The turf has gone into winter in good condition, the leaf cleanup went well and 3 major projects were finished on time. One project of concern was widening the area behind the artificial tee surface at the driving range. There was a safety issue that needed to addressed before someone was injured. The Turf Hound mat deck was taken apart and moved forward. In its original location paving stone was laid down. It matches the stone used on the course in both color and style and looks much better than adding more asphalt. Next spring the mats will be reinstalled and the natural turf surface will be completely resodded and should be ready for use by mid June.
Another concern, at least for us in Turf Care, was reestablishing the nursery. All the existing turf was used over the summer. We now have 3 different sections at the nursery. There is about 10,000 sq ft. of Poa annua (from our greens aeration cores) that has been interseeded with creeping bentgrass. This should closely match our greens and will be ready for use later in 2015. We then cut off approximately 8000 sq. ft. of sod from several of the greens at Pioneer Meadows. This turf can be used on our greens if need be but is more suited for our bentgrass tees. It was difficult to cut, move and install as you can see in the picture. Fortunately all it needs is some care and attention next spring. We decided to leave it for now aside from some patching and topdressing of seams that occurred after the photo was taken. It looks much better at present. In between the two sections we installed 2000 sq. ft. of Kentucky bluegrass for other areas on the course that will need repair (such as the new cartpath edges).
Of course the major project was the paving of all the remaining gravel paths on the front 9, adding a few extensions on some back 9 paths and installing a continuous path on #11. All par 3's are now cart path from tee to green aside from the south path on #4. It was decided that it did not need to cut across the 4th hole to connect to the north path. The base preparation was 6 inches of gravel followed by 3 inches of asphalt. A very solid system especially considering all the trees lining the paths. The cleanup next spring will take time. Curbing, sodding, placing the premanufactured concrete steps and paving stone work will take place throughout the month of May. The amount of damage from the gravel and asphalt dump trucks is considerable across the poor old 9th fairway, in front of the 1st tee and in front of the 9th tee. They will be repaired as usual. The use of Dura Deck matting rented from Little Guy Oilfield Rentals resulted in significant reduction in turf damage further out on the course. Overall I am very pleased with the project. Carts will be cleaner, the paths are very smooth and many hours of labor tasked to keeping the old paths presentable can be utilized elsewhere.
This winter we have installed the bubble wrap/ice shield covers on 4 greens. In addition to the 6th green, covers were laid over the 8th, 18th and warmup greens. Fresh air will be blown under the covers every 10 to 14 days over the winter season. Over the next 5 months that should reduce my stress level by about 20% every time we experience a warm spell or it decides to rain. The plan is to keep adding covers each fall, 4 or 5 per year.
All that remains is to rope off several greens to keep wayward cross country skiers off them. Any traffic on uncovered greens can possibly lead to ice formation. This season a new groomer purchased by the Royal Mayfair Ski Club will give us side by side tracks for a more "social" experience out on the trails. The skating rink will open once the ice is deemed safe. Enjoy the off season wherever you may spend your time.
