Aerification Update 3/25/14

Does anyone else think Mother Nature is being a tease?  It seems as if the weather we had over the weekend is behind us and we are back to being stuck in the cold.  With the couple of nice days we had last week, we were able to get a jump on the aerification process.  Tees and approaches were both core aerified, plugs picked up, and blown off.  The approaches were then topdressed and the sand was brushed into the holes.  Here are a couple pictures from the process:

The idea of aerifing is to remove the "bad stuff" (thatch) and to replace is with new sand.  This will increase root growth, gas exchange, and water movement through the profile.

The crew blowing the plugs off of #16 approach. 

The plugs were blown into piles then picked up and removed.

We will begin aerifing fairways this week.  A solid tine will be used making the clean up process much faster.  Lets hope Mother Nature decides to cooperate so we can all get out and finally play some golf. 

Starting to get spring fever?

 

This winter has been a brutal one and with the snow finally melting off after a few warm days we've had a chance to continue on 15 creek. 

     Here is an update to the previous post. We have been working on the stream bed in front of 15 green and it's coming along nicely despite the weather set backs. We have added a rock wall to the drainage outlet which will improve the look of the hole.

  

 Once the weather allows us to lay sod we will do so throughout the whole stream bed down to the first hazard stakes. This will give golfers a better chance to find their golf balls without any tripping hazards and make the creek more aesthetically pleasing. Once the sod is laid we will add a few clumps of broomsedge along the bottom to complete the natural look.

I’m sure most of you are ready to get out and play some golf, and as for us we are ready to get outside and get the ball rolling for 2014.

The Snow Won't Stop........................us!

 2/28/14

While it seems as if winter keeps on coming, the crew is staying busy and getting ready for the season to begin.  One process that we have been working on is edging all of the bunkers. The idea is to bring the bunkers back to the original contour by creating a defined edge.  This will be aesthetically pleasing as well as decreasing excess sand from building up on the bunker banks.  

While clearing the snow adds and extra step in the process, we are still able to get to the edges. 

          

Once the snow is removed, the sun thaws the soil out which then can be edged.

 
 The end result is a nicely defined edge.

Come on Spring!

I know everyone is chomping at the bit to start playing some golf. Cabin fever has kicked in and my staff just wants to get out on the course. Come on Spring! Before we dust off the clubs and begin striping it down the fairway, lets start thinking about etiquette and keeping our course in the best shape possible. The link to proper ball mark repair is below as a reminder before the season gets under way.

Ice Damage

The recent ice storm which tracked up the North east corridor and caused numerous power outages and millions in damage across the region also hit RiverCrest, but luckily we only sustained minor damage. A few trees will have to be removed as they snapped off more than three quarters the way down. The combination of ice and snow caused the pines behind 13 to lose a decent portion of the limbs greenside but should survive. We will make a final judgement on the tree furthest to the right on a later date.

Left of 2 Cart Path

Near 11 green

Heavy damage on 13

Course Update 2/10/14

It has been a little over a week since Punxsutawney Phil had predicted six more weeks of winter; and it seems as if he were correct.  With the latest storm over the weekend the total snowfall amount has surpassed the 40 inch mark.  With no signs of letting up, we will be lucky to see green grass by April.  Even with the harsh winter weather, we have still been able to access the course and continue with our winter projects.  Here are some photos of work we have been doing this winter:

15 Creek Bed Project:

The objective of this project is to reshape the creek bed to become more golfer friendly by making it easier to hit golf shots and walk through while still keeping it a hazard. 

The first step was to remove large rocks and debris located within the bed.

Next, we added soil and used the transit to create fall so rain water can drain naturally.

The the soil was packed and checked once more for fall.

Currently this project is at a halt as we wait for warmer temperature and the snow to melt.  The next and final step will be to lay sod.  The finished product will allow golfers to walk through the creek bed without concerns of stepping on a rock and twisting an ankle.  It will also be easier to hit golf shots out of.  But be careful because it will still be marked as a hazard so don't ground your club!

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring and some warmer weather.  But while we wait, we will soak in the beautiful scenery that RiverCrest Golf Club has to offer.

Temporary Greens

We will be switching to Temp Greens on Monday 12/23/13.