tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76495565844287970852024-03-17T23:03:43.127-04:00 Marquette Golf Club GroundsMarquette Golf Club Groundshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936308580467248673noreply@blogger.comBlogger498125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-24736989414703726312020-04-16T11:40:00.001-04:002020-04-16T23:51:50.495-04:00Letter to our MGC members: COVID-19 Update<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_31c5_d682_e974_575" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/inctNHwNze8ZwTIxsqxvEJY2jd5GPx7_koIEVQXvAieNT5UvsOSGF3VmNZbSi9s" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><b><i>9 Greywalls before the latest snow storm; the turf on both courses has over wintered wonderfully so far</i></b><br><br></div>I have been relying on twitter (<b>@marquettegolf</b>) to provide course updates over the last few years as it is easier and instantaneous but occasionally I run into a topic that requires more information/data; this current Covid-19 pandemic is definitely one topic that requires more explanation. <div>Everyone knows by now that our world has been altered from this virus. Mandates have been passed down from the Governors office requiring the closure of all deemed non-essential businesses and activities. New dynamic safety/sanitation changes are in place and are adjusted by the CDC as they learn more about the spread and how we can help control it. </div><div>As of now golf has been deemed nonessential and has been mandated to close in the State of Michigan. This has caused some definite differences in opinion in lower Michigan where golf courses were open for business and people were playing when mandates/restrictions started to take place; but I think we can agree that human health is priority number one. If it takes temporary closure to gain control of the viral spread and allow new protocols to be developed and implemented so business can once again safely resume to some degree then that is the proper course of action. For the first time I feel our extended winter has actually been a positive for our business; staff had yet to return for the season and the cold weather/snow events has not allowed golf to even be played yet in Marquette. We are learning from the courses in lower Michigan and around the country as they traverse their new realities. <span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman"; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">As a Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) board member I am briefed on the new mandates that we face from </span><st1:place w:st="on" style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lansing</st1:place><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman"; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">. The MTF is part of the Michigan Golf Alliance (MGA) which has representation from all of the professional golf organizations within our State. The MGA is the political voice for golf in the state with our elected officials. Their goal is positive communication and cooperation with Lansing to have us all safely golfing soon. </span>I have been participating in weekly meetings with industry leaders in lower Michigan to discuss the daily changes that are taking place while my national association the GCSAA has also been providing wonderful information and resources. Marc has been getting updated reports from the PGA multiple times a week and we are discussing them on a regular basis to make MGC as safe as possible for staff/members/guests. Maggie has been working on new protocols for the clubhouse and making alternative plans based on the latest mandates on the food and beverage industry.</div><div>A lot has been happening but rest assured we are on it as a team, staying up to date with the most current information available to us. It is very important that we make a plan for the worst but continue to hope for the best. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Changes that will be taking place on the courses this year that golfers will notice:</b></span></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Increased golf cart sanitation</span></font></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Elimination of Commonly touched surfaces</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 1) Water coolers will not be placed out on the course</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> It is recommended that you fill and bring a squirt water bottle with you as screw on/off tops should be avoided</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 2) 150 poles will be replaced with 150 yard plates cut into the surface</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 3) Driving range set up will be adjusted with increased distance between hitting stations</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Club cleaner, bag stands and trash cans will not be available at this location</span></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 4) Reduction/Modification to golf cart traffic control stakes</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 5) Flagsticks are not to be touched and foam will be placed at the base of the stick to prevent the ball from falling to the bottom of the hole</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 6) Bunker rakes will not be put out for use </span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Players will be asked to ‘foot rake’ your tracks</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 7) Ball washers will not be put out for use</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 8) Putting Green Sticks will not be put out for use on the practice greens and cups will be modified to prevent balls from falling to the bottom </span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Ball shag Rollers will not be available and you must bring/use your own practice putting balls</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 9) On course seating Benches will not be put out for use</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 10) Tee Markers will not be used for daily play but instead the stationary tee yardage blocks will be used to identify tee off locations</span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> The </span></font><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">blocks have been painted a solid color so they are easier to see when they are cut into the tee surface</span></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> A stake will be used on tournament or outing days to set up exact tee off locations but that is not needed for daily play. </span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Golfers will be asked to spread the wear across the tee surface at each tee off location. </span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_c8de_800f_f15c_9049" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WgBb9qKT79QY5dFqrmwEeo3Qx6hWB4hl1L3X5kIaR6UcguezxYl0WKt-Zj2cCME" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><b><i>These old Yardage plates were pulled out of storage and will be cleaned/repainted and used in place of 150 poles </i></b></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_6fc8_5925_42c2_f5b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fwQnCMAC8WO-puYJJvu7GKylPe4C36s5mlRx55SRMmZGax5UXVKzQzA0uKLoorc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><b><i>Tee Marker Blocks in the past just had the lettering painted (as the one being held) but are now painted a solid color as the ones in the box to make them easier to identify when cut into the surface. </i></b><br><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_861d_cc4f_ca3b_d077" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/euDiAdFD6NfaPFGqkCex5dWTOKA-j8sC4oD_Y9pUj9GDHaL-QfpjwI29hP7Ll8Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Stakes similar to these can be built and used on tournament and outing days to identify exact tee off locations</i></b></span></font></div><div><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Grounds Specific:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">While it is easy to shut the door to the Proshop /Clubhouse and simply re-open it at a later date during this Covid-19 pandemic the same can not be said for the clubs largest asset; which is the 350+ acre living ecosystem that makes up the two golf courses. The turfgrass on the courses can not be neglected or it will be lost and the club will not be able to operate without a major renovation expense. With this new reality in place I went to work and established a two part minimal maintenance plan to 1) protect the asset if not open for business and 2) to operate in a reduced revenue situation that we are potentially facing. (Detailed below)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">According to the language in the mandates/restrictions golf courses and clubhouses can not be open for business but we are allowed to complete minimal maintenance to protect an asset. Our local government and police have been given the authority of interpretation and enforcement of these mandates so I drafted a letter of communication to our City Commissioner and our Chief of Police explaining our situation and outlining our minimal maintenance plan and increased safety/sanitation protocols. Essential employees have been identified and will be given letters to carry with them so they are allowed to assist me with minimal maintenance when that time arrives. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Work has continued in the shop on our equipment fleet as our mechanic Bob has been working in the Heritage shop by himself; I stop in to see him in the morning and we cover the daily goals by keeping a social distance of 20 feet from each other talking across the shop. Bob is parking behind the shop and keeping the front door closed so no one feels the need to stop in and he can stay isolated and safe. We then communicate via text and phone calls during the day as needed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I have been working early in the office then moving to the Greywalls shop to work in an isolated location. The melt down last week allowed me to bring in two staff members on a few nice days to get the rope/stakes down from around the greens/tees and start cleanup from all the fallen trees/sticks/branches on the Heritage golf course. We were able to get a good head start before this latest blast of winter arrived. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Essential key staff will start back when field work can dominate our time as the goal is to eliminate any close contact with others and that can not happen when confined in our small shop spaces. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">My work load has increased as I try to adjust and plan for what lies ahead. Staying on schedule without my key staff has also been difficult and stressful, but it is the correct action for us to take at this time both economically and for the health/safety/well being of our very important staff. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I have been cleaning plus disinfecting the shops/equipment and have created sanitation buckets for staff to use at our maintenance shops. Staff will be required to disinfect all commonly touched surfaces after daily use. </span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We are indeed in strange times right now as we all feel some level of discomfort but I know Golf will be phased back into business soon and we will all be able to get out to enjoy fresh air, safe recreation and exercise on MGC’s wonderful property; until then wait for the snow to melt and stay safe. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";">See you all Soon</p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Craig </p></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_ea80_e78_2c36_7162" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/epbH9FPuPT63Hh8jbTF_h-U1Ak9dltCKRjZGQYiIxrCXhCHizP4FGGRNp3Bu4Ns" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>New sanitation buckets have been created like the one above. They are located at each shop and equipment storage building.</i></b></div><div><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><b>Covid-19 Minimal Maintenance Plan</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Course Management under two different scenarios</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Not allowed to be open for play; maintenance at a reduced level that allows quick revival of the playing surfaces (Minimal Staff)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Open for play but with reduced revenue; adjustments in place with new efficiencies to save time and labor (Reduced Staff)</span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">All Turf Playing Surfaces</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Fertility can be reduced on all surfaces as wear/traffic recovery is no longer a priority. Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) use will increase to slow growth and reduce mowing frequency. Fungicide application can decrease as plant stress is reduced from lack of traffic and wear. Herbicide applications will need to continue as needed or we risk weed establishment on our surfaces. The most efficient mowing patterns and angles will be utilized at all times. Aerification can be scaled back if we do not have compaction issues from surface use. Traffic control measures will not be utilized or maintained as there will be no need. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">We will fall back in line with our Minimal Levels of Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) fertility program based on soil testing. PGR use will continue as usual to control vertical growth and enhance lateral growth. Fungicide/Herbicide applications will proceed as needed. The most efficient mowing patterns and angles will be utilized the majority of the time; changing those patterns needs to take place occasionally for proper turf surface management. Aerification and over-seeding will take place as usual to keep the long term health of our turf a priority. Traffic control measures will again take place as needed but will be reduced. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Putting Surfaces</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Performance will no longer be a priority so the Height of Cut (HOC) can be raised from 0.125” to 0.150” and will reduce the need for chemical inputs. Surface grooming will not need to be performed as frequently and sand top dressing can be reduced as growth will be less. Mowing will be completed only 3-4 days a week depending on growth rate. Cups will not need to be cut if we are not open for play. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Performance should be scaled back as we look for ways to save based on reduced revenue. Obviously the putting surfaces are the last place we would want to reduce our efforts but still can happen to save some money in the short term. I recommend we stay focused on firm and true but scale back on speed and raise the HOC to 0.135” so we can increase plant health and decrease plant stress that could need increased inputs. Rolling in place of mowing will be determined based on yield. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Approaches</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Approach mowing will take place 1-2 times per week based on growth rate. Grooming will take place in the spring but then will be scaled back as other tasks take priority with our reduced staff. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Approach mowing will return to our normal twice a week mow schedule and grooming will take place as needed to enhance ball movement entering the putting surfaces. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Fairways</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Fairway mowing will be reduced to once a week but may need to happen twice during times of excessive growth like we experience in the spring and early summer months</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Fairway mowing will take place twice a week to keep the turf managed properly. 150 yard poles will be replaced with our old circular plates to eliminate another commonly touched surface and eliminate the need for moving them while mowing. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><st1:place w:st="on">Tees</st1:place><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Tee mowing will be completed only once a week and tee markers will obviously not be needed. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Tee mowing will be completed once to twice a week depending on growth. I recommend we do not use tee markers this year but instead use the 3”x5” tee blocks that are in the surface as guides for golfers. The lettering on the blocks was only painted before but now the entire block is painted so they are easier to see. Having no tee markers to move daily will eliminate another commonly touched surface plus save 8 hours of labor a day between the two courses. It will also cut the mow time in half as the operator will not be needed to stop and get off the machine at every tee surface to replace all of the markers; a huge efficiency and savings. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Rough</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Rough mowing can be drastically reduced if we are not open for play. The rough can be cut every two weeks to completion. On the off week we will only complete the perimeter cut (2 passes around the perimeter of the Fairway/Approach/Green and 1 pass around the tees). Clumping is not a huge issue outside the areas of closer mowed turf if golf is not being played. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">We will resort back to mowing rough to completion once a week to keep these areas manageable for the game of golf. Extra perimeter cut will take place as needed based on growth. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Divots</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Divots will not need to be filled if we are not open for play. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Divot care is a top priority for our staff and will continue to be in order to fill voids in our playing surfaces and eliminate weed encroachment. Tee surfaces and select fairway/approach locations will continue to be managed. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Bunkers</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Bunkers will be raked once as a spring clean out and then they will not be raked again until play resumes. If we experience a significant rain event that washes out bunkers we will make those repairs. Bunker rakes will not be placed in bunkers. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">We will rake bunkers only once weekly and touch up as needed in between. Bunker rakes will not be placed back in bunkers this year as we try to eliminate surfaces that are commonly handled by everyone. In the future when we do return bunker rakes to the bunkers we will require them to remain inside the bunker and off the turf. This policy will reduce our trim mowing by approximately 2 hours per week as it eliminates the need to stop and get off the mower multiple times to move rakes. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Irrigation</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Minimal watering will take place and seasonal dormancy will be embraced to reduce the need for mowing. No traffic to damage dormant turf will allow us to do this and conserve. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Irrigation will go back to our regular conservation methods dictated by our water supply. We will manage to keep the surfaces dry enough for the enjoyment of the game but moist enough for plant recovery and growth but favoring the dry side. