Winter projects

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