Pre-Season Update

Entering into the spring season off one of the strangest winters of weather is like entering into the unknown.  Believe it or not, to date, we have had one extra day of snow cover (118 days) then last year. Unfortunately, one of the issues that may pose problems for us has been the very little accumulation of it. Last year at this time the 2' snow fence that surrounds the 4th green could not be seen, more then 50% of it is exposed this year. Conditions of fine turf areas (mainly greens) have been monitored throughout the winter and typically at this time of year samples are removed and brought inside.  The purpose of this is to evaluate its condition and monitor it's response to green up and growth rate under ideal, warm, spring like conditions.  An area that we will be paying close attention to is definitely the 6th green. As can be seen in the photo, an ice layer beneath the tarp definitely exists. In the 9th green photo, where there is no tarp, the layer of ice does not exist and all looks very good. As each green and green site is subject to different conditions, over the years we have begun treating them on an individual basis rather then blanketing them all with the same practices.  Examples of this include, size of snow fence, position of snow fence, amount of topdressing applied for wintering, installation of bunker boards, tarp, no tarp, etc. Below are some photo taken of conditions as of the beginning of March.

9th Green

Looking under tarp on 6th green

6 Green sample

Winter Maintenance

Anyone near the golf course maintenance facility this time of year, will most likely hear the sound of grinding wheels, air ratchets, and other assorted power tools. Winter maintenance of golf course equipment is essential to keeping them sharp and operational. Throughout the season, reels are adjusted and touched-up (backlapped) once or twice a week, but winter is when we re-grind and re-set all the cutting angles and surfaces. A very precise gauge is used to ensure that the reels and bedknife are ground true. Below you can see the indicator being used on the reel grinder making sure all is true and level before grinding starts.  In addition to sharpening and grinding reels and blades, bearing are changed, grease joints are checked and lubricated, bushings are replaced, hydraulics are serviced and so on, making sure all is ready for the busy summer months ahead.

Setting up reel to grind

Adrien grinding fairway mower reel

Adrien grinding bedknife of fairway mower