Temperatures plummeting this month have been reminiscent of last winter but overall the season has not been as harsh. Rain/Thawing events in early January left minimal standing water (read: potential ice) on any shortly mowed surfaces. Since that time period, few days have been above freezing and only small amounts of liquid precipitation followed. The potential for an ice layer or formation on greens is slim to none but there is only one way to know for sure.
This week, staff members removed patches of snow on greens to see what conditions lay beneath. What they found was encouraging...ice layers or sheets were almost non-existent on greens, and when ice was observed it appeared to be permeable, allowing for air movement. Also of note, minimal ice was observed on top or underneath the permeable covers the staff used this year on certain greens. These observations are in no way conclusive but the crew is optimistic for the spring.
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| 4th Green Note: minimal ice formation |
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| 15th Green Note: Evergreen cover devoid of ice in a problematic area |
The snow has slowed the Tree Management initiatives set forth for this winter but the staff has still made excellent progress. Tree removals are nearing completion and while that is the largest portion of the task; stump grinding, cleaning and prepping these areas for seed/sod still remain.
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| In-House Honey Locust Removal next to the 11th Tee |
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| Contracted Hickory Tree Removal behind the 5th Green |
Equipment and golf course accessory maintenance continues as well. With equipment so readily accessible and not in use, the winter is a perfect time to perform preventative maintenance on carts, mowers, etc. This is an effective way to extend the life of equipment and minimize the chances of a breakdown mid-season.
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| Utility Vehicle Maintenance |
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| Refinishing and re-staining Tee benches |
