GOLF COURSE UPDATE 4/8/16

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 4/8/16

• Tree work – Large takedowns, renovations, and sod work complete/prune-work will continue with available time permitting
• Collection extension around #14 Green complete
• Cart path work- #18 and #2 removal and redirection
• Aeration – Greens 1/4” tines, Tees 5/8”, Fairways 3/4" deep-tine, Rough 3/4” deep-tine set to begin
• Initial Cleanup of Clubhouse Grounds and Golf Course along with continued cleanup from spring wind storms
• Tennis Courts re-surfaced, re-lined and set for play 4/4/16
• Maintenance Area drainage started 4/4/16
• Bunker Maintenance set to begin 4/11/16
• Mulching of Clubhouse Grounds and Golf Course Beds 4/25/16 with annual flowers to follow by Mother’s Day

Reality has set in for us in the Northeast and winter weather seems to be lingering into April after the incredible start in March. We’ve had ideal work weather for our crew to clean up the property, renovate the disturbance areas from tree work, and also continue with small projects putting us ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, that same weather was not ideal for the aeration process, and due to wet and cold conditions I modified my intended practices. Because of those adjustments, some changes will need to be discussed at our first Green Committee Meeting yet to be announced.

The 2016 start has been completely different than last year and with the mild winter and a full season of implementing my programs, I’m happy with our playing surfaces for this time of year and excited to start conditioning for golf. Over the next few weeks, we'll continue preparing Pine Hollow for the season with all our spring conditioning practices from bunker work on the golf course to flowers at the clubhouse. Along with what membership sees in everyday conditioning, projects and detail work, April and May are our busiest months spraying plant protectants and applying soil amendments imperative to the health of our turf in season. These applications along with cultural practices allow us to stay aggressive with our playing surfaces once the dog days of summer are upon us and the golf season is in full swing.

Another important project made possible by our new Takeuchi Skid Loader started Monday in our Maintenance Area by reworking drainage and the addition of an equipment wash area. Once starting the project we found existing pipes leading to a 30' dry well that in my opinion was not being used to its full capacity. We then reworked drainage pipe from existing wells and our new wash area to flow directly into the well which will have an enormous impact on the water holding capacity of our Maintenance Area. I expect this project to solve our wash water run-off issues with the neighbors while saving us from spending money on additional dry wells ($10,000-$15,000 per) or the construction of a wash station ($40,000) for the cost of in-house labor, asphalt and supplies. 

Hopefully the weather starts to improve over the next few weeks and we see you on the course soon. Enjoy the Masters this weekend!