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Cups</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Cups will obviously not need to be cut if we are not open for play</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">We already cut cups based on rounds and wear. If play is reduced we will reduce the amount of times we cut cups. We will place a foam piece around the base of the flagstick so the ball does not fall to the bottom of the cup and the flagstick will not need to be touched to retrieve the ball. The ball will be deemed holed out after it makes contact with the foam. You will be asked to not touch the flagstick. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Course Grooming</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Course grooming will be reduced to once or twice a year. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Course grooming has evolved and has been managed more efficiently every year. A combination of early mechanical and chemical controls has drastically reduced the amount of labor needed to groom many areas on the golf courses. We will continue to utilize these tactics to manage those identified areas for the game. </span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Equipment will be wiped down before and after daily use. Rags with spray disinfectant will be used to wipe all commonly touched surfaces such as seats, steering wheels, keys, switches, handles etc. Hand tools also fall under these sanitation guidelines. This new protocol will be mandatory and must be followed by all staff. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Staff will be asked to wear work gloves</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Shop door handles and time clocks will be disinfected in a similar fashion daily. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Other areas of sanitation will arise as the season goes forward and those areas will be addressed accordingly to create a clean and safe work environment. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Social Distancing will be practiced at all times with no exceptions; morning assignments will be written on the board and given orally outside or across the shop. Close congregation of staff will not be allowed and we will consider staggered start times. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">I propose a change to the way we clean our course Bathrooms, pro shop bathrooms and complete Clubhouse cleaning process. We need to assign this task to one individual so proper protocol can be followed consistently for the well being of our membership, guests and staff. This individual will clean the on course bathrooms/pro shop bathrooms first thing in the morning before play begins then they will clean the clubhouse. This is a very important job that needs increased attention. Details for this adjustment are in place. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1">Essential Employees for bare minimal maintenance will be identified and letters will be written for them to carry in their vehicles. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><img id="id_9c07_85ba_32f4_11f" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/MS-n1fIkHWB3p7-qivUxbDluHxi4m6Zo4zMSGN_H5A-qcmhUGXlEi4Q4XYXk_GU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: center;"><br></p></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-83501510254783415542019-01-31T17:45:00.001-05:002019-01-31T17:47:00.188-05:00 Heritage Course Tree issuesWe will soon begin to remove trees on the Heritage course following the forest management plan we have in place. I would like to share pictures to show the type of trees we will be targeting first; these trees are along the plowed trails on the way out to the 5/6/7 gully/ravine that is getting cleared out. <br><br><img id="id_6c51_8b9d_745e_3d3f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSjS3Lqvb5YHZMnjPEjYbhLJYjlQQUQGhsABXPXt15Ml4HCRdMZ9LBwoPFe_H32TCpiHbtJtDmKMw9WdQzoplLjICCB_Oz4RcNuGbJp0xhwHMHQr-6fFoZ2qvLJTlx1Z_IrEZHgbv1ROo/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Canopy decline with hazardous broken branches hanging above <br><br><img id="id_4a9b_9b1a_2f4_cfea" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mujyh76GmFVICfRmKQ3-XW655fGvPqF9fG9ecRbaoUl55ek5jwet7l4cvXAnI8yx1kDyqqoRG24pz2cie4LEu6_38Yor1TxXsvnoMEpgSB4OGqziukKqOfhEPjU1iUr_EzOeEwgvJ9jA/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A fine example of total tree dieback <br><br><img id="id_249a_dedf_d11e_7370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoGv6zaiwg3-SG2BliAvhEpjNkt1TPX4HXjySmBZrsMY9Le5ItRAVSDiopYwtdTZUeft5KvHDgQlGLgaMr-TN8Wt8R3GhNVaIoYrnaNpoxZDLXhRgQh5O4QsVasCMV_h5JCrijKAaeuzm/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>With the leaves off this Maple you can see the dead center. The large center trunk broke off several years ago. <br><br><img id="id_292e_b09c_7f9_1e20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzSifvoUYA1xTMADsYhclZiKd_jEKNoncokXk1NlmDxZvzBVGgpNmdVQJdn13EbQ58JNFXYr-keCOWZ5dLKXmj4fJV2dH3pnHChntgQmWl-Rs_8lOfq8Ht8OGLnA2gAysgEBYJD-L6SP1/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Another thin canopy on a Spruce between 3/8<br><br><img id="id_c3e6_dda9_8c73_669f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9I-HbhxqZJTyuOVM-Kmvp8HEKkiOJTDL2LKYG6GoeFULjRH6-nepWPb5vtBeHo5q_y06vMk4W6GPb3LX8nX-A-JtAQwrcbzDUXMzeVMY5ZV6qnRIaA0-bpv02ig8eqcpDKoijUUyqHoi/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>This Spruce between 4/5 will fall on its own very soon as did the 4 that used to grow next it. <br><br><img id="id_6bf6_263_8cba_de1b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf8oh77tLABNuaK024pCtcpodO6eziHIEA4zlebqlPiFseNX8dGHOIwONF0BRzMluj5hWyEjhSex4rEuA_RMjPewt9ZuC3rtoB2j6VULc8U505DoFd6AtLMokvQXdLkDlSIdgkr1-oB0-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A close up picture of the needles shows the insect/disease severity we are experiencing with our conifers on the Heritage course. <br><br><img id="id_a4cd_7c3d_289_cc9e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs0a-YshNFWtoAyZE_KWIlaTdLkqK1nXRQU9QHC99j1zX2yHsklMo7YW0fMQLe0zx0XV42YxUfCn2szKYOtaSGErVpE_dDZ9pOALarn13oIpkGNLI_3gt17ZUAVQn6VR7CXGnE7qAtfea/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A conifer marked for removal between 3/8<br><br><div>Information on the type problems we face with conifers can be found in the links below:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it" id="id_360f_f27a_895c_bf13">https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it</a></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://extension.umn.edu/tree-selection-and-care/eastern-spruce-budworm">https://extension.umn.edu/tree-selection-and-care/eastern-spruce-budworm</a><br><br> </div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Spruce Budworm Videos:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><font color="#000000" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://youtu.be/vlSW-Auh0uQ" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://youtu.be/vlSW-Auh0uQ</a></font></div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://youtu.be/TRpHO-02gU8" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://youtu.be/TRpHO-02gU8</a></font></div></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-55340941313789930282018-12-14T23:06:00.001-05:002018-12-14T23:06:50.805-05:00Forest Management ProgressPerfect early winter conditions has allowed us to complete this years planned forest management on the Greywalls course. Early snow with a cold snap froze up the ground allowing equipment traffic with limited negative surface impact. 3 areas were managed. <div>1) Our SE corner was select cut to thin out the tree stand and remove all undesirable species; Healthy hemlocks and maple trees were left with more room to grow.</div><div>2) The wooded section between holes 8/9 was select cut on the number 9 side to remove the many maple trees with canopy die back. </div><div>3) A 1.75 acre site left of 18 green was clear cut. In time we will remove all of the stumps and convert this location into a turf nursery that can also be utilized as a practice putting/short game area. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7191_16a6_d0ea_3a5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OksEPPyLhZ-FiWMV5nZkvYK1pTg0J7hFF1eaA2Tnq2rZ1L06ipbUDcwg9zB-Kut4cn-zjjGlv6JI01JmNFbQ3vSf27IXMBchjFqsUaIpPDtGM6WpefIR8i-5WCQOP4TjAH3RF2bo9kxV/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Tree removal equipment utilized on property. Quick and efficient. </div><div><br><img id="id_aeb4_3d8b_3ac9_6915" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaLw_Akp3rTeza3mhI1sVSPW23bu7CjMqVeJrqUFSsKGGIxKxexCLqKYwufh-xFKqTG55jDTAA4VckdDyizrKI2Q_2C6pCxRwTEB2G0iAQyBubsSEwJeNE8RQrH4bnbFTWcI2lnRZz4LJ/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Large forwarder removed the logs and brush quickly.</div><div><br><img id="id_e93b_47f4_3adf_7a23" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1X2sJa_FkTf9fKjM7KrYPTn5hDpvA6yy9tcfnlKUrAi7_BNYVWul3U6wJKv5VFubvWHoCwB2oDHFjmvfySqiU_D0ffYM-LIpQDnKYQSzW-GSt29LHbEFo1sK3b3dxswLGQMguZeki7Qi/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Logs stacked in a landing area by 18 green.</div><div><br><img id="id_ff41_cb1b_d92e_47a1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_IFlyJEEIKMUONf0liUE47IxkptHLmzUF-AlK5zjFtdKl6wbw6UfneEma1DREUCDqfeDqSYXlJWXBvEtG9LbbpUA7wA3k5H1UtvJ_cT2ByYMPInlwYg7KWLmEySFRrTEGYg9SJ8VU0uD/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Logs stacked in a landing area at the SE corner. </div><div><br><img id="id_330f_8da2_ca49_b93e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG45PUDfFQK1aNpP6tssnEXK-Kn7iqExjiKu3XLdjIMMpIQ1Xp9s-Q-ASzhFNf-qZvjKTlhNn_oQ-hJGPHoxtMFYz32MXiDsopRdA-j1b1-_lWjeVCdyQSBFjXRua2VrCVy6EwrOpONeEX/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Tree tops stacked in a staging area awaiting a chipper. </div><div><br><img id="id_e748_17e_aa97_492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2U8QAC4oCWFWX0iTAzyOsvLt3J8Vx3ULC6uCdqT7nUcHPx-oOWkEM2pg183jgMFB8llmy1cPbIFhKpyd1qtr3kiN9Q-3cld1NEp22jgqKPFQYqbMSs4IYS3uKpHPBlBoIQLrehWOBL2d/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Chipper blowing tops right into a semi-trailer for quick removal. </div><div><br></div><div>Three roads in the rough are being plowed on the Heritage course to the last section worked on this winter. Removing the snow allows the ground to freeze so it can handle equipment traffic. We will be removing trees from the 5/6/7 ravine to regain shot options; we will also be removing some spruce trees that are in decline or negatively effecting turf and golf holes. </div><div>We will have additional cleanup in the spring but the long term impacts this process will have on the courses will be very positive. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-44962652337273947682018-06-14T13:22:00.000-04:002018-06-14T13:22:44.716-04:00Property/Forest Management<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">I have had several conversations of interest in regards to a Property/Forest Management plan we are going to undertake here at the club. Below is a summary of that plan and our goals going into it. I want to make it clear that we do not hate trees, trees are a part of our environment; when trees are selected properly, managed properly and are growing in the correct location they indeed enhance the MGC property. 92 years of golf with very limited/poor tree management put MGC in this situation and the time is now to take corrective action. The easy thing to do is ignore it and do nothing..... but I've never been known to go in that direction. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Property/Forest
Management<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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Property management of the MGC grounds has primarily been
limited to the turfgrass surfaces; but the 350 acres owned by the club includes
many wooded areas that can not be ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have been removing 20-60 trees a year in-house that have fallen from
weather, suffered perimeter exposure dieback or have fallen victim to
disease/insect issues; our effort are lagging behind the pace that needs to
occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twelve years ago the grounds
department started the evaluation process of the wooded acreage and the need
for <st1:place w:st="on">Forest</st1:place> management was identified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years of discussion and brainstorming brings
us to our current situation where forest management must happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The goals of our
forest management plan are simple:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Reclaim
the vistas, shot values and options lost on several holes from excessive tree
growth plus remove trees that were planted in poor locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Long
range plan of creating a better/stronger/attractive internal/perimeter forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove first growth trees (birch, poplar) plus
diseased/damaged trees all with limited value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Select cut other tree species to create room for horizontal growth on the trees left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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These goals obviously can not be accomplished in-house and
must be out sourced to professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
formed a relationship with Holli Forest Products to accomplish these goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five field meetings with their foresters and
several table meetings has created a mutual understanding of our forest goals
here at the Marquette Golf Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have a clear understanding of our terrain and the sensitive nature of this
property; the comfort level on both sides is good.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The outlined work
will have the following property protective guidelines: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The
work will take place in the winter months so there is no disruption to the golf
season and surface impacts are minimal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Temporary
roads will be clearly marked out in the fall prior to snowfall and all fairway
crossings will be crane matted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Roads
will be rubber plowed in early winter so the ground can freeze to handle traffic.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Brush
and Slash will be chipped where feasible so the areas (especially the visible
edges) are not littered with branches</div>
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The work will be divided into 2 phases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phase 1 will take place the winter of
2018/2019 and phase 2 will take place the winter of 2019/2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phase 1:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Gully on the Heritage (Holes 5/6/7) – clearing the gully
will restore all shot options off the teeing surfaces, open up lost vistas and
eliminate the dangers that the trees growing in that gully currently possess. *All
hand cutting and cable work*</div>
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-Removal of the many dead and diseased spruce trees on the
Heritage (North side of Grove) These trees are all in major decline: a factor
of age plus Needlecast/tip blight/canker diseases and Spruce Gall adelgids
insect damage has left them dead or on the verge of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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-Select cut the SE wooded corner of the property behind the
Greywalls Maintenance shop and number 12 green and extend into the back 9
internal wooded pockets if time allows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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-Clear cut an area North of 18 green Greywalls to open up a
location for a turf nursery that could double as a large putting green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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-Select cut the wooded area to the right of number 1 fairway
Greywalls</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phase 2:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Select cut the largest wooded area on property located between
the two golf courses extending into the internal wooded pockets on the
Greywalls front 9 and down the back nine on the Heritage course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*Extra care must be taken around the Orianna,
cart barns and our pond fill line for the Heritage course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Both Phases are estimated to take several weeks to complete
and we will see some pay back for the lumber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The extra work involved in this project (because of our sensitive site
and required chipping) cuts into our profits but must take place; protecting
and enhancing the golf courses is the priority during the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff will be on site during the lumber
process to make sure our objectives are met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will have cleanup and stump grinding to complete in-house after
