Small projects

This picture shows the prior location of the porta-john.

Sometimes the smallest projects can have a big impact on how the course is presented. The changes can seem minor and they usually occur in non-play areas, but they can have a big impact on the aesthetics and appeal of the course. In the last week we have completed two such projects.

First, we re-positioned the porta-john between 8 green and 9 tee. The previous location did an ok job of hiding the structure from view, but it was in a very sloped spot with no grass. Whenever it rained, the mud from the surrounding area would wash into the outhouse. This was unsightly for anyone using the facility and made extra work for the Grounds department. Now we have moved the porta-john down the hill to a much more level location. Also, since moving the porta-john took it away from the trees that were blocking it from view, we planted 5 new trees, staggered in front of the outhouse to provide screening. This facility is certainly not a fancy golf course bathroom, but it is our current situation, and by relocating it and properly blocking it from the view of golfers, we have upgraded to the best extent possible.

New location and screening trees. The topped pine in the background will be removed.

There is a cart turnaround area behind the white tee on #9. There was also an area that collected water with no place to go. Rain and irrigation would run across the cart path to this one spot; it would collect and remain there for days on end with no place to drain. We were unable to mow this section of the tee surround because it would stay too wet. Occasionally, it would dry out just enough that we would attempt to mow it and make a muddy mess. This week we installed a drain in this location. We created a sump with a 12” inlet to collect the water and ran a drain pipe out to the native grass area away from the tee. We still encourage the water to flow to the same area, but now we have given it a place to go. The water will drain into the tall grass area and no longer affect our mowing. More importantly, the area behind the white tee at the cart turnaround will no longer have a mud hole that every white, blue, or black tee player sees each time.

Muddy area prior to our work

Often times when something looks good or the way it should, it is easy to miss or forget after seeing it. However, when something looks bad it sticks out like a sore thumb and sticks in everyone’s mind. Such was the case with these two areas of the course. Neither of these changes affects how the golf course plays; however, the small details are what differentiate one course from another. Our small detail work is by no means complete. The course is not where we want or expect it to be, but crossing a couple of eyesores of the list is a step in the right direction. Going forward they will be out of everyone’s mind and that means a win for the Grounds department!

Completed drain area at 9 tee

Happy Labor Day!

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not hit into the Grounds department staff because it is dangerous. Please be sure that we see you before hitting your shot.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org