Storm damage

A tremendous storm hit Bretton Woods on the evening of Monday 7/29. Torrential rain and high winds led to large scale damage across the property. It was a long week of cleanup, but everything is rounding back into shape.

Around 5pm that evening, a cell developed nearly exactly on top of our property. We received 2.81” of rain in under an hour. Strong, gusty winds ripped through everything. Power was knocked out, the transformers down at Grounds were blown and power lines dropped to the ground. The property closed soon after the storm, and the decision was made to close the next day at a minimum.

Looking out onto 18 fairway the morning
after the storm

The same view of 18 fairway after cleanup was complete

By now, most have seen the pictures. The Clubhouse and Proshop did an excellent job of communicating what occurred and the damage that was inflicted. Debris was scattered everywhere; bunkers were washed out and contaminated- some even washed down to the drains underneath; 25 trees were leveled along with numerous large branches and sticks.

The view towards 18 tee the morning
after the storm

The same view again towards 18 tee after cleanup

Cleanup began immediately. PEPCO was on site very early Tuesday morning to begin restoration of power at Grounds. Our tree contractor dropped previously scheduled work to be onsite. And the Grounds staff began the arduous task of picking up as many sticks as possible. We prioritized removal of trees that needed to be cleared to reopen. We also focused on the debris cleanup before the bunkers for the same reason: the bunkers can be treated as ground under repair and played around, but a course that is littered with debris is not playable. Everyone worked extra hours, and by the end of Tuesday, cleanup had progressed through #8. But it was clear that the course would be closed on Wednesday as well.

Following another long day of hand-picking sticks, the course opened Thursday. We spent the day repairing bunkers. When the rain comes that fast, the sand washes down towards the low point of the bunker. But silt and clay from the edge also washes down. The dirt must be cleaned  off the surface of the sand before the sand can be replaced and raked. We meticulously cleaned the bunkers and repositioned the sand.

After a thorough blowing of small debris and final touches, the course was nearly back to normal on Friday. We mowed many acres of grass that had not been cut all week and did a regular raking of bunkers.

The weather plays the most important role in determining the maintenance of the course. This storm put our normal routine on hold, but the team worked hard to get to this point. Although there is still significant cleanup to finish, the course is back in shape enough for golfers.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be conscious to not cut corners with your golf cart. The inside edges of turns are easily worn out after repeated traffic.

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

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org