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.