Now that we are fully entrenched in the off-season, it is
time for the Grounds Department to catch up on several tasks that cannot be
completed during the busy golf season. Preventative maintenance on equipment,
repainting tee markers and course signs, and bunker rake repair are just a few
things that will get done through the winter. Winter is also time for projects
that are too difficult to accomplish amongst play.
The maintenance of our equipment fleet is non-stop. When we
are using a piece of machinery 4-6 times per week, it can be difficult to
accomplish anything other than emergency repairs and basic maintenance.
However, in the winter when a mower may not be used for a month or more, in
depth work can be done. For example, hydraulic hoses are inspected and replaced
if necessary. Bearings, bushings, and other moving parts are replaced. Belts
are checked for wear and tension. Also, any issues that may have arisen during
the season that were not completely addressed are addressed at this time.
Basically, the most important and most often used machines are looked over from
top to bottom.
Also at this time of year, every tee marker on the course is
systematically brought to the maintenance shop for refurbishing. The markers
are sanded, repainted, and sealed to prevent water damage. Also, if needed, the
stake at the base of the marker that holds the tee marker in the ground is
replaced. By doing this each winter, we can extend the life of the markers.
Similarly, each bunker rake is brought to the shop. Any
broken handles or rake heads are discarded and replaced. Any grips that are
worn, faded, or damaged are also replaced. An inventory is taken, and any
replacement parts that are needed can be ordered. Again, this allows us to
start fresh in the spring and to be sure we are putting quality tools on the
course and are not caught short of supplies when the season starts.
The decrease in golfers over the winter also allows us to
complete some projects with little or no interference. For example, we have
already started trimming the trees on the golf course. This will be an ongoing
process by which we will trim low or dead branches off every tree on the
course. Removing these branches improves the safety for golfers underneath the
trees, provides better air and light for the turf, and gives the tree a clean
look. This is a multi-winter process though, due to the amount of trees on the
property. Another project that we will be undertaking this winter is the re-sodding
of bunker lips around the bunkers on holes 4-9. Many of you may have noticed
the lip that has formed on these bunkers from sand and soil erosion and
accumulation, as well as repeated foot traffic. We will strip the existing sod
from the bunker edge, strip away any excess sand, then re-grass the edge with
new sod. Because this project requires extensive time in bunker, especially
near greens, working around and near many golfers would slow the process extremely.
Saving a project like this for the winter disrupts the least amount of play and
is the most efficient use of our time.
So while it may be the off-season, it certainly is not down
time. We keep very busy making sure that when the season starts again, there
are at least a few things about which we don’t have to worry.
Just a reminder: this will be the only post for December.
January and February will each only have one post as well. Weekly posts will
resume in March.
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
