4 and 15 drainage projects

 Two weeks ago we finished the drains on #9 and #8 greens. Our next goal was to get drains put in #4 and #15 greens. We finished both last week.

Following the same process as before, we added a drain line to the far back left of #4 green. This area had been a trouble spot in the past, where water would puddle and suffocate the turfgrass. But this year, with excessive rain timed with oppressive heat and humidity, the turfgrass failed worse than it ever has. We had been planning for some time to add drains to #9 and #15, so adding this to the list made sense.

We only had to excavate about 10 feet onto the green and then extend the drain line about 30 feet straight away from the putting surface. No connections or turns made this a very easy addition to our project list. From stripping the sod to drain line done and replacing the sod was less than 4 hours.

The drainage issue on #15 green had been on our list previously. We knew that there was a small drain on the green near the location we wanted to improve. However, this drain did not extend anywhere else onto the green: it just had an inlet 6 inches onto the green. Our first step was to determine that this existing drain line was functional (it was) and then determine how best to attach our new line to it.

We extended the new drain line several feet in each direction from the existing inlet, following the bend of the lower left-hand side of the green. Now water that flows down the slope of the green will have an escape route instead of puddling. We were also able to finish this drain on the same day as #4.

These poor areas- #4, #8, #9, #15- where we have added drains are not the only areas that could use help in moving water. We simply picked the worst on the list. We will continue to identify and plan for the next areas as they arise.

 

Also, a few things coming up:

-          We will be starting our bunker renovation work this week. This year’s scope is holes 3, 17, and the Chipping green practice bunker. As we progress, bunkers will be occasionally marked as Ground Under Repair.

-          Leaf season is here. We will be working diligently to keep everything clear. Blowers and the vacuum will be out. Please be patient with the process. Thank you

-          Frost delay season is also here. We hate frost more than golfers. It interferes with our work and our ability to produce a great golf course for the members. Nevertheless, we all must stay off all grass during a delay or damage can occur that will be noticeable all winter. Please check the website or call the Golf Shop for frost delay updates. Thank you

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please stay off all grass surfaces during a frost delay.

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

 

 

 

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org