome to Minikahda Brian.

Cheesebrough Burns

For the past 12 years the bunker rakes we have used came from a small company in Freeport, Michigan, Cheesebrough Manufacturing.  This past week the family run business burned to the ground. Cheesebrough provided a wonderful hand made product to the golf industry, that may never be replaced.  The future for Cheesebrough is uncertain.  Cheesebrough provided a niche product of wood bunker rakes, wooden flag sticks and would even hand craft tee markers for golf courses.  Their products provided a classic look and style to many classic golf courses who desired the older look and feel.

Cheesebrough could always be found at the Golf Industry Show, but you would have to search for them.  They had a very small booth with only a few products.  The owner was always a pleasure to speak with.  A simple company, a simple but high quality product, with quality service.  My hope is that they will rebuild but I'm sure they have a lot of decisions to consider at this time.  Thankfully no one was injured in the fire.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the owners and employees of Cheesebrough.

News footage of the fire. Cheesebrough fire

 Cheesebrough has been in business since 1872.  That's 141 years!

 We have over 300 rakes from Cheesebrough

Our staff places a lot of time and effort into maintaining the quality of our Cheesebrough rakes.

The Finishing Touches

 It's March 25th and by all indications we are looking at another two weeks before we are able to get on the course.  The staff has done a great job this winter completing all the winter tasks and now that places us in a position to put the finishing touches on the equipment and complete those tasks that are on the bottom of the list.  The ones that if you get to them great and if you don't, no worries. But who's complaining, if you look hard enough there is always work that needs to be done and always something more that needs to be worked on.  So now is the time, so let's get it done.

Nick applying Vinyl Guard to the flag poles.

Painted and new decals for G.U.R signs

Johnny, waxing and buffing utility carts.

Spring Cleaning and Refurbishing

After our mechanic of 22 years left, it was time to really dig deep and do some thorough cleaning of the loft and refurbishing of the mechanics office.  Our loft had become the catch-all for old parts and equipment.  The office had probably not been updated in 20 plus years.  Anytime there is a change in a department an opportunity is then provided to make some positive change.

It's almost hard to believe (because I feel we keep a clean maintenance facility) but we were able to recycle close to 3000 lbs of metal from the loft, cabinets and the mechanics bench area.  It's really quite embarrassing to know that this much material was being stored with little to no value to the club.  With a new  technician coming on board we felt it was imperative we give the shop a good cleaning and update the office before his arrival.  It's obvious from the photos we had a lot to clean, recycle and pitch.  

About time for some serious cleaning.

Organized chaos?  Not for me, just a mess!

Yikes!  This is what causes two days of extra work.

2990# of scrap metal.

This is better, now let's keep it this way.

The office needed to be updated and brought up to speed with the 21st century.  Isaac Kasper did a great deal of the work with some assistance from Nick Folk and Ryan Hogan, the office looks almost new.  There was some sheet rock work, removed the old flooring and applied a floor paint, new trim, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and doors, rearranged the Lawson containers and probably the most important, provided the office with a new computer (actually the old irrigation computer with a new monitor) and internet access. 

The trim was in dire need of replacement.

The old flooring was removed. 

The old cabinets were removed and new sheet rock added.

Cleaned up the desk and provided a computer and printer.

Our new Technician, Brian Cowin, will be able to place orders on-line, research prices, research parts and have an area where he can do what he needs to do to provide us with a quality product in a professional manner. If we want a professional why not treat him like one?