Another lower driving range tee update

We are continuing to make progress on the lower driving range tee. Last week, as the sod continued to heal in, we added new trees and a golf cart parking area.

Planting the new trees

With the expansion and increased use of the new lower tee, we added these new trees for both aesthetics and safety. We chose holly trees because of their hardiness, deer resistance, and quick growth.

While the entire Grounds operation originates at our maintenance facility, it is not the most eye-pleasing thing to look at. We keep a tidy work area, but our equipment, materials, supplies, etc. are best kept out of sight. We want our members and guests to see the product that we create, but not necessarily all the nuts and bolts of how we get it done (unless we are explaining our work). So, these new trees will provide a screen that blocks the view of the maintenance yard for anyone practicing on the tee.

A view towards some of the Grounds
department storage. You can see that
when the new trees mature, they will shield this view.

The trees also provide a bit of safety to the Grounds staff at our equipment wash area. After construction, the new lower tee was set much lower, further back, and slightly angled more to the center of the driving range. All these changes lend a bit more towards an errant shot coming toward our cleanup area. Though the risk is still slight, it is not zero. Therefore, we also arranged the new holly trees in a fashion that blocks our wash area from golf balls coming from the new tee.

A picture showing the angle towards our
equipment wash area. The last few trees in the
line will protect our staff.

The planting area completed with mulch

While finishing the trees, we also added a small cart parking area to the side of the new tee. The cart path that runs behind the tee is also one of the Grounds staff most highly utilized roads. Nearly all our equipment and carts pass through here every day, multiple times per day. It would have been very difficult for us had this lane been clogged with golf carts of those who were using the tee. Similarly, we do not want the golfers to drive their carts anywhere they want and park anywhere they want around the new tee. So, we created a small parking area that is off the main path, but also allows easy access to the new tee. It should help keep the whole area clear and more organized for everyone.

The cart parking area along with a small access path
for the driving range picker cart to get out
onto the driving range.

The last step for the new tee is to get the hitting mat in place, which is scheduled for mid-April. One final post after that and the new tee should be up and running.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please keep carts on cart paths for the entirety of par 3 holes.

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

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org