snowmelt; some degree of turf damage isolated to the rough will be expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-88608832404785457042018-06-14T12:52:00.001-04:002018-06-14T12:52:09.588-04:00Spring into SummerSpring was very late to arrive as we had snow cover for 180 plus days in many locations. Both golf courses handled the winter well with the exception of the teeing surfaces on Greywalls. We had significant snowmold damage on those surfaces but we were able to enhance recovery quickly. Vertical mowing, fertilization and an additional fungicide application gave the tees what they needed to recover in only two short weeks.<div> <div><img id="id_df53_e5cb_41be_ba38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3WgiAl4NqeFVWY1guOuBra288lcllRrgHqet_iBm9BSGP3n4_aEuMJoHlmF03XsO0wyQ_YImGHQbJxe4DS1IKdtw6ncD0IiZIK7e2HvL6CPtFRYp3v9CF_GEulIG8hkOsHsC_LWjH9UI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Tees like this are now looking mid-season form. <br><br></div><div>Irrigation systems were put back together and pressurized for the season. We had 3 pipe failures on Greywalls from frost heave and 6 broken head on the Heritage course. </div><div><br><img id="id_53d7_1bdb_44a0_1cb4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy89hQtnds3Rk2qlT3wem54GKAWYk24IE5KNZS_OqTNauYfLxHoBiNho2mpCJEkRNd06qWbXL59ueHcGYHHhf8qsY8HUKH10MSnfnXNXhiTeB4FzLTFXn3KJUbIZQcRWaV0AwLipLLC82/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Quick coupler on Greywalls #5 green releasing air/water as we fill the lines. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_aef0_cd91_edef_ed53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ6d7U01Yr6Lr84AHZu5MDe0izrNgv2zcJkoKsN0ck0LgrjctbnQzPmdu53sp3CYmlNv5K5CcojRALnpljpItxANl3sejW_05l4QJLNHQmlV8fUzIZ5bvFx5dTl25lYq87MSfzmmElLjx/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A main line pipe failure discovered on the Heritage course. The cause is a tent stake from an outing we hosted last season. A clamp is on order to make the repair..... never wise to cut asbestos pipes if you don’t have to.<br><br>The new bathrooms on Greywalls and the clubhouse deck were given a fresh coat of stain/sealer to extend the life of the wood and enhance the look of the structures. <br><img id="id_bb4d_386d_66fa_1c4f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5r9DbDtDe8uejsWV8UVbmBDY25f-nWb6mpIaW0zKbhLI7U4iscCKo5qXvTlN64a_qtK6HpLeTleEwK1b0C3h_bMRTuZRmBPZUgEcP6gBECfXCMjyu5U2eg3bnDb470M1fKub4ikJ3fB1/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Irrigation audits are in place to check the performance of the irrigation heads. <br><img id="id_93b8_dfe4_448b_c771" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0K5Ou7WJpEhVbjsQAcbWy4KLlYuiM2eEoNG9Hbe8eJkxedlvFglLjQFs9caEEvspGNHcV5dIiKO5kDhKyGUIwsTHGLWX8XayiEgU8NFbqJg8dJW699s52drjbvmwuNs6pRKune7EmDUc/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>We are now into our summer grooming season. Putting surface management is our top priority as we complete vertical mowing and sand Topdressing every 3-weeks to keep the surfaces smooth and true. <br><img id="id_7c9f_21bf_4e06_4917" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDb_UUhT5z6yh1l2zJ9gBXTEo-dIlYY8hYuWwXh5LAcVgBxXHbw1YyZ5xW-cncWzEWGMhQ8FvrayL8nvO3weWfvNALSeAYI_19uUp-nLKna40e8-JRFk46FBD_aSbYjeSTksH9Q97Oc9V/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Sand Topdressing on Greywalls before a spike unit is run over the surface and we drag the sand into the canopy. <br><br><img id="id_a2a4_b8af_5fc8_686c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoSPi5e2-cMLKkb9QK4O-TF3sAMtHBk0juV7NWjNmv4uWQI5se-Kk5ylozq6X_mXHBF-71K4215_krpDOoSGWjKPjhy_efE3G6uqX8iFpuco2jeuMKOYg_w_S7XAbU1eF8dXRZQ2z3_70/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>After we drag the sand into the canopy new cups are cut and brush reels are run over the turf to collect any large sand particles. <br><br><img id="id_98b5_8cad_1cd_1181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWB0HTTTcoqMgnm3JX68s5MLw_nX0nLrm7P1mIofAuENf3SrXnxlfrWqEBpjxmDQrv5KJTpKUH2WrXjuR2AlUy6mLxmfuS2Re4MJ3SA1KN9VrFwN_pndT0Ufua6jDEX6VM4En-06z8AB9W/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Sand on the Heritage greens awaiting further work. <br><br><img id="id_ac75_341e_f2a_e9e3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMyJXXFUSsj93AnJehribEF_ClYlOF40lkAKBe0Jt4cFPMgzcHrq5dHn8XHuum5hWhmL3hWIKflU5sSb7pXsGcNhcVx8ENiiMQTic-ZyHzVf6pROVUKE3hQBxAgA3BTv-xlfBP5Fzjmfp/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>7 green on the Heritage course with perfect sand coverage.</div></div><div><br></div><div>Mowing schedules, proper course inputs and performing regular cultural practices will keep our surfaces in fantastic condition now and into the future.</div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-39542102580056016132018-04-21T16:57:00.001-04:002018-04-21T17:27:38.659-04:00Snow Cover<div id="wrapperid_9a8_5487_dfb4_76ba" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 388px; height: 290px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_9a8_5487_dfb4_76ba" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 388px; height: 290px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_9a8_5487_dfb4_76ba" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 388px; height: 290px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><img id="id_6cb8_da11_6ba_c5b2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYs3H7yyRcZmwO5q_AP3m0mSU9fEsZjKhdMlB3jfGDDyJlJTw8R8PQjfm-c_Lnn1wOWedRCXI91nQGY6D5KHq4N4aQbSbBK55A0HJ6Q6pqrvZEi_nn8IviKp1_3JU_VViSEq97J_6EaMG/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 390px; height: auto;"><br>Digging out to the Greywalls shop Door after the Mid-April snow storm. <br><br><img id="id_6f4_f4d1_171f_7430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFJHkJAMxATuy6cBeddLyx_FgCSe2YGZQMSlW0atfkFb2rJbxa049vaObTTwzJd6G4XjT5Y4PgvmX1iFmxkbfwkdHe-adMGea_cV-cOIAyi8Sy097IQFhPB1f-8XQqfaMm8f9Yz6BXzvF/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Snow pack up to the lean-to roof line<br><br><img id="id_6aa8_be2a_ffe1_3bcb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqxPUzcKi8fiH5jq7tk815pterSkdSKHv6vRHupjYtXH2VcbWPyBk6Pm1eKzuemWSHGEXDtwMpGYRESUSvodnb-OdIBv8NFl-qAQXFIj674KXy2j_LnI9uYjvn0wknjuwR6XfQ1BWQQVG/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Mid-April storm event even filled the buildings with snow. <br><img id="id_c5c3_c83a_604e_d0d3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy4cILaFAGuh46vdI_9pzNJUiOLPbnex7WfRZm3Rbuyc0CO5JD8omrpwVQN_nvNdi1FRQkLY5t1JVXEW86asdOakuV4iZjrKGfXLVOsyv2x-3DH2Rmk-lWRsJMZYPgA9d9libGS2_vQmZ/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>This has indeed been a very long winter. The MGC property was covered with snow on November 8th and we have not seen the turf below since that morning. We are now over 160 days of snow cover making it the longest I have experienced as a manager. Preventative snowmold applications that we apply in the fall can typically provide control for around 120 days; because we are beyond that time frame we should expect to see turf damaged from winter fungal pathogens when the snow recedes. Most of the damage we will experience should recover quickly with the proper care and warmer temperatures. </div><div>The weather has now changed into a spring pattern and snow melt is happening rapidly. We will be prepared and we look forward to spring cleanup and course preparation. </div><div><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-92105639570568991932018-02-08T14:33:00.000-05:002018-02-08T16:50:08.228-05:00Cutting Cups and Hole Locations<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Hole Location</b></h2>
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A top 10 hot Topic on every golf Course before/during/after a round is the hole location on the putting greens. The 'natural law of ego' causes the individual holding the putter to cast words of blame immediately at the hole location after a missed putt. Never mind the fact that there approach shot placement was poor, they read the green wrong or did a poor job with speed control... it is usually always the actual location of the cup that caused the miss.... A natural law I do not see changing anytime soon on golf courses everywhere. There is always a desirable location to be when your ball comes to rest on the putting green after your approach shot. It is up the player to figure out ball placement and gain that advantage over the course. </div>
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With those points disclosed I would like to address the actual process we go through when selecting hole locations during our morning course prep. </div>
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<b>Priority Number 1</b></div>
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Keep it playable and don't put out any impossible hole locations. </div>
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Yes this is the first point we focus on every single time we are out placing the hole locations during morning prep. It is never our intention to upset anyone, we want everyone to have an enjoyable experience. We want happiness and not anger. </div>
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<b>Priority Number 2</b></div>
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Move the hole location around so the wear is evenly distributed over the entire surface. </div>
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Turf takes time to heal after concentrated traffic occurs around a hole for a day or two, if quality is important all areas on a green must be utilized. </div>
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We actually keep a log folder that goes out every time with the set-up individual. The past positions are reviewed at each green so we can ensure the positions are being moved around properly. If the location is front it moves to middle, if its middle it moves to back, if its back it moves to front. The right-center-left is then based off past locations and ease of the location in relation to other locations on that given day. </div>
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<b>Priority Number 3</b></div>
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Perfect plug replacement. </div>
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When replacing the plug it must be completed perfectly. High plugs will scalp off during the next mowing and cause unsightly rings, low plugs create a depression that will disrupt ball roll and over time turn into darker green rings as the turf growth thicker and longer in those areas. There is a process to plug replacement and it is not as easy as most think it is. </div>
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<b>Priority Number 4</b></div>
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Make sure the cup is level so the flagstick rises up straightly. </div>
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This is achieved while sinking the hole cutter into the soil; one must be observant so the cutter is not going in at an angle. Only minor adjustments can be made with the cup to get the flagstick straight after the hole is cut, so it is important to get a straight hole cut with the hole cutter. </div>
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<b>Priority Number 5</b></div>
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Avoid areas of damage or potential damage.</div>
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When selecting the location we want a healthy area of turf around the hole so perfect ball roll can be achieved by players and more putts can be made if putted properly. </div>
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We always try to avoid diseased locations, areas of turf wilt and damaged turf from equipment (like a hydraulic leak). Winter kill situations can severely limit our location selection but that is usually only for a limited time in the spring of the year. We also have to predict potential saturated conditions; if it is going to rain heavily we must avoid all low areas on the putting greens. </div>
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Everyday is a busy day here at the Marquette Golf Club so the goal is to create variety in hole locations every day in our set up; most easy but some interesting that take a little more thought and skill. </div>
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**Hole locations are changed 4-5 times a week during the peak playing season. During the shoulder seasons we base location changes on daily round numbers. </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GzPNNN_qJX4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GzPNNN_qJX4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" id="id_46d1_27a5_7072_4f7b"></iframe></div>
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Found the Location and now Cutting the Cup</div>
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<br><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9S3GwMfM2Ho/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9S3GwMfM2Ho?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" id="id_4e27_4d05_53a7_77"></iframe></div>
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Setting the Cup and painting the edge white</div>
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<br><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R3gnIfwzSeY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R3gnIfwzSeY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" id="id_96a1_3bc8_fbff_6f85"></iframe></div>
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Perfect Plug replacement is Essential </div>
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<br>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-49300473631319408762018-01-22T16:01:00.001-05:002018-02-06T08:42:59.165-05:00Nitrogen and Topdressing<div>
A solid 12 years of consistent data collection here at MGC has provided us an opportunity to look at a few trends. <br />
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One trend in particular that I am very interested in is the relationship between Sand Topdressing the putting surfaces and Nitrogen fertilization. Sand topdressing the putting greens is a process we complete every 3-week throughout the golf season. The goal of topdressing is to match the sand rate with turf growth so we can maintain a smooth firm putting surface for all to enjoy; establishing that rate is the art behind the science. Daily turf growth is heavily influenced by our Nitrogen applications but is also dependent on climatic conditions (drought/rain/humidity/temperature), turf health and the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR’s). <br />
I feel playing golf on your turf surfaces is the most important way to get an actual feel for how the ball reacts and rolls; we call that the playability. Monitoring and recording clipping yield on the putting greens everyday is the next most important aspect to managing the surfaces properly. Those data recordings coupled with playabilty help us dictate how much sand needs to be applied; it also helps make decisions on vertical mowing, depth of vertical mowing and if we need to brush the greens. </div>
<div>
Here at MGC we measure clipping yield by how many times the operator has to empty the collection baskets while mowing all 18 greens. This measurement does fluctuate slightly between operators but the basic number is adequate for our needs. Heavy flushes of growth can be observed in the spring or after Nitrogen applications, a soil temperature increase and after exhaustion of an applied PGR. On the flip side growth reductions can also be observed after a reduction in air temperatures, a heavy frost, a drought condition or after a PGR application. <br />
Our goal is always consistency with our turf growth so we try to eliminate any flushes by applying Nitrogen only when needed and only for normal plant growth so recovery from traffic can always be taking place. We also apply PGR's based on growing degree models and we manage moisture on the dry side. We triplex our putting surfaces; the goal is to maintain clipping yield at a rate that the operator is only emptying the baskets 1-2 times per 18 holes. If the yield falls below 1 we typically roll or skip mowing the following day. Growth rates higher than that level occurs during the spring growth flush (and explains slower green speeds at that time) but is avoided during the rest of the season by our management techniques. </div>
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_d6f8_b857_5432_c2e3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbEXPZoOR4G1nBtkYwcHWJ6f_k1pu8tdiVuSNoZtjYsDjbcR0xWrgS7nFI4eI16zPfUkilC_sb4H202D9iNSNXRXr8g9U788xigf5Ky8sgee6meJArW-KOvEqf7dmutGFul-4QncboLIH/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
In these numbers you can easily see the reduction in Granular fertilization over the years. Purchasing a large area sprayer in 2015 was a game changer as it allowed us to extend our foliar Nitrogen applications from the greens to all fine turf surfaces; fairways, approaches, tees. Nitrogen can now be applied at a much lower rate giving us better growth control.<br />
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<img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8qMgKeWT2X1pK7J6_CQyUwTXxBH1FhwHKDBZHBm3qJXRWC88DanVKMW_4w5Q2cbQ7BDvJlz6b43Ul1JENHsYckuPDAScfVBIIskArqyjl7CzqF1eukKi1TxQ3uyp-LkBbioHleEagVrz/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" width="640" /><br />
Our total Nitrogen use has reduced over the years but our turfgrass quality has increased. More effective and efficient use with less waste and virtually no flushes like we experienced 10 years ago.<br />
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**For the last 3 seasons our only complete granular application on the greens has been our dormant Milorganite application. High applications rates of Milorganite at this time decreases the time it takes for snow/ice to melt in the spring and jumps starts the turf immediately when exposed. I do estimate that 1/2 of that Milorganite application is removed in the spring when we brush reel, vertically mow and mow for the first time in the spring. The collection baskets are full of Milorganite so we recycle that fertilizer by spreading it on cart path wear areas around the two courses.**<br />
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_8da3_f4bb_b3d_6f61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ8QbR2Aono5N0jWu5N6j5nfjHMmBN6t25-3je00Llo6yKJ0cOwRQwGpfpqLtaRv5JS-P-7pNg0YfAQLMvZhFbAbe_iG6lXjE2z8Z-6uAjHLCYlscIk36pYzBpcqIt3RYvWKNTCcmZA8v/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
A chart/graph again showing our change in application methods over the years and our reduction in overall use of fertilizer.<br />
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_c56d_f88e_7f9b_f568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNnIuA-yUFP_aQZWp_tuSX-9xzUrbqr9AEHBJ2SL2QzniP8yWszblbIIlGsipoZS_rHtHdxX7Zx76GReyCcyIpE1B5vjdW552VdKppQ8J33F3mHkZvke897zleSsOb4pxc47WecafPCRa/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
Looking at this graph helps summarize why we had more flushes of growth from 2006-2012. Granular fertilization can give very unpredictable results with varying climatic conditions. <br />
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How does Nitrogen relate to Sand Topdressing?<br />
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In-season sand use has decreased over the years but post-season (winter crown protection) use has increased so our over all sand topdressing has remained relatively flat over the last 11 seasons but I would like to just focus on in-season use.<br />
In-season use is dependent on monitored clipping yield and playability so it truly reflects our ability to control flushes of growth. In 2008/09/10 we made our highest Nitrogen applications to the greens so we indeed had more growth; which is directly reflected with an increased in-season sand use over that time period on both golf courses. During those years we routinely set our topdresser gate at setting C to get the proper amount of sand into the canopy. We now have such controlled growth we have no need to open the gate past the first A setting yet still get better results.<br />
Along with reduced in-season sand use we have been able to reduce vertical mowing depth. 11 years ago (when we did not have as much control over growth rates) surfaces felt soft to me after 3 weeks so it was necessary to complete vertical mowing to a depth deeper than neutral to 'mine' out Organic Matter (OM) and add sand to the channels. With successful controlled growth rates in resent years, surfaces stay firmer and vertical mowing does not regularly need to be completed as deep.<br />
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_7a12_63cc_65ab_43af" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJWVRY5khhrMFduaWdWrUrydWcvcXOj5KWnEMUVXPvvQGje7fZdKY4CvSQLuusqjTDSs_BIF78g5a1h6kN67umZ6cqe_SrLaCwVlnaPa77DzQxNqrJH1rQauXva0zw384JdtTasKh5hol/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="" height="480" id="id_3cbf_1c29_35d5_a0a3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ccpgsczlr6qB_r9Dbr0S-Ukibgg9rbPqdeOW4b5N6IZWEO8mkzHH3TGKpPs8_gA4TMRZx67XCu_dfBhnLbsBmQnf0QlcRj5O9WBETlDo1gmRP0NtUN_pfj1D5uV6qE65CWaskKkzodOQ/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="" height="480" id="id_ab4_fcef_11b5_5cb7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnfi8Dh5H24SAnfZo9gzLKV_LMGUlSJ_SEmuhzeF4m-LxS9j7Gc6_vCIllgcvTWFsfNNrF_43MYiPNJDswgcz1oPX28qIhhfmHPDsqMmxCKRfzJvZ_wlb5fdhGIT-62r5xYdKpvaAiaeO/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
Heritage and Greywalls In-season sand use has trended down and has stabilized the last two seasons. Sand use was a little low in <a dir="ltr" href="tel:2012/2103/2014" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2012/2103/2014</a> but corrections were made.<br />
I really like where we are with our putting surface management. We are more consistent than we have ever been.<br />
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_4cc8_697c_1be0_a170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcdAmqZ_7mri85m1Cd7xEd2m0fM4b56CoTBLh1txq3lXl7OhoWpOyatBsTB1dD9AK2siB4ny-bQo7B8dATyK81Yx9i4NiOyUcQDpajBHi4S1FIiOW-L0-fv52ulVUQ6dHqXQaRlTrorkX/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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This summarizes the total sand depth that has been added to the putting surfaces through our regular topdressing over the last 11 seasons.<br />
