First Cut on Tees

Today we cut all the tees and approaches for the first time this spring. Instead of using our regular triplex mower we used a walk-behind mower. The walk behind mower gives a more aggressive cut than the triplex mower so we are able to get a better quality of cut to start out the season. We will then be able to maintain a high quality of cut with our triplex mower for the rest of the season.

We plan to aerate tees in the next two weeks weather depending.

Wood Chip Mulch Around Trees

This past week we have begun spreading the wood chips from the clean up of the recent tree work we did on holes 2,4,and 8. We have decided to spread them around some of the trees on the golf course. This will serve a number of purposes. Firstly it will stop grass and weeds from growing right next to the trees and will reduce the amount of time we spend weed whacking around the trees. Secondly it will keep our mowers away from the bases of the trees which will reduce soil compaction.  Thirdly the chips will provide nutrients to the trees in the long term.

For the first month or so the chips will be very light and soft and it will be possible for golf balls to be lost in them. After this time we expect the chips to pack down and they should be not be a problem to hit a ball off.

I have been approached by a number of members over the past few days concerned that the chips will kill the trees. There are a lot of old wives tales out there but here is a really good document that settles most of the myths. The main thing to watch out for when spreading wood chips around trees is to keep the depth low immediately surround the tree to prevent the bark from rotting.

New Bridge on 5

Finished Product

Last week we installed a new deck on the bridge between 5 green and 6 tee. This bridge is an old tractor trailer and had the original wood deck on it with a newer layer of wood that was added on top. During construction we found the insurance papers for this bridge and it turns out that it was delivered in 2001.

removal of the old rotten decking

Four out of seven bridges on the course are made from old tractor trailers, the newest was installed last year on hole 7. These trailers make great bridges as they are cheap, strong, and can be wheeled directly to the site. Once on site we flip them over and cut off the wheels and support struts then lift it into place with a crane.

Old deck half removed

This year we used a high powered nail gun to nail the wooden stringers to the steel frame. This saved us almost 2 days of work. We expect the new deck to last at least 10 years if not more.

Cutting old nails off of frame

 

Adding decking after stringers were attached