Despite some of the coldest days of the year, the Grounds staff has been very busy. A common misconception regarding turf maintenance is that there isn’t anything to do over the winter since we aren’t maintaining the grass. However, the jobs may change, but the work doesn’t stop.
We have had several projects ongoing at once over the last
few weeks. Although the weather has been cold at times, we have had some warmer
days mixed in, but more importantly for our work, it has still been dry. Early
frost delays are still part of the equation at this time of year, but once we’re
past that, if the ground is dry, we can get out and accomplish our goals.
Here is a wrap-up of some of our recent work:
We are down to our last bunker renovation-the chipping green bunker - after having completed the renovations of the bunkers at 13 green, plus all of holes 14, 15, and 16. Due to the enormous amount of action the chipping green bunker gets, we must renovate it on a tighter schedule, having last completed work on it back in 2020. The sand blasted out of the bunker accumulates on the face at an accelerated rate and we must keep up or the integrity of the bunker suffers
Our annual winter tree work has also been in full swing. This, more than any other project, has benefited from the dry ground the most. Getting heavy tree maintenance equipment on the course can be a challenge, but when the ground is this dry (or frozen!) makes it much easier. We are working across the lower section of the course- holes 2, 3, 13, 14, and 17. Believe it or not, most of the work we are doing is still cleanup from the storm back in July that was a lower priority at the time, and we decided could wait until after the season.Along with bunker renovation work, one of our recurring winter projects is adding additional drainage. Every winter since the Master Plan renovations were completed, we have added new drains, some of which you can read about here and here. We monitor areas throughout the season, noting how well they perform when we get heavy rain, and keeping a list of where work is needed. We have already completed drains on 4, 13, and 18. Work is still upcoming on 14 approach. The drains are out of site, buried in the ground, but this work is some of the most impactful for golfers as well as the turf. By adding these drains in wet areas, we improve the playability overall, as well as increasing our ability to allow carts off the path.
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| #18 fairway work |
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| Drainage work on #4 |
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| #4 |
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| #13 work |
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| Drainage on #13 |
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| More from #13 |
Lastly, back in the summer, the Golf Committee recommended the practice bunker to the left of the driving range tee be moved near the lower driving range tee. This is a project we can handle in-house, but it was not practical to try and do the work during the season. However, now is an ideal time. The old bunker near the upper driving range tee will be filled in completely and nothing new will be built in its place. A brand-new bunker is under construction down at the new practice tee area that will be much more accommodating to the Golf Professional staff giving lessons. This bunker will be finished soon, but we likely will not open it until closer to spring.
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| Preparing the location of the new bunker |
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| Rough shaping of the new bunker |
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| Another angle of new bunker |
As you can see, winter only brings a shift in priorities, not a lack of work. Getting these projects finished now allows us to return our focus to the grass when it is time.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please do not try and remove a flagstick that is frozen into the cup. Turf damage may occur.
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