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Management improvements over the last 12 years have had a tremendous impact on our ability to consistently manage our most important turf surfaces. There is no text book telling you how much and how often; it is all site specific and based on experience, inputs, available equipment, time limitations and expectations. We are always focusing on getting better and providing a better product to play on.... our efforts are working.<br />
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Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-64085316843357466402017-12-11T22:07:00.001-05:002017-12-11T22:08:10.543-05:00Historical Look at Water UseThe season has come to a close and I now have time to organize/evaluate some of the data I collect during the golf season. Data collection is needed in order to measure success, improvements and progress so I take it seriously. The longer data is collected the more reliable it becomes to tell the story of your Management. <div><br><div>The first set of data I evaluated this off season was water use at the club from our two pump-stations. It is from these two water sources that we draw water to irrigate the two courses and wash our equipment. </div><div>Mother Nature obviously plays a big part in seasonal water use but I like our historical trend as water use has been following a steady decline. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3609_e0d0_a3ba_4ad2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkOZhUjbsaQ1LDOvRz4y6iO0kThEhghRBuBpYOu8y5tM5osFiJcbcduZ4x9b1ttz7oNTaBrMqC0m7GsAm_wZ8NKwF-EfUEK8aCADRZglhf9W-FzkpQrCvmDCWRneKhU0y5hafR8Nyn9cP/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_aab8_5de7_f907_2504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincWFpbJHIniDU32No-PEvbCrmUQdasyDufGQ8dTto4XYEksgmriW8cb11LarIaDaJgJQ2a1eVvy38n5ebBkDIG9rlkh88RpIAQe4lJ1cx_UV-QJcQzveo8gRWeyMNDc-jkKi5pDJCYHA-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_11a7_83b5_a26a_ecd8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezyYdGbzVwVfMN842EHGXHO43xKF4w2WHk2rgFx18ofTFJb82PbznC-9mxJ21VI6l1bwpz7_1i7V49QF7FGRPk-InFekB-xltHCa9LDM6S8-3r0JhEOxeEG6S_lwRkXcbqb9iN18vx-xH/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Years of hard work with our irrigation programs along with fine tuning our individual head run times has dramatically reduced our water use. We have identified locations on every irrigated green, tee, fairway, approach and rough that tend to hold water or tend to dry out and have adjusted preset run times accordingly. </div><div>Many areas on both courses are now only irrigated to water in applications of wetting agents/PGR’s/fertilizer then are turned off the rest of the time. Other areas have limited traffic (like par 3 surrounds) and have been found to require zero supplemental water from an irrigation system. The irrigation heads are there but they are no longer needed regularly. We leave the heads in place in case we enter a drought or an application needs to be watered in. </div><div><br></div><div>Hundreds of full circle heads have been replaced with Part circle heads on the Greywalls course. This not only reduced water use but also helped the playability of certain areas on the course because less water is now entering natural/native areas. </div><div><br></div><div>We have completed a two phase improvement in the Heritage course pump-station over the last 10 years. The first phase was a controller update and the second phase was a pump replacement. We now have more control over water pumping as 60 year old technology was replaced with present day technology. Two pumps are now doing what three pumps did before the upgrade; the new main pump is no longer butterfly valve controlled but is now VFD controlled saving electricity while making it easy on the old pipes. </div><div><br></div><div>Strategic use of wetting agents is probably the next most important aspect of water use reduction here at the Marquette Golf Club. We apply these products with our sprayers on the greens, tees and approaches on both courses and we apply them through our irrigation system (utilizing an injector) on the Greywalls course. Wetting agents work in several different ways to control localized dry spots. Most allow water to penetrate and hold in hydrophobic soil conditions and eliminates the need to over irrigate. </div><div><br></div><div>We still have areas of improvement that we can work on as we continue to strive towards more efficient water use. The next big area of reduction is on the Heritage course. A complete irrigation head evaluation needs to take place in order to identify all full circle heads that can be replaced with part circle heads; then an investment in those heads needs to be budgeted and planned. </div><div><br></div><div>Saving water is saving money because the less we pump the less electricity we use and the more money we save..... and who does not like to save money!</div><div><div><br><div><br></div></div></div></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-87547156351295874942017-12-11T09:15:00.001-05:002017-12-11T09:15:45.761-05:002017 Season wrap-up<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Update on the grounds end. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We just went through the most difficult winterization I’ve ever had the pleasure of guiding. The season ended with a flip of a switch as Snow, Midwest hurricanes and freezing temperatures made it a very interesting finish. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Many challenges were overcome and I am glad to say all of the absolutely critical fieldwork was completed before the freezing temperatures and snow arrived for good. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Storm damage was cleaned up in all critical areas but most of it was just cut up or left and will be removed in the spring. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_5b23_82b9_159b_69c9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_OAWs-40DIHxXRlJIb230z1PJbBYxQwMOn9dTYR2sKNxes_E6RbnxAahjz3c98fBItKPH08r4M2wiROmAJwV25JPuQgE3QGm1zziTF6NAwJWKAYK1QPcvfB_-0yhuIc_Uinsg1uKQYLU/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-After closing for the season all greens were solid tine aerified to open channels for winter surface drainage.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_dc17_6626_14a0_538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKEtTwv1TF5Cq-8cB7JqZ-LnERrQUGGNgBJCeFNADwmhePNoKCPwwPrNjghf9240Tjrq556QQJVao8nK-Xb6ml0gj8b5butbIlz3PE7fbYMYmjrgqdcnuplz-pUuRky-yorIPu-4GzgqN/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-All fine turf surfaces (greens, apps, tees, fairways) were treated preventatively for snowmold. We followed a blower crew with our sprayers as they cleared leaves and goose droppings. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_8427_9c24_1ab9_955f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBkQQAbINHkN4WSurV6BVrG4qw7tLzdo81H2yynUquqMbDFhYc6yZhJDS1Hw8n4qonun6swyS3YBg-cMD0-zgZuGmoVv4_dqVqKsxU7wP8yLHPYloCZ6wLqxr6T416hvuBTDAFF6lWFCt/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1fd0_a2d2_fdaf_9d10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lTMWIhaz8dTv0R0j8JVhwJcVQ0_FRRin3flW705hyphenhyphenzxpSSrdCdYmligRTtGHTIei_cWLNkR-lrfPJvbleaQbs2SebihK5hlFjN8JxOLx32y3wPdRbLbk9wEek8Mup1stu4YWnw2tH1Nm/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Both Irrigation systems and components were winterized. It was very cold while blowing out the Greywalls system. An additional day of work was needed to finish up the process.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_a869_c499_2fea_9d80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJScwi03y124KZa2tooBCn4ovdIvtKSw1X3Jg5fqfL-ko0z0iZK7uT0JxN_wvK3qXjT_BRuSbiRdas4JV8fxw_X03qo6983x21MK_M7uPDIQHJ40P5FFcvxx6CcxXedowsKlsWxDMhyphenhyphen36/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3f23_a52d_7e68_8672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KjkuKUB0hzIeqhvzs9xlDedocDFuni6cV5DA7ApN3cft_mF9kEtxlM5NeX4wm_kluPpMe1knpck9CIbAHJjPNNjkyZ-4OF_JUj72CaZ_wnpklQUIhl1tlw1rEJj6Xn26vJkFXDoV1kk-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Equipment was detail cleaned and winterized. The plow truck was repaired and prepared for a season of snow removal. Both shops were organized and equipment in need of winter overhaul work has been lined up in the shop for easy access. </span></p><img id="id_e4e8_c5b1_356f_52fb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNBP53ahjyumzwceKVU6mV9haXZt-UqR2nKdrGVyAWrhcGvfzR4Qn0WpX-eHbeSaJ1P0rdC29DfKUa2S1aBKa_TwA_pUD1EWu5T_5q00z0zBeZGj1djBRQNR0w7i0DrK2K3zIyBwD0aRj/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Greens and approaches were covered with sand for winter crown protection and they were all roped off. Snow fence is up in our strategic locations. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_37b9_62b0_c5b1_270b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Wg-d_2QTSkjYot_IlS4sn_84mIxlxpGOQ2WVktMLbzQdRMVDwteDqo9sLZm-oZvHLolS2JPS0ZphV4NVWH2iFyf-SQ4cPPrlLOAPUdK0M3sY2fneUxoapxmsD6CvomCz9UY3D5Huk7Xy/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_f9b0_2aee_33fa_f5f0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMgQGOHMrMBffnMCmGFxUUa2HU4USQ54RRH0a_pyzKlg0O6tpjjF5blvgcKif3ht-okzJ1HqYFniIMuZDyksoxWFuCjX9CgUWb1uJvbKDbN0ZWbCCHKJegIU-Iko5xS1xRI2Ktj92UdgP/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Milorganite was applied to all putting surfaces to help spring ice/snow melt and green-up. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_ecc1_3627_7e76_4215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRwinVxKKeRPnaecempZiT-16TfrjLJe42DyCyP9ReTCGQ12yx3qjPYbMlEZQeuT-Cvw9WQgLaTYlLsAn-AmUMUqpxraSbKYImiCUehxuqeSTMPEOo9309vpA1xNDnsnAy160SGjZ-kF-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-All course supplies were hauled in and off the course for winter maintenance. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Mission accomplished!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We are set up for a successful spring of 2018…… as long as mother nature is kind to us the next 4 months. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A Tree crushed the new bathroom <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0"><span style="font-size: 17pt; color: rgb(228, 175, 10); direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;">on 3/4</span></a>/7 of Greywalls during the 50-70 mph wind event we experienced that I like to call the Superior hurricane. The tree has been removed and we put a tarp on the roof to prevent any further damage to the interior. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_154a_158b_379e_219b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHe81gBhGgtPmxPYjmhphpiGtGw9HOyiDvUAuQYDkVnyeyaE-vxIX9aVfdr3F1pDcUKqPGqNI9p-HGsrACQHmmP8PemoPyY92HIve7KNzb0CrUn1Wsax3IltZcBpDBwLrmo8SF5rBPwakp/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The repairs to the bathroom will most likely be completed in the spring as winter weather has set in for good. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I received a call from the BLP last week. They are now offering us a seasonal shut off for our pumpstaion power supplies. No charge to shut it off and only $25 to turn it back on in the spring. This should save us around $3800 this winter in demand charges that we had to pay in the past. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I have placed most of the chemical and fertilizer orders already for the 2018 season to take advantage of free shipping and discount prices included in Early Order Programs. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The rest of our chemical/fert. Supply needs are out to bid with all of our different vendors. Once those quotes come back I can finalize the 2018 Agronomic Plan. Savings as much as I can for the club is always the goal. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We had a site visit with a logger this fall. We need to aggressively manage the trees in many locations on the golf courses. This work needs to be planned out well ahead of time so it can be completed over the winter months to reduce disruption during the playing months. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">-Cheers</span></p>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-26924348586406289432017-07-21T13:12:00.001-04:002017-09-01T17:37:31.477-04:00Insect pestsWe have been battling ants for over a dozen years on both courses (especially on the Greywalls tees and greens). Ant mounds damage our green and tee mowers as the sand dulls the blades plus is smoothers the turf. We have to knock down the mounds before mowing; which adds time and maintenance to our course prep. Control effort last only a few weeks before they recolonize the area. Ants are a frustrating pest and are getting worse every year. <div><br></div><div>We have had minimal grub activity in our area.... but that is about to change as our pest scouting has identified many European Chafer beetles. </div><div>Theses beetles are here laying their eggs; which will hatch into grubs that will feed on our turf roots. The grubs harm the turf but skunks and raccoons do even more damage as they dig up the turf to eat the grubs. </div><div><br></div><div>Looks like additional control measures are in our future here at the Marquette Golf Club.... scouting will always be a part of our preventative IPM program. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_cd60_3a6a_af38_bf05" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT1nM3FVmOSvKXmovQ2grMvBPBUNwNaWdmx-aaJwzmvA0zTGdvFdoJ3CVYRTZ8Kp-HQE7cy4aqTLPMveJvtI6JrP59-VYb0eZ7__p3Aa_tu28qEK7U431nYVQ_2EtMRDdZMFwyE86g3eU/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">European Chafer crawling on our turf. <br></span><br></div><div><img id="id_f38d_736_d76a_57d3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yjaKe8FsETRlQX91bm4Qp9rM7yf4lGkytgkP2HTM2OOPk_wFbY-T5sut7rbOW26WPjPF9iTkaLR6d6zq-9S2Jx1d4UyEmq9NVoQybFeBX8bYYkxeHO0P_ghVqyw__H84ZI6Eie47XFkI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Japanese Beetles have also been identified in large numbers the last few weeks. The grubs of these beetles are not as large as European Chafer grubs but cause just as much damage. We have identified potential problem areas and we will be treating the land in those areas soon. </div><div><br></div><div>While grubs feed on thatch and turf roots it is skunks and raccoons that do the most of the damage as they feed on the grubs below. </div><div>Pictured below is activity already scouted on the Heritage course. It is evident that these new pests will have to be managed from this year forward on all maintained surfaces. Budget increases will have to take place to make room for this added management of our surfaces. </div><div><img id="id_a72d_e6cf_31b7_ee7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFijAKF1wdDiMGjVYsV4fPsVX5aiZZwWfI0qstqanoGbgUNIGog7QwLE588aZcs-C5-YSoG36mEFmqUbJ9o-9K1xjvg-0xzRevGp9MLvt8Z2bCRaLtlVBZFk98WZn18MnMcKZGFYvriBnX/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3413_69e1_3ce8_85b7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Hdx5Ux1nbQbhS2AGryGbWixRcIdu31uolsmsCGA4bE_jpAoiukTCgkcQTNQKeQuue6MmSrpCMw_GSpgvgVRTMrQi0WZTq3uva3AeLjxNh7ARqYMKC7Q95pNQOwMP05cAq4fO-6z6pP-g/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-91564615881410574882017-07-21T12:49:00.001-04:002017-08-10T20:02:51.485-04:00Recycling <div>The landfill stopped its trailer pickup recycle program a few years back but that did not slow down our efforts at the club. </div><div>We purchased a trailer from the landfill for our cardboard (fiber) recycling and we transformed another old trailer into a glass/plastic/metal (rigid) trailer. I personally haul the trailers to the landfill every time they get full; takes time but it is a satisfying feeling knowing these are going to be recycled into other products. </div><div><br></div><div>During the busy times we recycle a 1000 lbs. of cardboard and 1000 lbs. of rigids a month here at the club. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_392_c5d4_c724_2ab6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkNrNikpwbidM4K-xtijktr74cbNhV_7eHK5rLcDHcREUaQsBSHAq4KKoVF6VwpjJy9ZIGPXXO02ntME2lohjEM8f2_7aJRIxRR4UvOMxFWRY7fKHnUsjSXL8Zpo9BBpX7pNqvv5q_1Iw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Unloading our cardboard trailer inside the recycling facility. <br><img id="id_c8dc_b7c0_cbf0_b646" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1KogQgu0us39TepZRv1Y0fKG9YfD5BpnWpu1yjrKoOQQB1g9XZhc4k-USGn0lAGg9sanYBY7iguo7finyhalmWcGnijJNyntU_pw8Whr-XWuzBmz7dCPwGIDMdi7L11HCMpiQGsdlKB1/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><img id="id_5bcf_7185_59b1_8494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljHyjezvmkA5lmE_kjgi6xdAPbtOeLk2Bd5eKqHGFZxalNcVwEFl1o1wAc8QQmf_OR6q3j6zvRRtaxWTbEi_kIMf7AtpsQIvvjMISRZ022mMcr4-lbZyAUTxUTQi4EdVObyrAAHlsfLsz/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Unloading our rigid trailer inside the recycling facility. <br><img id="id_9395_a988_3981_af7f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhjLkdWmGycxjQbEYnu0kFbVg2ySxp_4rJzeV1o33sU8LCDPLil_z2rLv06D4KdJZ5vOI8Tq3OYx8077HUqokFxRZ0SJTXM5tU8q73c-64F3SaB28N3nyv_aLfUTB6Ut-QPyYtkKncXvi/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_194a_6cd9_5594_135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjwMVqnBj-uNQ3YszXw2m-AihBu8-239LjBHJxJ1Jm7iKHh0n-YjRdvj17O9OLnETIQRiPajf6kLmY9Zp1hD5P369uu1RwE-wNrcG7vqLDw2MXI3jFHvC903l_bGz17zLDx6OOTDINsyV/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Landfill recently sponsored a tire collection night in the city. We took full advantage and we recycled 20 old turf equipment tires. <br><img id="id_3d7c_6100_32ff_8e3a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9pKn1SoKU6f8h8ARDoKJa_67N3BFPxUqFPpqiyeW942aXYo3Lb5Ok_cIxnVl15KvH3Y6Tof8C9V19IDQX2QagKe8jDHgvKz0oykyl_pb-omUADo8HfbogC2EMRVSt246rg_qARfNVA0G/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-90802579521517940482017-06-28T15:55:00.001-04:002017-06-28T15:55:09.374-04:00New 11 Red Tee<div>We removed all of the sod from the nursery green on the Heritage course about a month ago and used it to sod the new 11 red tee pad. The extra sod was used to re-grass the right side red tee on 18 Heritage. </div><div>After a month of growth the new tee on 11 and the fresh turf on 18 should be ready for play very soon. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_e74b_34b2_39c5_bad2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0efucdxcxSk6wGni6G4W46D93NBP-m9hn9496d24hPEJXQn5HeTcCe0ilbMP-fHR9iguPbgVeZQL94s06gd-xd49mUdyxrdONYGXyQlmP5zXqJIdWzk-GBt1ssWMhYsUr1LjfpbbwlSV/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <div>Two man crew guiding our old sod cutter for straight cuts and a consistent depth.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_fb77_3fcc_8f9d_d309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiZcOG_FhV7gK3hKJ425oZ4HHGBgsuh85pHAHaV7yioqqDjs-z0pn63XRoOSO_7pRGKHmvxqe4QkNw5pMQ-dQJ5iPDZo2OwWNJkgasE2HaOHI16kVyOp4SRwzFGOPZPTlrWEtbhjzy3tp/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div>We hauled the sod to location with my flat trailer and my work truck. One trip is better than multiple hauls with smaller utility vehicles. </div><div> <img id="id_1535_9088_8b12_62a5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCijkf30KUw2P-kRgQruA38cjdDHlBdjbxIAvYCK4c1ALsP_Q0-kQaBaN6umeCRdMiuF9JUpSNkF_At-hfoFNqRgMuulh0yJkMVGSsvSyfnolxYY4I5FaZyM1gIIIvm8XxXFgJej5JUnpV/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div>Let the art of turf care begin. It always looks like a lot of sod until you get it all in place and realize you need one more roll... and you go back for one more 8 foot roll to finish the job. </div><div> <img id="id_9d3_d5f2_d0d6_1cdf" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtGv6PixjUuWvMn97Rt8nHwTq3Rh1XLmTWy8eX7GKqV22MZYigVRWrksIf7h3PjG051OzAsLCUNUYCvfKgs-jukcub1DRUMgnOK7rGjJzjx_1-QCMNmsQtW7PZTH5MFeTX9zish4AXOiu/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div><div>It is delicate work to make sure the sod stays together, the seams are tight and the ground stays level as you create the new teeing surface. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_af2e_3364_8b7f_4a14" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdAZGNCusb5TEy5uLpGPGP45XmZLLrAer8J2aGzNwUUYJ8_NEbUFMQWysYegVf9Wv22qsXsvXpP3NcNgSnZCcIrVMJmNwyOWXeJk3QW3RvqkJLqqFPI0MDls8BIzECO2BY3WQsUq1SU51/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div><div>The Heritage nursery will be cut out even more and made larger. After cutting the perimeters we will sand cap it and seed it soon so it can be utilized next season. </div><div><br></div><div><br><div><img id="id_4431_d94e_30ef_ee26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvWTALp_9Xjls03655auglGDP8tL5oiGG6I0rNR2nUuluOZF7w3B36mVD-7P6voEr17qotr6XnsbiXLA9PjsHJqFM3IUikXp9j940lM1Flchvr-N_E_BoNdva1FcpY0sdtHXamPlETv3h/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>New red tee on 11 after 3 weeks of growth. The tee looks good as it firms up and starts to become playable. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_2d2d_b074_e265_e102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuxLGOnlrKVh_6BA_U7SShcCh6qpbZAmeQoUwTv9WLuDBlZEr2g4n8hn3ygX_k_YEM0o6GMIbSfebyE13vSpkzAG5EOui8bbaL8QYukBJK12-Qn8LDNH60gQjmCsbizrspsnQrx4gNCek/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div><div>A behind view of the tee looking down the fairway. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ec9e_7a8f_2fb1_16f6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9lddtY_c-hi4iNglhs1I6qnIu-JDG2gBbijpWI6adIpaXFh1JPLVJWsUWjt6AHr6bi6RShqxAFaXAZI37NDsLqXQE5vyKx9kwfkYp13quND-Uj7rJ_Y65ROC0MWyPoTR6i6BE6n7pqdc/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The Heritage Nursery cut out to its new size; sand has been hauled out as cap material. Next step is floating the area out with the sand pro, pre-plant fertilizing the surface and seeding it. I will use T-1 bentgrass and chewings fescue to seed the surface. </div><div>We also have a goal of creating a second nursery on the Greywalls property. The more nursery space the better; we just need to identify a nice location for nursery #2 on the Greywalls property. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-34837607824112123742017-06-20T15:39:00.001-04:002017-06-20T15:44:20.325-04:00Heritage pumpstation <div id="wrapperid_363d_9552_ec8c_7450" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 352px; height: 264px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_363d_9552_ec8c_7450" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 367px; height: 275px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_363d_9552_ec8c_7450" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 367px; height: 275px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_363d_9552_ec8c_7450" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 329px; height: 246px; z-index: 100; top: 4px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><img id="id_3a87_4f9_e79e_c67c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Mu0EspaoUUDEkd4QTDEib8uNuXoQnBlnzH6yJ2goll0Q19oFSmgQpdPtzUIBF5v6AV-bA336WB9m_ZXwScsUXgmGJsd4lGpF4ehxa5yhfW6Xxp3M-BcLg4AA_rHpEEVy4q8Xdwsvmtay/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 331px; height: auto;"><div>Out with old (pictured above) and in with the new. Our 2 old main irrigation pumps from the 50's and 60's on the Heritage course have been replaced with a single pump controlled with a VFD. </div><div>This new pump has many advantages including increased efficiency, higher pumping capacity and most importantly reliability. </div><div> <img id="id_37aa_e759_ca08_46c1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fABV5-986jh6Bt6P_CTzzRbxj4NNOVanY6c0_GauHFQYJgj049gyDVcSHjwF7G41YOKwr3t9b8w-Ujyf4k5DeCHfGTKyoPp6I16hxMiRIsNXk-NL8axudwc5fQarh0myxVwymppxF_jv/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div><div>Old pumps and motors being removed </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_17c6_78ae_e58e_8f26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUKvT88wW4BlW1gDdtJ-AOc5FzI_24CvxS2SjBN0lQGGbi0vGkugvZd5Gi-N1dgQNeZd62zoAcdXA3QjEj7_ZR_ZmSZhuu4eCxyB6sYVPnqbtvamc6ZsfiTdqlutXYIEXuWo1QbOj-U_J/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div><div>John from Reinders had to perform many hours of custom fabrication to make this project functional. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_db76_cc59_903d_d918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBld_RhhE_FAeKAm5d1II4mSCwNLDv40Wns1QyONgkESoA6uEi5tFtil_Ug5NVsQ5tlCylCoUR1ZO9qJVsV22c6c628qez2IlNyhwV1SsUS52n3HgiU9q8CssNRFu1hvxJ3Qvx0Zb7k5w/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div>The new set up will be very user friendly </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9e04_ea2f_e5e2_2382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_ERQ8qkwad3xUV7KFu07OhbkUj4KSv8ZXfXdtbCQn4d6JVoJreXx6IvCzwjlQlIUphhnOHJXx31lPrpNuy43StHb96-T01oiCE3TrA6AvhEjwdw1JCssZya2nz26Uu6SPRjESISr9Hi4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 365px; height: auto;"> <div><div>The discharge pipe is completely customized and installed. </div><div><br></div><div id="wrapperid_d8ed_5bbb_2901_4a3" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 363px; height: 272px; z-index: 100; top: 1694px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_d8ed_5bbb_2901_4a3" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 362px; height: 271px; z-index: 100; top: 1720px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_d8ed_5bbb_2901_4a3" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 365px; height: 273px; z-index: 100; top: 1720px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div>The New set up is complete and should last many many years. We are very excited to have a new pump that is dependable to use. <br><div id="wrapperid_d8ed_5bbb_2901_4a3" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 327px; height: 245px; z-index: 100; top: 1720px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><img id="id_e160_f5bd_49a9_3fae" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxBV4rfZNBOZiXcI11WOubir7uiJYU8JFgVjaNLWmy-9IxRcBqAt2xZtwwpY3J85wIL61pLI67tFS8FWUjYkGKUl9SM9MDTHgtudrTIXyekVEoJXb9C64BcyNONVSY6dIiAq6dUHYDGJP/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-12498092419000902202017-04-09T12:26:00.001-04:002017-04-09T12:26:48.411-04:00Greywalls updateSnow piles and drifts remain on the Greywalls course in the bunkers, along rocks and north facing slopes. I shoveled off the remaining snow on those putting surfaces last Thursday to allow the frost to finally melt from the soil. <div><img id="id_92a3_4b30_9022_f7d1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqs7jyv6xuEIDrv2FjVx8z6o8VRh4HxS0unnJRmT5Gu2j6X75hM-IGYIjb5_olqXReCwRiFzCO2n3kSKYLZdC46o3mhgLhLTOEIi94Z08Hj6ei60RBPYUtX-WAB_IfPNsLytjUZg0xRXx/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Number 9 Greywalls</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a1ba_a0f1_c042_662e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr2GWGgGzKwtmcJ76drospZ2QQu5pNIg6NG5ngdaONdLas58Yywau7MBfsVxIGGVwalRZCwKOMHE19z1DYdMZjvS_4f4qUxpWRlw_oH5NysHLzErQMRDm0L8b3n3tXfwKMmjsIqAs_L0u/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Number 6 Greywalls</div><div>60 degree temperatures with rain this weekend will help melt off these snow piles but 38 with rain/snow mix to start the week will slow things down again. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img id="id_6ef1_37ed_c7a7_34a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwoeaGxbK5ol4VsvgjFUFeVuNNkLoiex8lmqZ2QPL7q6xhH7eLOVaVnYUU6DgIj_nVZQI6y5OPFfaB2v7SoQeptudSPdQ2xccrF3gw6DkDusFecR1-KbzvuA86KLkcHgC-wBZZaxwUreR/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Friday afternoon we blew off the last remaining greens and we rolled them for the first time. Rolling is a critical step in spring prep on the Greywalls greens. A combination of our pre-winter solid tine aerification and winter frost loosens the sand surfaces and they must be rolled 3-4 times before we can start mowing them for the season. <img id="id_910c_8fc9_18a3_7ad7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOdY_TUv6XXJNvpqDnBRtSclx3Lq5-poj4JLsHHs6HuoEwwdbh9B81ouRVBkwGY-xbHGAqaqySW-lSuLQfQZXkkw-SjrXP2yd32uWLnE1rY7Jv5_Ti8DOp0pYY55WI6Bp6XPJIcuwd6ps/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </div></div>Our practice putting green has the highest % of poa growing on it. It was transplanted here from golf shoes and then has started its spread around the course as it seeds. The discoloration on the poa is from late season paclo applications; this plant growth regulator is now used on greens, fairway, approaches and tees to slow down the spread of poa on our bentgrass greens and our fine fescue/ bluegrass fairways. <div><br></div><div>After we finalize cleanup on the Heritage course and get it open for the season my focus will move more towards the Greywalls course. </div><div>The next few weeks as the snow/frost melt and the ground drains and firms we will be getting the Greywalls course cleaned up. We will also perform some maintenance tasks that can not be accomplished when we are open for play. </div><div>We are faced with a major cleanup on Greywalls due to the wind storm a month ago. 20 plus trees came down and many others had to be removed due to wind damage and hanging branches. Two weeks of cutting and we now have the trees cut up; the hauling of lumber and chipping branches remain. </div><div><img id="id_6256_dfb3_7ea7_3f89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4HX5D9D9i3SjvcQ8s9ez-4nd2Pivaah0rC9otbrbOb4g2e4XWjQ8f_KJ7Vl2_ZlIz4hyphenhyphenk3kEMszd1l-3aAfLXmbznDTF_FooBfs6ssUrg7hMud8rSGfvQtKPhAZHd5NJTIx8ChaiG6fF/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div>Tree cleanup by number 2 green </div><div> <br></div><img id="id_aae2_91b3_c09e_eb31" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1gQ3dzhjoTqzkmHWgkzNt6i-9kT4WlfsNsA9N6KWxk2hFIctt_WRYSK2MG5Sb4DDC-do7TENk93HMbL3flCNeJQz-2dVnKPnDL_pU4bnlBmWHf5ZyLsapIID_nH0v3tCPDQbRxhXWqi2/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div>The view of 2 green after tree cleanup. </div><div><br></div><div>We have a May 1st target date for opening the Greywalls course. </div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-78107521781265380182017-04-08T11:03:00.001-04:002017-04-08T11:03:28.020-04:00Heritage course opener<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Driving Range and the putting greens are officially opening today on the Heritage course 4/8/2017. A quick turn around in one week especially considering the temperature was not high. Full sun melted or softened the snow enough for us to shovel off and prepare the turf. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_6d65_1c39_7903_8d94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSguCN7rfFLKO3YSztL2Pu6ZpuH4OxK9DOdulCZgDMur6i97nSIRpMpBTxjTbOYePWf7IjdjBdLXwkJL1SVS79Iwne53-70bpEJ7QEcA37kQ1M2azyzJJDcUMunxnR4yjblIpuH1yD7SND/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When will the Heritage course open?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">15 Red tee still has snow on it, the right side of 15 is still snow covered, 13 green just melted off 3 days ago but snow remains behind it with ground frost making cart traffic impossible plus 7 green still has a snow drift on its right side. The 60 degree temperatures this weekend should melt it off enough allowing the remaining ground frost to melt out of the soil. The ground will then drain and have an opportunity to firm up enough to tolerate traffic. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Signs, ropes and traffic directional stakes will go out this week and the Heritage will be open by next weekend. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After I shoveled the rest of the Heritage greens off on Thursday the sun melted the frost layer out. We were then able to run the brush reels on the greens to clean off excess sand. We followed that with a mow using our sacrificial sand reels at the higher than normal height of cut. This process really cleans up the putting surfaces and stimulates spring growth when temperatures warm. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_9be0_a603_6a87_dc59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSJhYnTgFmw8euRT6rVdZH_n_ixmsfOgcy_UvWZqakmD-6Lx3dQDn3OdVQDapOW-kuGAFbsiM2_cANf39gTfTpdRoaHqqiTJMVa1bkuVAjZ1a_2z08-HfzT9uSjqrlnX8NUyNIXky42Vt/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_8b68_219f_fa61_ee4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceZMWxwIQBBEfZ6UNf9YQZt1MagR9mcjtG-Q9OiMQ3jFH571nuAphHSaHmerSS7BvsVfQgYJ0JM233VYUaUzh_4ErLFLi1_P4HSurHllSGb5DPk4_Mw8NVoaIU5PsxG_vl34VqmARv2r1/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We also mowed the approaches and tees on Friday, just skipping the surfaces still under snow. </span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_bbdf_fbb3_b85a_f277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLhhtygNduBbHWuJvx-VW2qY1shidPK14ryVLhSep1doFuP00HO900vZkzH2t2KXDScwBG3Ne9OESh2I43olU2LGog8xLGOznoMD_cNs8BjKXDHJvXLdWzFiTCAdmcJhpi3A2UUKDUXGI/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> </span>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-3390973084653572482017-03-26T16:21:00.001-04:002017-03-26T16:21:33.363-04:00Exposed Turf<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Exposed turf:<img id="id_ac6b_c1eb_c3ad_f112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgWmv28TK67QtVp6vNlpPilEkhfXPmQ9bK4L3yHIw9Q7w5JxNFRPMUcFZ6FNGBHXzsIfwRSluQX0JlLdvn4lEQ9yfIc7NsylWTrgQT-pwioqBLl-SD1UNPyFMUMyx5cx1409wUmxuf9-M/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">March 7, 2017</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_5c91_6ad3_48e3_29d7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTiUhnkxIR19Va1k_K4zbpywViXWfyYnzSlk-aiHuthSmYIuESp-jTk8qrTIkqRHFjSVxtGEbLC4Icre-lYg4gML8fV5AKSfZHRetqBkNXoOZpYltMdJPfbwljUH_QomqhRcwiK4UXeNp/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">March 23, 2017</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The early exposed turf is taking a beating from a few late winter temperature drops. These pictures show how the turf has desiccated a bit and is losing its vibrant green color visible right after snow melt. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In our case one warm week will change the turf color back to vibrant green. This type of winter damage is very common in the plains because the cold temperature exposure period is long; ours is usually short lived because we receive adequate snow fall insulating our turf from extreme low temperatures. </span></div><div><br></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-46841671416197526742017-03-26T16:15:00.001-04:002017-03-26T16:15:24.787-04:00Spring conditions <div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Spring conditions:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_6588_b805_d52b_c791" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwSHyWAxaeg9sRajqAYjFyzqOogJdxq6cuE4sWIOgPXdi9bsmosRAI21XLdBmhMd1jXeBGZ0K7LFK2OMmevL7vkWrBs-X_3AaJCYF8vkBzke93e_yJTw3z_ubrb3sX0HFWLTDgTQE0GOM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Three winter melts has left us with minimal snow pack and it will not take long (after the temperatures rise) for the course to be completely exposed. I expect us to have an early opener this year. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From what I can see Turf conditions are outstanding! Every fall fungicide application has seemed to work very well. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Several different products and combinations were used on the fairways and we are excited to see the complete results soon. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_d223_716f_1d6e_dc23" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHnPmy52L6ttG9a2ZT4PnF-6I0Kv1-HQQN5PBiS7492J0VEX7gjwaslro6GsRtuYzS6KoAyDCPnuuT_iYuXW_bw-0sO39Yxfd6orCmW3dSH8hw0NIYorkidwq9S6jPwc2jmgqy6mdE6nf/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The spray lines are very evident right after spring melt. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Treated on left ---- untreated on right</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_364d_fe0e_13fa_63ec" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yoA3QIDBj0S7h8b4yRcT27AubpwTbPp2a595t08-agYIdRrA0FIHdA9w7Pmi8qctI4dj9B9ts4eqd-fh4mc9rrPqyR6poN_4vHOc-IxZrFadI6IEMu9YdIWtjAQWMXydXXlJRiOYUIYP/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">14 green Heritage has never been drier in the spring. The combination of the drains that we installed several years ago on the approach and an aggressive 3/4" core aeriation (back filling the holes with sand) has made a huge improvements. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_4160_3508_8e80_f80b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_xFR1BHIpXC6seJ5LcarZN4O5kLGmggoSzwz4DG1I58TX5_gf1vEtGzMn_pO9wkZ7n5vATSFqPzM5ZhsFjAAwJtXQ7FLfxjx4Ivm-0Tf9ocKlvkHN2xm4nvrcEQjdCUP6nJlI2ngsHxn/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A look down 9 fairway Heritage shows excellent turf quality on the treated fairway and poor quality on the untreated rough. I can not stress enough the importance of these fall spray applications. The turf has a huge advantage in the spring when it comes out of winter disease free. Overall Course quality increases dramatically as the turf is fuller thicker and has less weed encroachment. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_488d_21b4_b984_add7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq2-N1CEbll80Hfk9sxw2q_yiZzHOV2SpI8f0G5qcflo45TJeGOB5hLAGt92oHQ35HPjcci0DRlPwXVXE_Al6G3DcK6rGfPybtrx_xcc8F92o383kdbCsSlA84vWW7p9YXBP3m05ZJU7N/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7 green on the Heritage is usually one of our last areas to melt off in the spring. It will not take as long this year with the limited snow pack. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_fb02_45f3_99f0_48e2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLawM3SGeoh6bUm5YURzcTvzuNbkP9O7B4RlXh2mnsWUtdafQ30Kq9q5O1bSmjkX6hAQuo6SsAlpW8kxQo34bjDVKOLXg9ScKFNtPRQW0xy0ohC7DcWhTgtgvnkIXXqE9Zm7Paw6sifX5i/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another Classic picture on number 2 Greywalls. The ring around the green shows Fungal control that was near 100% </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Individual rings of snowmold are hard to even find in the spring on untreated turf because all of the plants seem to be infected with the disease. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Putting Surfaces:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_3b0c_f1d4_7f21_f7c2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1x8b4plbvVhl-bPKtCattFWu5lkaksMMci1YwxzL8JkJHdXt7wfyjFRA7DCKvxH2bfFgi8heB2cgjbp_YJWMKVPvbSJ7lsZGJmz4xVlSJ8msn-OYT4g2fIG2-7mX5_-NaWhSiubzx2Nsf/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Putting green quality is also excellent from what we can see so far. We will know more after all of the surfaces are exposed. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pictured above is a great example of poa annua suppression on the Greywalls greens. We use a plant growth regulator call trimmit on the Greywalls greens: with the active ingredient paclobutrazol. This PGR suppresses the poa plant more than the our desired bentgrass plants thus giving a competitive advantage to the bentgrass. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_e028_683b_ab9_eb39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwiON59xn8pNQVFsr6NEmJhiZC3KxYz2JZsXtvzu0m2zEuhVNXBiJgbGBPEvEpXX7uYaBIb6CqXiNkyjC6C8BNzkoxvAsHD2IHWN88SMkpCElfXo7kL5X6fJQA1sVO4d_2Bimo_T_0Tty/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Solid tine holes still visible from the fall. Before our last mowing of the season we solid tine the greens to leave open channel that aid in water movement. We do not want standing water on our putting surfaces that could freeze and create issues. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_2b32_2946_3924_f392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKgX70eOqE8OuTBHV01IpEZaUGmsYEZpuiOozEXW0L9_P0Sg_V4rrOzNwjAb5LPJ4xtP9Xc3w1MQUvjE2FvTESQK3z3IbYP16BTMRuuOOV8fkxr3H0QlAlwEKgY4UoraRByexgckYrTz9/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The turf on 15 green Heritage is definitely survived the winter better than this deer. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_304_4aa_fa83_cd2a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-ksWUAjC44-qPjAMV-DTD26NBCxr8xKIw0-XQApGAFRKDmlOmcGTQNK5zW_EYYMofoGwWIwhxIY69-dtOZF0TLAkCO0KmkFwIoxuntb8hIXYjLxtaJZCdfGuICodijdTRQ5BTInwpzGv/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Close up view of the turf on 11 green Heritage. Nothing but pure health coming out of winter. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am very proud of our turf management programs here at MGC; we continue to evolve and get better. </span></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-29378734028952041172017-03-26T15:56:00.001-04:002017-03-26T15:56:38.711-04:00New Signage <div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">New signage:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_d92c_42d4_9866_658b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVegxTLiMn9J61MgfAuXkIPYecQ9bvsKshT6JxvUTCpY5jlw5YkNn6VPZOyqZR2eLI6rLIxg2mdQ1zGYd18sWETIRgO6z8WyhEN0eJ8RHgNVuj-WVX7Flw9u3otmG7MFHUweFAdPqCywBZ/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Several holes had yardage adjustments on the Greywalls course plus a new tee was constructed on #11; new hole signs were needed. We used 4x4 cedar posts and our routing kit to make the new signs. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The post style signs are simple and will fit in beautifully on the Greywalls course. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_2bd3_8885_98e4_49f4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5RgBGEFMzseR5LPKkyrVClc8H75jtNpiqswwnfEGRfUOCZHnb0EA-6hgCNuSx__2pHJFt2IQJYFfTMFQt3wZ-SKMjKg4P-UPkof4mogjOO2NbmkCOzkcUY4MHJPi-Pms-ybtsUQfZ1u8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">New directional sign were also created for the Heritage course. These new signs now match the Greywalls signs and will replace the old green signs. Our goal is to gain more consistency between the two courses. </span></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-77777040004156246652017-03-26T15:51:00.001-04:002017-03-26T15:51:44.426-04:00High Winds<div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">High Winds!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had a major wind event this winter that took down 18 trees in managed turf areas. The wind was sustained at 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph for 6 straight hours. These winds definitely added work to our spring cleanup duties. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_36ab_521d_2adb_7b71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZwcLEiBoB95ncQiCkQcDp5mtguuNlJ4IVcWWgEkW7iqA3wKTBRvqjqvTeLsSF3Wuw7R9WhAR_qaTslPMUSGtYvRyZQT_X1BMgMe-hFAmGOKfSzUpHbhpbZ9YBbPvnMSlv-idfbiixnTL/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 310px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The wind was just to powerful for many of the exposed Hemlocks on the back 9 of Greywalls to handle. The majority of the trees came down back here. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_e34d_a01_36d6_c022" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpxyUPLAOalh3A_U51TfW-eVK7U7IOMoJ_3-y79vnNdeT7AKibp2PqZKrhvHgQdK4rsig17J8Jv14QyhvOY6UzsqkLW-lIM0FChTpvJzQqeaVkklhdf70VQ4amayL6a1uoo4e-pVUyvDs/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This group of trees between 12/13 on Greywalls gets smaller and smaller every year. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_5eb8_fe52_db3c_84d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIrJiTABJloeo15KMTixxN5QZdpHiru_cUl6okAENKxtz0djqmBz4KQ6mdjJ-LyutmCfCrLHwBYof6O8n9Iz0F9QioeN1IH3rSi2R3DL3hLJoReHC4O4bOExwZ06HN7yQZydo37BFRRA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This majestic spruce at the enterence of the club was no match for the winds. It's roots gave out and it smashed down on the club sign. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_9f98_4524_9d70_c5d0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3t_S7YwW77LoWnHIqXOoTXyG65KwZhAN2z51vhS1hkCD3N_nqzV3sfqNTHj-YyXDL4bDUUT6L0gtqDpZnIlFDVFnSvqhYPVfJ05mxVsy23OSnwY3gqsu4ZeMTAmGSDRv1EXOtzlf_4J1/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many trees along Grove Street came crashing down in the wind. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_f251_f438_60fa_1e72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQruiEMEB6crKRWIAeMGlJHdB4Wp0rM_-qdw0AovNjJ8IXOcBxSr14eM6FVt6S26EatFh6bjwMV6PHyigLLXJEFOP-6c_GM661Ht0uDPsd5d8aevxSDn8lJ3Z-xClekYyPIQbZWA3BFNvi/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The way these all snapped off proves the shear strength of the wind. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><img id="id_b77b_589f_3f3_8c9a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0wEChogOwQO7z8UNwRvB7ZQgBYgrPTq0Iwjz9VtRapXtpRbXUn0fckE6om3xFKma5GAjQ9RC5pypMcKD3HQ39XVVFxCkO-ffuyoyKFRYL1KdbiRO6BgUpWdH-4ucjTsFjpMlqf4YEehV/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even Maple trees came down in the wind. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_6c1c_f74c_5294_2b04" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LnRyLuRjw3zHVFYnbrDw2k0V7TK1g-6nwwW-mO6VW1r0PY0-1wAhHAa0EyZJHUjSiAKXQrIKBgNTQMMhyLX7Aep4ZskKRj6IT3t5gb4zN_RCB_6tZw3Ka31iTcGmyKRhUUxp1rYwCLHx/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I could hear these trees snap off as I worked in the shop with the doors open. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_3e93_6b08_7928_d06e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkDq-DjPMxL9kBk-ujZn3BrXRUCZsAOB1l75uoBpB9-Kk0fGMEQ-zVCuXIlG3F4zJLZpvS8RAOjrfS_xhwTG5BvYbGzXLn3YqknGuL4exFZ8kRTEJB9MZ3f_GNK1U1LiJtv8B3CoaUR_K/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some of these trees not only snapped off but the tops flew a good distance away from their trunks. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><img id="id_f1f1_1381_87a9_fae6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH4jz8bcstWcdSHnL7DoS2FAJrSZnbZ9u37_W-4O7Cr8hlTeUbhh4i-7-R1zHDV9tcv75w_eWu7emmDTAFAlixuYFrSM-L9ddHtH0Xa9GvOKjFGRt5jcUB6Rupu_UvVsPxReU0k5C6ZAx/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span> </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another tree top laying 15 yards away from its base. </span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Clean-up will take some extra time this spring; I will have to pick up an additional chain saw and bring staff back a bit early to complete the clean-up process. </span></div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-82810217423605063282017-03-26T15:36:00.001-04:002017-03-26T15:36:01.197-04:00Winter Education<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">Winter months are a time we attend education conferences. It is very important for us to stay informed on all of the new advancements learned from University research and private product development. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;"><img id="id_4896_8a28_9cd6_3390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbSC-EeDlMFQD3Jbf_9cDZSk6KWbRQ7wgBuOgxXZp_23QtfCXezUkxwlCMKOHM52GLgZSJwCV-0xILXUuY4nY5ZFTxoRRq8rGdeh92TyCRCAsxBVlIaI75mMWTOL7uts50KzBAgNFbkGU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Arial"><br></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial"> Bob Vavrek from the USGA talking to at the Northern Great Lakes symposium in Northern Wisconsin. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;"><img id="id_2496_a911_c443_3999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprfMfR6rcmou9EZ1XRvPa04fEL0m_SGcGl_6NYava-YozokG7HOc5GBrYgqZ-VC2Y2vNmvJmvRsYGLnCT_mpksb0WPLLKAs-chb1b68AmoH1O7CNjebHuT_XBz2yYXnLbsjs4Nroiyly1/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Arial"><br></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">Two leading pathologists Dr. Vargas from Michigan State and Dr. Kerns from NC State talking at the Reinders Conference in Milwaukee </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;"><font face="Arial"><br></font></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;"><img id="id_3cd9_a2ef_c56f_b0f0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWGZ2Bj_828vatjehxXRcwKENCHVCfOrV3YbVZM9bXVkDnmuzkDfBM8s5dN_YtbuPTpyn1fonXUa0u1hSLKB_Y8fRpJ_1dHiPL03j4VI8XzakchSnqmyXzlCDqzr31YX9RPBDiwr5-q4k/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Arial"><br></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">It is always exciting to see New Equipment at the GCSAA trade room floor. This is a massive show and was held in Orlando Florida this winter. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_4f9b_610c_fc13_c9ea" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML0dJPYlmEvuaJbKLw0_P1OXQibh4N0o-NX8raWbrIXg5azZkWRCa8tUIkkIVyVPcr5AI4hQfnJIGr4UpqV7x0zDAgsjy-gHDwGnGqJDM-0zawXRaI-fBZuBShnEivMvCgFpYafBWf099/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Arial"><br></font></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">Dr. Rossi from Cornell University talking golf live on GCSAA TV at the trade show</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_eee6_192a_81f9_3d40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwL2-MPVktc0YLShllTBf31XenSGLmfiblv7Tb4KxNaKItLl56L1K5_M3_lPDDhuctk6HOvEJ87X1xrtWG7KL46SXW0njpijfm8XD98IeAGQkgsV-Ku-V-nQX1e6uxQeCTv-mkUxrKr4F/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Arial"><br></font></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">GCSAA constructs a live turf green complete with bunkers in the middle of the trade room; a very impressive display. Mowers and rollers can be tested on the turf surfaces plus all of the different kinds of bunker liner options are shown in the bunkers around the green. It really gives the consumer hand on experience with the different product options. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face="Arial">I always appreciate winter education conferences. The people in our industry that put them on and the speakers that travel to share their knowledge are dedicated to golf. </font></p>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-83976390949262396002017-02-13T21:27:00.001-05:002017-02-13T21:28:41.104-05:00February Update<div>After some technical issues our blog is now back up and functional. </div><div><br></div><div>The 2016 season came to a close with all important tasks being completed. Our timing flowed around weather events as we stayed glued to reports and predictions. </div><div><br></div><div>Pictures and Explanations tell the stories below.....</div><div><br></div><img id="id_59e4_fa90_bcc6_b872" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-ZGR3EcE8I4_fPui_eX9Z62yqrB91E5VczdCC8XoDvvZwjhC17J4fVgx8UpTcP-vptcXGw3w5EPUwkYvVd8Hq4WCGqk4ZiofBFAG0b8ywnRCeayY9_imOATgx1-CkKpUhd17uy6Gtx3r/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;">UW once again utilized our 11th fairway on the Heritage course as their Northern most winter fungal test site. The data learned from these trials/tests/evaluations is critical for golf courses around the world that manage turf in seasonal locations. We are very proud of our relationship with UW and are a happy host location. <div><br></div><div>Our own snowmold fungicide applications to our primary playing surfaces (Greens/Approaches/Tees/Fairways) were completed properly but we faced many challenges. </div><div>The lack of heavy late season frost caused the trees to hold their leaves late. Most leaves began to fall right when it was time for us to start making our applications. Leaf Blowers had to stay right ahead of the spray rig to provide a clean surface for the spray application. </div><div>Wind and rains also created many unsprayable days. Being patient is a key aspect of winter preparation. When weather condition do not allow you to complete one task, you simple refer to your list of essential processes and complete another job. <br><div>We applied several different combinations of products to our Fairways this year. I am looking forward to seeing the results in the spring. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_5d89_92b7_e64f_a208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig2DiI3gqHoxGCa8dwfJTPGcgIhFGSRrf8HKs4RXMXyR5d-smqOhJCMzld6kj73sH1_1xQZHPiHrek7AkJy068uHSsAposE0_KdwwMPhsBTY-Kq1n2HOZlO25TPRuXIil2YE5woum0Ytj/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </div><div>Pictured above is Heavy sand topdressing to the 14th green and approach on our Greywalls course. This sand is essential for winter crown protection on our low cut turf. We also burry the tees with sand. </div><div>These sand applications are made after the turf surfaces have been sprayed with preventative fungicides. </div><div><br><div><img id="id_e2e3_f739_b66e_7391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHNmSUK1ZEyq1F98wppqL-SjyZUFEZdOeDcnQYU3wsVqxBg9WeS3SU4LtBs5Q_gxYy6seFpO42g3SRIACVraf0gRMwNjl9PhWEUuZWhQjaJUbinTfxumZZzZG1Q1hLWWLqvHDjeqVRQTk/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Heavy sand topdressing on the 13th green of the Heritage course. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9654_8556_ee81_d5c7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyGq-cDvTwLqtQ-uygr2AU0NGqzndhL6tqVCb6zNMQ1gzw7PcYjqcb_RN8vbmvPZgR6BuatPGlEmkbAgAfQ6o41pjiXsPeX_XuTBPMI3rXwjMbqM7cPc_sk0rzfXj0qnlDS4oii-j6LsR/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Close up view of number 9 green Greywalls two months after the sand was spread. A winter melt down created open turf conditions on the high peaks. Note the sand insulating the low cut turf from low/harsh winter temperatures. You can also see the black milorganite fertilizer; which is applied on top of the sand. The black color of this product melts off snow and ice quickly in the spring during high sun days. Solar radiant heat is amazing and we use it to our advantage. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_216a_950e_8e9f_f7ee" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9OM0JDKD0Us0B2CyNXZVWTOHSHu6iu6NOGgZQFV6l5m1tFYNJTExLUqlaISqGsldXKWEOcGGN5OMytvRe5NORxQoHmLQfh6nIVUtbVi0-NHoe-kqkSyM7CqvGFHSXM58K4a9Q4ilPlGz/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Pictured here is the large compressor used to blow out the Greywalls irrigation pipes. Irrigation winterization is an essential part of our late fall tasks. If not completed properly pipes and heads will rupture and break as the frost dives low into the soil profile. The damage would cost the club 10's of thousands of dollars plus waste spring hours as we would have to make repairs. Our spring hours should be dedicated to grooming turf for the season. </div><div> </div><div><img id="id_ffb0_acc3_774f_7f20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9ECZpxl0G5yFbQnwR1JVrKdiTbVBf-ftD2iHkU_pcNjd95uUNRVbA1OfbpszutJN-q7Po7mzztGOrgBWiYjgdQbfVCPF-B8t3uYfrW5W8oAEzAKe_U9m5jVCreEC6zQzcYCbIxxJ3ejM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>As the compressor fills the lines with air we turn on the heads and open valves; starting at the air source and working out. It takes us 2 days and around 120 gallons of diesel fuel to blow-out Greywalls with a 750cfm compressor. It takes 3 days and around 115 gallons of diesel to blow-out the Heritage with a 375cfm compressor. </div><div>As soon as water turns to mist we move on to the next head down the line. The importance of this task can not be overlooked. It is impossible to aggressively manage turf for today's playing requirement during the hot summer months without a supplemental water supply. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6ebc_10b4_ae46_f03c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zQ910HPb0o1ynYPlQgpIvPEUOx-1Z7h-5Wg8CGrLTRbXLcRwCXFqFivg1vmI3Gwyt1NbmU-oNQafaxkQgM4em3K91GoUvUAp9EszpKDwzR2nFNpbryJMdsQ-i1jXUzj3JNwylquZuVes/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Taking advantage of late fall days to complete some tree and Forest Management is essential. There is never enough time during the active golf season to focus on this aspect of property management. </div><div>The forested area next to 13 tee on Greywalls was cleaned up. Several trees fell in this area during late season high wind events. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8a87_e070_4afc_b8d3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jHt3-KDTNoRu9pJH_GGEwwFNzCxpIGhZHznuFH9hgfhYOnjl_ypxbsdOdevSg1dggefdELKXFCXydZ0vy5puk8spcTr0GoWPozAZ66owGqWnJlaYj77WceasiFjr_0WT_2g2s1YjyfXU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The young Hemlock grove behind 2 green Greywalls was thinned out. This green struggles more than any hole on the property from surrounding tree growth. The next phase to remedy the turf decline on this green is to remove several large hemlocks front right of the green. These trees have grown to a height that blocks the very important morning sun. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9741_37e7_218e_a816" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGNJVpZEO5hL6kP8Zf2F4FtKDdcp7__pPw_KdB-_dLjiMBaQqC_1YNsBaDBL0bStQfhT4Ng7Yodp7OKwBoyhrmt4uzmVi7gekwaAhLEguCeUmeuhZx8WUTUNw0qn1t8O2HvNtSHluqnER/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Work continues on the front 9 bathroom location on Greywalls between the black tee on 4 and 7 fairway. Concrete was poured this fall and the block work was completed. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_681e_2fa7_a14a_f9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a392Yl0ntM5yHrJjV1rXByMUD6Bn7awk-D88_EMJJoJ363Hyg11_aGL7Wp6hbbWg_Jj_deY90iXT__qNUOC5PEk-HtGQpJPCxNQqVbDuR1ZHbdDGxsnZ7vMVPFcvlH1hVMTxeJ1UAaXA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Members and staff working together to complete the bathrooms. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ae4e_59d0_9b7e_1578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze4ppBL-6F2rqSq0RuRNC_gNXAlw4xLrr31IQhDX2gMsQww6RHs6SgeLVixrSVRGN4TGDInmE-VwAmIlEBFZBZD4m86g1OcEkEa2k5BUougewirPsDl4_NjWa0YwoZkf8c0y-K6OhvHkt/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The block work was completed two days before it started to snow. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b83_717d_16_3606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh3dTbzHmPum1x8IUvEAq5ZWnKC7OsNBrQ5p-n6jRDGl-c3ehFNuyp7mzPwmeGfd9Ne4SeDB6_g27CM-lIRWmqSyQcOGSWvncyWq_Jz1sWzeWlXckkJ_1Vqe67x-ae3A5ACVhgIfIwVXa/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>We took advantage of a January warm up. A tractor with a snowblower was used to clear the main path out to the new front 9 bathroom location. 10 days of above freezing daytime temperatures allowed our builder to get the frame work completed. We will have the finish work, plumbing hook ups and exterior landscape to complete in the spring. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_75be_bac7_7772_de08" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP0CUfXpiASM7hhdQNtB6OKgneQ-kzW7-HK6-W4CR4r02WjBDQ9LXGR9R5qRclZOo5vw5AObviKrAzcDcmkGYCw0IulfyMW6d7dkCixI1dVeIl9ecAu0qnWT-h52MJWmVdDBg7aVy5_55/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The floor of the halfway shack was removed because it was damaged from a leaking refrigerator. The plan is to do some reorganizing of this space in the spring. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1939_fa5d_cdb0_94b0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H3qmLYknk8Mq1-mILl1AQTh3-RvBeKF0Fiu7jB_LopuNc7PZULKgwCkCR-oUgIr6tLn-mbTcaHnedC4iJktL_LwdSXNitSmhA5JnGKN3dUBwYsF5DqOCgfbxe9AfhrUHSjTRk3_U0kC4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The new red tee pad on 11 Greywalls was constructed. Pictured here is the crew removing the native sod left of the original tee. The original red tee was constructed on a stump pile causing it to cave in after years of stump decomposition. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_144f_4883_8066_3384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ8gjHfmf1v9_PAZjAfmHwcrtnX0wx-41ph6dE6iVc8wCCCkEQiAKHwPMR4LRPCwfxVqgpJnOpAjsLc-xtx-wNnrpCHOccU1Rc8DJjdlnXt5Nnss6f6MEkC2ElpCNM-BP9CEZaAkosSsv/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>New 11 red tee pad after Sod was removed and sand was hauled in to level the site. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_883b_3489_745f_1cf5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N_3QQrPoxEhHy_m3izEmaXVkMRuR5-aZ07n_GoIPLumf5Ewtnm7mAfrxWOu_msohAvBgBDhm67RWqb2XZd0JvnmYW_emKxpSt7dqOGcD4ndyDCMlNlKbvj_onsx8IH9cbMmHDfu92-of/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>New tee pad for 11 red. The new location is on secure ground and has a better look down the fairway than the original tee. </div><div> <br></div><div><img id="id_3cfe_f6e_5c0a_e60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q16RJCkVjYM/WKJqzz-Vf1I/AAAAAAAACjI/qmcrclhWCPA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>The original 11 red tee. Note the holes opening up around the tee surface. The tee is a lumpy mess and very unsafe. The Sod will be removed and placed on the new pad in the spring. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_73ab_d264_6525_eb4e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVzOieDfIJYzm1qWr2IrJhWgL8R3eo7D4AZyNGHZXHfAd8HjwtlEl9Yt556byPYxoZGtfpI_1IL5HCBCCuvrtGzfi69YTmpDv2WpZF8zZxWZe7y3IpUUtTIyIjRAJMV4jHqhaym7d_UqE/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Irrigation lines were re-routed over to the new pad. A mini excavator was used to trench the line in. Snow put a hold on this project completion until spring. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_349c_980b_7c7b_b8d0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTVKoDLXklcR4KKyEHxioJwt6eLdRgTBwTzSAGmFkwMcWD4M-2xx169t87DXKAssWhHG6zNSPywXeOxs6SNpQxzoZHHtaYHS4D7kacoQ1So5Hy9oV6gQ_tq2j6pim6gw-DAUZ1C4Idke4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>The rails on the 15 Greywalls bridge needed to be replaced after a beverage cart smashed one side off this season. We learned the wood was getting soft so a total rail replacement was necessary. </div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><div><img id="id_f94d_a94f_2ed7_d250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwTblaNMPXwJMfSe9TWNjaB5uYZdXBClQUUXUhAgE0vujmMAp1gpasLdw2Qs7anuM_fDMPso64rczTXmMQk8ROzhrQWEtrKWOujXYzCbWPl3W6BUJIZ6uxA4S-N4ImeusatcMGf_aORcW/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>All course accessories get attention during the winter months. Tee markers, bells and 150 poles always get a fresh coat of paint, wood products get restrained or resealed, signs get touched up and new signs are created as needed. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ab21_a911_d288_5859" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpL5bxRXqtqUO2UpjMNrw3GHmbxLDlEO16q5wnPoFQAFRQevwUvkDS_iJX8sQQ-uQBvQ8bA89O-1hF3q_dNK7ZcqfJ-iYI0g8BA-quqkSmEuY46aUSzO_h1ySBTffZ1_YyC7MSo6h2ZNg/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Lots of hours are spent in the old plow truck. Clearing snow from all of our driveways and lots for complete access takes 4-5 hours every time it snows. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9d97_8625_d08f_4df3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CV6KLTotu0POgquM8UQ4IYkP1IG2GatYefZDZny4hbOZvgkt9e2hs2apVre5AUiO66FFSt0yr-BKMjtIrMqK0L7IcJLkTqOv2v0MH5gmHzVKgiaojq1bO2LdIgxgUrLiobNpemmU6G7H/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Break downs don't end in the winter months. Here a Hydraulic line blew on the plow truck. This is a quick and easy fix, as long as the plow dealer is open and I can get the correct part. </div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><img id="id_e218_84b6_21fa_6ae7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWdrG0RSKFwVRyzLkSE5odw1bdP4uF1DnuROLrfMj0WXjNha-kQxS7YAwTywOal-2XiMim1anVCO0JNoyKTI3qxgC5DPLGuqWfiYVYHrKrtZSEhTYZlvBqFGutLOeE5Y-APSVQOYwG14q/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>Snowshoeing is my mode of transportation in the winter months. Checking the turf is essential to be able to predict trouble areas we might face after the snow melts. Knowing is half the battle so we can properly prepare ourselves for recovery efforts if needed. </div><div>Snowshoeing also allows me to monitor winter traffic. I must make sure no one is entering our roped off greens or making paths over our tee surfaces. </div><div> <br></div><div><img id="id_3038_de3c_5f9a_1f87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YrYa7TdOpjzvQHDz9CGuODFZKs3Cj2ZNNFT2gDfkynW1JRDdUVEcJpBeJi-HmnT5mby9TOPPfX6c-aUZphefFpU1rXb-WZy-5E2P1Ru1msXKB33zd69iKVnI76_R0dGDHe96UwQPN1Wy/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>An exposed 9th green on Greywalls still looks fantastic with heavy sand topdressing in place to protect the plant crowns. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_616c_3c46_3335_293b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4E0hIRBJhNURo9WjyQsSVjIRdZkQHldj1m0wYPv6FATXfpFxkBV9fxcgQvG2enrguMoSoLPTKADpUlyGg8R60ODjGqrz3J12MYd2-qoB0Ll33kFlQiE0mE_FRR9ZI9f1rYhxezdRczUU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>Exposed high Fairway peaks has turf with tip burn from cold winds. This turf will recover rapidly after a spring mowing followed by warm weather. </div><div> <br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f132_bcc5_dc56_cf17" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvGwyeiAdV4gLvvyZVyYjWMuFc5xUMit2JMIUQGZq0YGEhoqKzaDhY7wtcVCslV6qMp9jLmwMaE_G8ozX4tAAGfaTPnvYSf2xan_h6201bPKsxQhCiuA-qiKYcSArPqR1d8CHiC_qsKf0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>Hundreds of hours are spent grinding reels and replacing all worn out bearings and seals. This is currently the most critical component of proper turf health for the 2017 season. A razor sharp mower is essential for management of all grass at all heights of cut; but is especially critical for managing high verdure turfgrass systems at very low heights of cut with high traffic. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_dfd7_6224_f43a_36c8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbg-Eo32E-ql8suxRlaKuh07MR9oW8qKx0BVuPm6mzTxWqt3c-0tquvFpw_Jz0qJRP0Rz_Kh9lCOAaMu8L8X-OBXMPQtCDeTr8ofEmr3HkA5SJ9KRyyNxPUjH03a6TYaDSAcS7ag9JaxL/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>Our new Toro 5410 fairway mower was delivered this winter. This mower has proven to be the right fairway mower for our property. Not only does the 5410 climb our difficult terrrain better than any other machine it has had a lower cost of ownership. Our 10 year old 5410 is still performing like day 1 and we have not had any expenditures outside of regularly scheduled maintenance. </div><div> <br></div><div><img id="id_4d1d_db8b_5002_ace6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIb3c-3jxPGcVgTGOwb4db0kUhI4u8MDW1Y0jRa9tY0SJCxa0z2f3GjfrOiuK9ITprhFjpjQGUVREOqdVfq42X85WpcwnP875YD5hU29Zdtm0pjoVLGiU0-Bq3y3fOCn_iADhvfOeEcQG/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div></div></div><div>We also purchased a second pull behind pro force turbine blower. The man hours saved along with quality and speed of operation is astonishing. Having two of these will allows us to use one on each course during fall leaf cleanup or double them up while vertical mowing large areas of turf. These turbine blowers are a must have for modern turf management. </div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-76818164006144785892016-10-06T11:54:00.001-04:002016-10-06T11:54:41.664-04:00Fall course updateFall is in the air and many might think things are slowing down in the shop at Northern golf courses; the opposite is actually happening.<div>Now is when we prepare the golf courses for a successful 2017 season. What we do now makes or breaks next golf season in our tundra climate. When the snow flies we don't get a second chance. </div><div>Seasonal staff is gone and back to school so many tasks are left to myself and the limited numbers of employees we still have. </div><div>We must continue to mow the turf in addition to finding time to complete these extra tasks.</div><div>-Aerification grns/tees/fwys/Approaches and wear areas</div><div>-Vertical mowing/thatch reduction </div><div>-Fall fertilization of turf</div><div>-Mowing down all native/natural areas with rotary mowers and weedeater/brushmowers </div><div>-Leaf blowing and clean-up (daily)</div><div>-Weed control</div><div>-Irrigation system Winterization </div><div>-Equipment detail cleaning and Winterization plus organize equipment for winter repair work and reel grinding</div><div>-Haul all course supplies off the course and store/organize for winter revitalization</div><div>-Preventative Snowmold fungicide applications to all Grns/tees/fairway/Approaches </div><div>-Heavy sand topdressing greens/tees/Approaches</div><div>-Stakes/rope off greens </div><div>-End of season projects.... Everything we can squeeze in before the snow flies</div><div>On agenda this year is the front 9 bathroom on Greywalls, a new red tee on 11 Greywalls, pumphouse roof repair, well house interior repair, 1/2-way shack renovation to replace floor and reorganize. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-On top of field work the 2017 Budget needs to be completed and products needed for next season must be organized to take advantage of early order discounts. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Winterizing a golf course properly is no easy task.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> <b>14 Green Heritage</b></div><div>I have received many question about the aerification of 14 green on the Heritage course. We have been using small diameter tines early season and/or solid tining greens after we close so the membership has forgotten what a typical greens aerification process involves. </div><div>It comes as no surprise that 14 green Heritage is the wettest green on both courses. Its location is low and it holds water. We installed an approach drain system several years ago and that has worked wonderfully; our sand topdressing program has also had very positive results. The excessive rains the last two consecutive falls has me reaching for more solutions on this water soaked location. </div><div>What we did on 14 green was solid tine the surface to a 4" depth using 3/4" tines, we then buried the green in sand. After the sand had time to dry we worked it around the with our Groom-it drag brush followed by a turbine blower. Our goal was to create 3/4" columns of sand to help get water off the surface quicker. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiU8W_dhlOv61smEhFyQuBAN9BGP9VMGUgUPao-8ERFSZ_h_An_vUVX8HgvnzCzP5syiqNNIRbOYM-AyZ6HF6vsCP1ey0jwvf3dNCdrb9B3den5B9Q90nSfeV7SG4Ur6EmUrfY5-TeYAw/s640/blogger-image--230782710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiU8W_dhlOv61smEhFyQuBAN9BGP9VMGUgUPao-8ERFSZ_h_An_vUVX8HgvnzCzP5syiqNNIRbOYM-AyZ6HF6vsCP1ey0jwvf3dNCdrb9B3den5B9Q90nSfeV7SG4Ur6EmUrfY5-TeYAw/s640/blogger-image--230782710.jpg"></a></div>3/4" solid tine holes and one layer of sand</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtrB7GY8wK4K1dzducM_2stkbwN38jPQwjL-grLXIiIHQXzj7niNtCuq_LBYrNw91hlAkd7OHlfMcrJfVhg4gIc903fywV0qE-lYie-IRXEZRuyTGXQ9it2hxx9aBGZ1jXzAcQ_870C0/s640/blogger-image-1722336212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtrB7GY8wK4K1dzducM_2stkbwN38jPQwjL-grLXIiIHQXzj7niNtCuq_LBYrNw91hlAkd7OHlfMcrJfVhg4gIc903fywV0qE-lYie-IRXEZRuyTGXQ9it2hxx9aBGZ1jXzAcQ_870C0/s640/blogger-image-1722336212.jpg"></a></div>Sand layer number 2</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXAGRVLvL0iOzz4IER7hftvtLu4EQs8KRkgBFk4rZV6gcHPzm17ms2IWpkbqd3e_GLKccBVBkbRTKEcyaMxPHb27bYfVlV9kM0HqWajiTOa7-oZOLDWCmyXRBZYeEIw4Dt18yXC_AM-1C/s640/blogger-image-62381601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXAGRVLvL0iOzz4IER7hftvtLu4EQs8KRkgBFk4rZV6gcHPzm17ms2IWpkbqd3e_GLKccBVBkbRTKEcyaMxPHb27bYfVlV9kM0HqWajiTOa7-oZOLDWCmyXRBZYeEIw4Dt18yXC_AM-1C/s640/blogger-image-62381601.jpg"></a></div>Final sand layer before working it into the holes</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwvaZsPuJRHsQ45pTWqaKbaljKE2HLuZ0QMLqclEn292qYjlrBJy1jiDNSWhwdbO8ITsv5wLzQ3SIUeLsMF-DCay31g_QVhYUzy4pZznPjZb_3mdTFf1d6dgH-psTQzO5LTX1EXgayy9m/s640/blogger-image--1315600119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwvaZsPuJRHsQ45pTWqaKbaljKE2HLuZ0QMLqclEn292qYjlrBJy1jiDNSWhwdbO8ITsv5wLzQ3SIUeLsMF-DCay31g_QVhYUzy4pZznPjZb_3mdTFf1d6dgH-psTQzO5LTX1EXgayy9m/s640/blogger-image--1315600119.jpg"></a></div>Post drag/blow- holes all filled with sand</div><div>We will attempt to complete this process on 14 green every fall. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2nBJx_GNnAixxZrVYyTWR3QDy_RtwajD0Gp9ykIwhmkL5Sjobjb5MHsv3XvVvmHaoF59V6JMRBiSP-XOlyh0x84RA7k31LoFPq6qTPB9miTLrA9y1_LSuqSHd9ZOqXiwPMMaPjcssf8t/s640/blogger-image-1620305967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2nBJx_GNnAixxZrVYyTWR3QDy_RtwajD0Gp9ykIwhmkL5Sjobjb5MHsv3XvVvmHaoF59V6JMRBiSP-XOlyh0x84RA7k31LoFPq6qTPB9miTLrA9y1_LSuqSHd9ZOqXiwPMMaPjcssf8t/s640/blogger-image-1620305967.jpg"></a></div>A lot of fall aerification on two golf courses for one machine. The Procore has been working overtime. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIcc2qavn7VqrXhI-WHmh6v41LiLHT5s8REfMeuthso2gwnfSpjoYSsgKXP4rY-D_nRdL17kvIylgW6QpTIxMDh4eVL05GnQLsykiJk3vUP4-hGDKc_5X_yXFyF_Mqfa23hMYRn3YCGs_/s640/blogger-image-5600416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIcc2qavn7VqrXhI-WHmh6v41LiLHT5s8REfMeuthso2gwnfSpjoYSsgKXP4rY-D_nRdL17kvIylgW6QpTIxMDh4eVL05GnQLsykiJk3vUP4-hGDKc_5X_yXFyF_Mqfa23hMYRn3YCGs_/s640/blogger-image-5600416.jpg"></a></div>Excessive rains again this fall has made less than ideal playing conditions. The courses are indeed green but the ball roll has not been what we strive for. </div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ltK9Q0cgHqlvFblKPvOhpsluH2O21yW4jOXS8wxS-Xc9jZ2WXTHMPR8taOb0qgcrc0VO8V2c_IGyf0EMDZOFV5AcJkoGeXTiIwnJ4M7Ma4pWvYtDur0DOM9v0Kyy_ILd5l5D-pZTVUzF/s640/blogger-image--537938606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ltK9Q0cgHqlvFblKPvOhpsluH2O21yW4jOXS8wxS-Xc9jZ2WXTHMPR8taOb0qgcrc0VO8V2c_IGyf0EMDZOFV5AcJkoGeXTiIwnJ4M7Ma4pWvYtDur0DOM9v0Kyy_ILd5l5D-pZTVUzF/s640/blogger-image--537938606.jpg"></a></div>Mother Nature has been pruning on her own this fall. Several high wind days had us cleaning up the mess. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBT1toLMlU02y8nqBzmQjvopUdq1hCYHHoz1GEpsNqRU1WsTfZci32NpGV4QsiA5uoxgMj-djeCFlkf8b8JLgLM_sUoGNmV0nY1ARM7uKPSmgcSbv4tO7YsXJ2Fl-nMsPjMJJ9XZxpjY5/s640/blogger-image-337765077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBT1toLMlU02y8nqBzmQjvopUdq1hCYHHoz1GEpsNqRU1WsTfZci32NpGV4QsiA5uoxgMj-djeCFlkf8b8JLgLM_sUoGNmV0nY1ARM7uKPSmgcSbv4tO7YsXJ2Fl-nMsPjMJJ9XZxpjY5/s640/blogger-image-337765077.jpg"></a></div>Pink Snow mold has already started to appear. Pre-Snowmold applications are made to the greens to keep them free and clear before the final spray.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokDK8GHkuR5bBD0_aTL6PeJBjF-WCD8tNHWOkVeeTLe1xvNh96nd6BRElA2jHysE7Uf1FujcdBVyiVVdaZVIzU5sBepnUqOc9inNnI4snj03tCm-_BzwibRWsjhfvwhnZrijMfnnsJBYx/s640/blogger-image--1000200022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokDK8GHkuR5bBD0_aTL6PeJBjF-WCD8tNHWOkVeeTLe1xvNh96nd6BRElA2jHysE7Uf1FujcdBVyiVVdaZVIzU5sBepnUqOc9inNnI4snj03tCm-_BzwibRWsjhfvwhnZrijMfnnsJBYx/s640/blogger-image--1000200022.jpg"></a></div>A patch of Poa annua on the greens getting attacked by pink Snowmold while the Bentgrass is healthy</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm15Sh-CUx7_Pj5szNRdb13Qqn6HMr6eXRrdA8h-EVwFHVgVd6_tYrdbZUfIgJ70zemeX2JJBWxMaMvbbSWsU3zZkuks1Xytx9oqt6UHak03uqy1dLdT3gdPRRC2__y0UJZQd5Itzldzh/s640/blogger-image--447466658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm15Sh-CUx7_Pj5szNRdb13Qqn6HMr6eXRrdA8h-EVwFHVgVd6_tYrdbZUfIgJ70zemeX2JJBWxMaMvbbSWsU3zZkuks1Xytx9oqt6UHak03uqy1dLdT3gdPRRC2__y0UJZQd5Itzldzh/s640/blogger-image--447466658.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Proof in the picture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our growth regulating Paclobutrazol applications still hard at work on our Greywalls fairways. Poa on the edge of a 4 fairway in the rough (in an over spray area) totally suppressed while the KBG and fescue around it is allowed to grow. </div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-17459186847183218542016-08-28T16:38:00.001-04:002018-02-06T14:28:20.191-05:00THE 3 R's<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dlrf7CarzxKK7U49Z5MOCiQmiD12iPJG-PbRtO2Z7C5KLy1i0Zcpb7oyJVyzj0hXhzaB-VoaAnef0wkO5-Bf_PxAeeuRW13gtkF8Gg8MoUCxpWgpmFmrzqQNt9uN_6rvkEmTeAGcWN00/s1600/3+R%2527s.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dlrf7CarzxKK7U49Z5MOCiQmiD12iPJG-PbRtO2Z7C5KLy1i0Zcpb7oyJVyzj0hXhzaB-VoaAnef0wkO5-Bf_PxAeeuRW13gtkF8Gg8MoUCxpWgpmFmrzqQNt9uN_6rvkEmTeAGcWN00/s640/3+R%2527s.PNG" width="356" /></a></div>
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Golf is a self governing sports that relies on your honor and honesty for it to be played with equality; respect for the golf course and fellow golfers is a major part of the traditions within the game. These kind and honorable acts attracts many to the game and the industry....... but we are facing a growing problem as a lack of proper golf course care and etiquette is becoming a serious issue. <br />
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The decline in etiquette and course care has me searching for reason why?<br />
Is it generational? Are we not passing down the importance of course respect?<br />
Is it our fast paced society?<br />
Is it Social Media? Stupid acts caught on camera and trying to be outdone?<br />
Regardless of the reason, I feel the only way to combat it is through education.... many of these folks that complete or don't complete proper golf etiquette may not even realize they are acting in a disrespectful manner. </div>
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Knowledge is Power so here is my attempt at passing on the proper information. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Repair Ball Marks</b></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRtQ_mdTqFOFvCuLJRO3i4J8NrE8e4Epuhb-ZV0KXciJb5wX9WzV6UVydZRXkxbzzKxrH0fZSKQbVy6lW7JejptimYArYrlH0X_omIpfhRDejEY9TkR41PCHFWIRb54viKW0QRdNdJB7B/s640/blogger-image-1780097428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRtQ_mdTqFOFvCuLJRO3i4J8NrE8e4Epuhb-ZV0KXciJb5wX9WzV6UVydZRXkxbzzKxrH0fZSKQbVy6lW7JejptimYArYrlH0X_omIpfhRDejEY9TkR41PCHFWIRb54viKW0QRdNdJB7B/s640/blogger-image-1780097428.jpg" /></a><br />
This one is simple... If you hit a shot onto a green in the air chances are good you left some sort of mark on the surface... Look for it and repair it properly with the proper tool. Ball marks affect the true/smooth ball roll we strive for everyday on the Putting Surfaces. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIiz41C6wzngcHHAGhPbcMnIqkU3yFkyYvEtoEFXHAHAiLAC2XnxDczoQ-nGBZ4mMDJQzqmcJiyeNnkb-Il2R7VXuSZOLbx-_-qkBVRNjCm6-o7CVLyRhgIu0Pzzq7ehCWiJhii980UBS/s1600/ballmark+sign.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIiz41C6wzngcHHAGhPbcMnIqkU3yFkyYvEtoEFXHAHAiLAC2XnxDczoQ-nGBZ4mMDJQzqmcJiyeNnkb-Il2R7VXuSZOLbx-_-qkBVRNjCm6-o7CVLyRhgIu0Pzzq7ehCWiJhii980UBS/s640/ballmark+sign.PNG" width="353" /></a></div>
Doing the math (as this sign indicates) really explains the need for proper ball mark repair. This is a serious issue at our facility; we have to send a staff member out every single morning to repair the ball marks on every green. Some marks are not repaired properly but most are left completely untouched. Take pride in the fact that you hit the green with your ball and repair your indentations. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Replace Your Divots</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgVs70AgwdRFwOoLBhsCR32Vu6Ymp7Wiz38KgdFGclbIv5LaT_THOwDyhg8dC8yRIqaPaLegC_P3u4HKq4mpSaq17tYSViSt5PmgbITVfnfDF7cOGR6ZdWf4H9HbLqnD_dnLjNJULSX84/s1600/Buzz.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgVs70AgwdRFwOoLBhsCR32Vu6Ymp7Wiz38KgdFGclbIv5LaT_THOwDyhg8dC8yRIqaPaLegC_P3u4HKq4mpSaq17tYSViSt5PmgbITVfnfDF7cOGR6ZdWf4H9HbLqnD_dnLjNJULSX84/s640/Buzz.PNG" width="356" /></a></div>
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Divots are part of the game and we as managers expect everyone to take them as they make a swing with their clubs on tees or in the fairways. Proper golf etiquette requires you to fill the void after striking the ground. Some Courses fill divots with sand/seed and some request that you replace your divot- Marquette Golf Club is <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a 'replace your divot' facility. We live in a climate where divot survival rate is high so I favor replacing divots... Either way one must 'fill the void'. Repairing damaged turf allows it to heal much quicker, so others playing behind do not have to deal with their ball coming to rest in a depression on the surface. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Properly replacing the divot is simple: Go pick it up, walk back to your strike zone, put it down green side up and in the same direction that it was torn out then tamp the turf with your foot. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZ3tysNtg0GzJc1XngmZMahITj2OWBSU4fuewrAWbD1InTT-uyRjRKP7JJ18x2ptUU2sH-2yONXC2MKG9mwCa_auPjKv5xN4bQpwRg3rgyyWDXNYxghs_Go4ZUYPWpsQ0mb8YpLdYKA5y/s1600/course+divot+sign.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZ3tysNtg0GzJc1XngmZMahITj2OWBSU4fuewrAWbD1InTT-uyRjRKP7JJ18x2ptUU2sH-2yONXC2MKG9mwCa_auPjKv5xN4bQpwRg3rgyyWDXNYxghs_Go4ZUYPWpsQ0mb8YpLdYKA5y/s640/course+divot+sign.PNG" width="356" /></a></div>
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We utilize signs on the property to increase our communication. It is always frustrating as we make our morning rounds and see signs surrounded by divots that were not replaced properly. Many of these signs are placed in collection areas where many balls tend to end up making it is especially critical to repair these zones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BYBx-9Esbp3brZd_5GhFb6rhDDNNHF92XJv26tz4UoYFs3f8bKxsqP4z15zaM6AYHBTYNOGlkNkvTFaPJHRDunOIV-G54bofK29OcPSjFZbkpRiLNpMweSzlHdSSusnn_-qQn03m6XK/s640/blogger-image-1472238185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BYBx-9Esbp3brZd_5GhFb6rhDDNNHF92XJv26tz4UoYFs3f8bKxsqP4z15zaM6AYHBTYNOGlkNkvTFaPJHRDunOIV-G54bofK29OcPSjFZbkpRiLNpMweSzlHdSSusnn_-qQn03m6XK/s640/blogger-image-1472238185.jpg" /></a></div>
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When divots are not replaced a depression is left in the surface that other will have to deal with, plus mother nature is now given an opportunity to fill the void with undesirable plants. Pictured above is a thistle seizing an opportunity in a divot that was not replaced. Weeds add to the cost of the game because they need to be managed with a herbicide application. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Respect the Course</b></h3>
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Walk properly on the putting surface by lifting your feet and not dragging your spikes across the turf; as seen in the picture above. This scared turf redirects rolling balls away from the intended target and takes weeks to heal properly. </div>
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Metal spikes are a thing of the past but I must say these new aggressive so call 'soft spikes' can also create some serious issue. The twisting and dragging we see on our putting surfaces is very upsetting. We witness more of this damage after periods of heavy rains and high humidity. These issues can be avoided if more care was taken by golfers wearing these aggressive spikes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGpDt6LyNEP3zxXZFbEhATXtCVfC-DCa5cbiS0Rm3da00TEVQKuszFCS2wp90JPCFwH_eCWdR2xO02uXZXEiJcfYqTKhZkoKFzRVijlNet-2doxCNYfV-jkNhWsSBPwaZuACMtG_Hc1aQ/s1600/divot+by+cup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1280" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGpDt6LyNEP3zxXZFbEhATXtCVfC-DCa5cbiS0Rm3da00TEVQKuszFCS2wp90JPCFwH_eCWdR2xO02uXZXEiJcfYqTKhZkoKFzRVijlNet-2doxCNYfV-jkNhWsSBPwaZuACMtG_Hc1aQ/s400/divot+by+cup.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Never take a divot out of the putting surface; these areas are reserved for rolling the ball with a putter and everyone that learns the game should knows this fact. Many daily hours and lots of money is spent on putting surfaces to maintain them with the high quality required for rolling the ball. Anger after missing a putt must be controlled in our honorable game. The ruthless act pictured above interrupted every single golfer that played behind this individual; this person made many enemies after their selfish act of rage. <br />
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No matter how hard you smash the green with your putter after missing a putt I promise you it will not take a stroke off your total score.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Remember this kind of temper is not needed and affects every other golfer that is playing behind you. Calm down, let go of your ego, smile and have fun.... The game is suppose to be fun. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY19L1Rz87UgaxJ-Z3_9HYvpauXwU6l_6wI9HkcLnj3XwTKtcUikmXoQOLDUixRzhgk1fsyvENIae5_9zsH-BToLZPFq-X6Iz_oFM1KyzlRU16FejJg8iXFrpPOTZoCt9BtLM_EJhjssa/s1600/bunker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY19L1Rz87UgaxJ-Z3_9HYvpauXwU6l_6wI9HkcLnj3XwTKtcUikmXoQOLDUixRzhgk1fsyvENIae5_9zsH-BToLZPFq-X6Iz_oFM1KyzlRU16FejJg8iXFrpPOTZoCt9BtLM_EJhjssa/s400/bunker.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
If you hit into a sand bunker you must always Enter/exit the bunker from the low side and rake your tracks smooth as you exit as pictured above</div>
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Climbing up a high side loosens the sand on the banks that we try to keep firm. Entering from the high side risks personal injury and usually results in damage to the bunker liners. If your ball is up there... by all means walk up and hit it, but if it's not... Stay low. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSRF0HhCRj5Hni7Szx1-EYOKkOYKnO6BeHV7xDSSsXmEC_RATvZXzRjwNEeA1F_VuYnAQLiorBozNjspe9EWkvV7iTAp-VoEgj65QPECxDGOzpT97syIr-lZ3iQn-vhv_gRH2Hj2WhJzr/s1600/IMG_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSRF0HhCRj5Hni7Szx1-EYOKkOYKnO6BeHV7xDSSsXmEC_RATvZXzRjwNEeA1F_VuYnAQLiorBozNjspe9EWkvV7iTAp-VoEgj65QPECxDGOzpT97syIr-lZ3iQn-vhv_gRH2Hj2WhJzr/s400/IMG_3851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Lay the flagstick down gently when pulling it out of the cup before putting- the top prisms used for range finders are very expensive and letting a flagstick slam to the ground can knock a prism loose and out. Repeated drops will also break the epoxy bond holding the flagstick/feral together. </div>
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<b>Golf Cart Issues</b></div>
The biggest issue we see in lack of Respect comes from reckless or careless cart driving habits. Destructive behavior while operating golf cart should never happen and should never be tolerated; reckless driving is damaging to the turf and the carts plus it is very dangerous to your health; you can be severely injured. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYF7Mt8REioy6arVtoPsCaGVz5GCHW4KZEBf63zbspsV2XiP8J8gujr0NZiKPfrNttcIgGkdVj72sWGfcqK17lwkcExkh7HTztlJ8KTr89qdMW940msCH934HJEIqtt3G0v8EVmgjeION/s1600/skid+mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYF7Mt8REioy6arVtoPsCaGVz5GCHW4KZEBf63zbspsV2XiP8J8gujr0NZiKPfrNttcIgGkdVj72sWGfcqK17lwkcExkh7HTztlJ8KTr89qdMW940msCH934HJEIqtt3G0v8EVmgjeION/s320/skid+mark.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Locking up the brakes on steep slopes because you are traveling to fast for conditions can and does cause the carts to tip over. Damaged turf, broken bones, cuts, bruises, broken carts and broken clubs are just some of the potential results. Drive with care and watch your speed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJBJd7H2Ov4V07SzOucsSuWAd4qv7YeKrvI2L6SvCSRhMe23uwxVrGYmyuf4GGSlChWvo0pgZMJ8Xq-2xdcikweSE8XVzojh0qoj9ozo7HojhffVM9TbJzZkuqHF3IC1st6iJ6yjnx1xw/s1600/donut+in+rough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJBJd7H2Ov4V07SzOucsSuWAd4qv7YeKrvI2L6SvCSRhMe23uwxVrGYmyuf4GGSlChWvo0pgZMJ8Xq-2xdcikweSE8XVzojh0qoj9ozo7HojhffVM9TbJzZkuqHF3IC1st6iJ6yjnx1xw/s320/donut+in+rough.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Traveling fast and locking up the brakes while turning sharply does not impress anyone; remember this is a golf course that some people work very hard to maintain for all to enjoy. Golf has no room for individuals that purposely damaging the playing field with carts. <br />
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Golf carts were originally brought to market so those with physical limitations could enjoy the great game of golf. Since that time carts have taken on a new life form in America and now dominate the golf landscape. If rules are followed by cart operators negative impact to the game is reduced; unfortunately most cart operators think rules are for others and not them. <br />
The next four photos were taken in one single 10 minute trip through the golf course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuRC8btx3WOiZoDs1qVLj4hEoXyWG-2T-uuM0A-gOL59XfKexcJsftxFjNAqf2fYRZ7cG7kb5lixzluAltGTI0dpg_yM1veTPeWUKfv-nsOn6cfgiwbC6Z10a-_fj-Kqwg4WkpDRFwtcW/s1600/carts+by+1+green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuRC8btx3WOiZoDs1qVLj4hEoXyWG-2T-uuM0A-gOL59XfKexcJsftxFjNAqf2fYRZ7cG7kb5lixzluAltGTI0dpg_yM1veTPeWUKfv-nsOn6cfgiwbC6Z10a-_fj-Kqwg4WkpDRFwtcW/s320/carts+by+1+green.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A group of golfers in carts that ignored the stakes/arrows at the approach line and drove their carts right up next to the green on number 1. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SqY-kYsQ5FiexPsg_SfohoyMxFx-iok-JTgc7F0INN6-B5nfvK49UmSotn1r5ErQcusKlKDJ69RuQFmYxJZ6jBdt4SQHWFhxvLdwATdPja-TkW-PYKuFybWfZDPF7glnBqKPc9CIR8WF/s1600/carts+on+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SqY-kYsQ5FiexPsg_SfohoyMxFx-iok-JTgc7F0INN6-B5nfvK49UmSotn1r5ErQcusKlKDJ69RuQFmYxJZ6jBdt4SQHWFhxvLdwATdPja-TkW-PYKuFybWfZDPF7glnBqKPc9CIR8WF/s320/carts+on+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A group of golfers in carts that ignored the stakes and 'cart path only' sign on number 8<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGoyPv2y36UbCNLRPXtcd3vBdj5SZGu9CGy_dRGDahkTtL0fK_jU3Mc77LPP7LGRWKoFU-zg2VGwLGx0dFftghoVJ6ODpPw_TMxIvIh5br9AY175mdNK_9Jm0UQltUxD6a3Q-mWXv1tFo/s1600/carts+on+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGoyPv2y36UbCNLRPXtcd3vBdj5SZGu9CGy_dRGDahkTtL0fK_jU3Mc77LPP7LGRWKoFU-zg2VGwLGx0dFftghoVJ6ODpPw_TMxIvIh5br9AY175mdNK_9Jm0UQltUxD6a3Q-mWXv1tFo/s400/carts+on+9.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
A group of golfers that ignored the stakes/arrows way back in the fairway on 9 and entered a restricted cart area. <br />
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A two-some that felt the need to drive their cart right past the stakes/arrows and right up next to the green to putt out on the final hole. <br />
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All critical areas are marked with signs, stakes, arrows (or roped off) to eliminate traffic issues that golf carts can cause to critical playing surfaces<br />
We do not want to completely rope off every critical areas for several reasons<br />
1) It is unsightly<br />
2) It does not allow access for handicap individuals (that have a proper blue flag on their golf cart) and need to enter these areas<br />
3) It creates more maintenance costs and decreases mowing efficiency<br />
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<b>Respect the course, respect the staff and follow directions </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2oRl4TKhblAb3JeWRhZQ7BfPkrmNcyhr7EXWskD1Yv7T94UbzS0gvjGEsRD2-2Ffn-BufPC4M45f_WNFqVTxw8xkEBVQYTaSzuzPrdmE-jfa4aPdx4TiiNITTcmeF34CXBl98OI4P1PU/s1600/fescue+path+making.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2oRl4TKhblAb3JeWRhZQ7BfPkrmNcyhr7EXWskD1Yv7T94UbzS0gvjGEsRD2-2Ffn-BufPC4M45f_WNFqVTxw8xkEBVQYTaSzuzPrdmE-jfa4aPdx4TiiNITTcmeF34CXBl98OI4P1PU/s320/fescue+path+making.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We also ask that you please do not make your own paths through the natural/native areas on the golf course. Tire tracks destroy the look of these areas and can also be very dangerous; you do not know if there are holes, stumps or large rocks hiding within the longer vegetation. <br />
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<b>Cart Speed</b><br />
One very important fact that must be pointed out is the damage cart speed does to the golf course especially our cart path ends. I'll never understand the need for speed while driving carts; especially on our busy days when all your doing is driving fast to go sit and wait to hit your next shot. Carts that are going full speed off the asphalt and onto the turf bounce; that repeated bouncing in these traffic concentrated transition areas causes potholes that get bigger and bigger over time; after years these areas extend further and further out into the turf surface and have become a source of complaints. <br />
We attempt to repair these areas by closing them off, sodding or filling and reseeding. None of these repair measure are sustainable unless cart speed is drastically reduced at these asphalt/turf areas. Just because your automobile can go 120 mph when the pedal is to the floor does not mean you drive that fast.... the same applies to a golf cart so slow down, especially at these as traffic concentrated turf/asphalt transitions. RESPECT the course</div>
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A couple other very important course rules to follow while utilizing carts on the property<br />
-Two carts per foursome... Zero exceptions!<br />
-Keep all 4 tires on the asphalt paths when on them (especially around green/tees) as this helps keep the turf alive along the edges. If a cart arrives behind you let them pull around your cart.... don't assume that a cart is coming from behind while you are on a green or tee, because there is a slim chance that it will especially on the Greywalls course. </div>
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What the game and all of our hearts really need is more groups out walking the landscape. The true health benefits of golf are not taking place if your behind a wheel driving from shot to shot; if you can do yourself and the course a big favor and walk. <br />
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<b>Following proper golf etiquette so everyone can enjoy the game even more </b></div>
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<b>Be a friend!</b></div>
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Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649556584428797085.post-72789402739467869052016-07-21T15:16:00.001-04:002016-08-28T15:12:32.616-04:00Fairway fertilizer changesWith the purchase of a 300 gallon sprayer I was able to make a switch to a much more pin point accurate fertilization plan on the fairways. I can now get away from having to apply granular products every time we fertilize. Three reason I wanted to get away from granular for every application are:<div>1) The lowest rate I could go with and not get a speckled appearance was .4#N/M<div>2) Granular fertilizer always gets thrown in places you don't want it no mater how carful you are. </div><div>3) Granular fertilizers cause a flush of growth for a week or two after application creating a need for extra mowing. </div><div><br></div><div>Spraying at a rate of 0.9gpm I can cover 7.7 Acres with one tank. Five tanks covers my fairways and Approaches. I can spray these areas in one day now; where as before it would take me 3 days with the old smaller sprayer. </div><div><br></div><div>Another benefit of spraying is my ability to add the growth regulator Paclobutrazol to the tank. This product provides vertical growth regulation and suppresses poa annua growth more than the other grasses. Our low mow bluegrass and fine fescue plants now have a competitive advantage over poa. I am also adding Ferrous Sulfate to the tank for a quicker green up and as another poa irritant. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuCz64WwYQpaF8OWgVub4-KlJQy5tanfeCOtBOcnx7AHZUV4SBKaJALw0aLNAKz9IQxdd166xHcQ81NcUdgqiDv8HXOg9EPx3gV_O1mkSwD1fjEwDei4W-wsc4PGZNnQg1s8xvx6iuNR6/s640/blogger-image--1204625774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuCz64WwYQpaF8OWgVub4-KlJQy5tanfeCOtBOcnx7AHZUV4SBKaJALw0aLNAKz9IQxdd166xHcQ81NcUdgqiDv8HXOg9EPx3gV_O1mkSwD1fjEwDei4W-wsc4PGZNnQg1s8xvx6iuNR6/s640/blogger-image--1204625774.jpg"></a></div>Foam blops marking my lines to prevent overlaps or misses in my application. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I0Ieo7EYwd69tmtxlsCoJPyjNf9DpflTkRQ6bcwKys_VuN5jgQpXeqyhduju2D3_Fj1ZcHFh4u1Xe2sg84DTH53iWiAATOOh8xJJp5BhiGV6S3tcJsQef_FJ6NgCmBRKVLuttySIEeCB/s640/blogger-image-1185397994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I0Ieo7EYwd69tmtxlsCoJPyjNf9DpflTkRQ6bcwKys_VuN5jgQpXeqyhduju2D3_Fj1ZcHFh4u1Xe2sg84DTH53iWiAATOOh8xJJp5BhiGV6S3tcJsQef_FJ6NgCmBRKVLuttySIEeCB/s640/blogger-image-1185397994.jpg"></a></div>The spray line from the approach tank is already obvious from the morning spray. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_sa4nrMq3c9ubCW4SOTdGzDXYS4GFVDnSHjqqhki9Ei0KCu5y_GtqtG2CRp6GP0KJgUx5a70izacj59oFBUbXyhFUBrmT2Sf7QAncTTmZd1bW2ynNG56HPNFmYa0nagvNDQwUZza_gn4/s640/blogger-image--1902105718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_sa4nrMq3c9ubCW4SOTdGzDXYS4GFVDnSHjqqhki9Ei0KCu5y_GtqtG2CRp6GP0KJgUx5a70izacj59oFBUbXyhFUBrmT2Sf7QAncTTmZd1bW2ynNG56HPNFmYa0nagvNDQwUZza_gn4/s640/blogger-image--1902105718.jpg"></a></div>Here is a good picture of a spray line on 14 fairway. The instant green from foliar fertilization is always amazing to me. This is after only a few short hours. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ__qffnJ4jpdcvZoVivqvljUd6-Merx99Q5d1CteaVPcjleeMLVzGE0RoArDGZuo8G-l2NX9ADu0i7q0eSKaBIpHT4MqLQFXHLYo4SvQ3csYb0x2GUX0Pv44PYZ5TJJYAY4PX7cSyHplw/s640/blogger-image--1872479986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ__qffnJ4jpdcvZoVivqvljUd6-Merx99Q5d1CteaVPcjleeMLVzGE0RoArDGZuo8G-l2NX9ADu0i7q0eSKaBIpHT4MqLQFXHLYo4SvQ3csYb0x2GUX0Pv44PYZ5TJJYAY4PX7cSyHplw/s640/blogger-image--1872479986.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The products used to spray fairways are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Urea (46-0-0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ferrous Sulfate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blade Fe (15-0-0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tide Paclo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Total cost to spray all fairways is $1500</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Total cost to use a granular product on fairways is $1600</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A more accurate application with the benefit of a growth regulator for basically the same price. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two applications in and I am very pleased with the results so far this season. </div>Craig Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719517823765567705noreply@blogger.com2