Starting next week I will be marking the trees for the upcoming tree trimming about mid-September. We trim only the trees that need to be trimmed to let sunlight reach the areas being overseeded. Pines and eucalyptus trees will not be trimmed at this time, nor are there any plans to remove trees during September.
Suckers and low hanging branches are also being trimmed around the course. Since this is the first time this summer there are several areas that require attention and will take about a week or two to complete. So if you see an area that requires trimming please wait until we are done to see if we get that area.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Friday -- Course Opens
I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
Aerification when fairly well considering the issues we had ... a matter of fact we were able to finish completely yesterday. So what does this mean? Well it means the entire golf course is open and ready for play a day early. Enjoy!!
Sand Hauler was the star of the show during aerification … many thanks go to Bob Dobek with JC Resorts for getting the sand hauler which made us able to open early even with the problems we had during this past aerification. It is things like this that aid in these economic times.
Aerification when fairly well considering the issues we had ... a matter of fact we were able to finish completely yesterday. So what does this mean? Well it means the entire golf course is open and ready for play a day early. Enjoy!!
Sand Hauler was the star of the show during aerification … many thanks go to Bob Dobek with JC Resorts for getting the sand hauler which made us able to open early even with the problems we had during this past aerification. It is things like this that aid in these economic times.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Aerification Completed?
A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.
Yes, we will finish aerification today barring any equipment failure. I know you may have read in the weekly report from the GM that it was going to take only three days and another time we finished yesterday but both of those comments are errors. Aerfication takes us at least nine days to completely finish and that is the reason we start the roughs the week before. When we have to additionally aerify the greens the process can take longer.
So why does the aerification take so long? This is a very good question with a answer that many may not like ... but, due to manpower reductions the past couple of summers to staffing levels at a total of 15 (compared to three summers ago levels at 21 team members) and the fact that unlike almost ALL of the other golf course in the Valley we do not, and have not ever use overtime. More staffing would decease the time needed by up to five days but in these times we have to work with what we have to work with.
So if you ever want to know exactly what is going on on the golf course from the horse's mouth (no funny comments there), unedited, non-political, with possible spelling errors, come read this blog ... it is the only thing written by me directly -- flaws and all.
Yes, we will finish aerification today barring any equipment failure. I know you may have read in the weekly report from the GM that it was going to take only three days and another time we finished yesterday but both of those comments are errors. Aerfication takes us at least nine days to completely finish and that is the reason we start the roughs the week before. When we have to additionally aerify the greens the process can take longer.
So why does the aerification take so long? This is a very good question with a answer that many may not like ... but, due to manpower reductions the past couple of summers to staffing levels at a total of 15 (compared to three summers ago levels at 21 team members) and the fact that unlike almost ALL of the other golf course in the Valley we do not, and have not ever use overtime. More staffing would decease the time needed by up to five days but in these times we have to work with what we have to work with.
So if you ever want to know exactly what is going on on the golf course from the horse's mouth (no funny comments there), unedited, non-political, with possible spelling errors, come read this blog ... it is the only thing written by me directly -- flaws and all.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What is the Black Mark Behind 4's Green?
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
On Monday, on the very first hole, one of our old triplexes (20 years old) had a massive hydraulic blowout right behind 4's green. The good news is that it did not hit the green at all and we got charcoal on it quickly thus leaving the very noticeable black spot and trail. This will go away soon and the area will recover.
A very big special thanks goes to Bob Dobek for loaning us the sand trailer for hauling topdressing sand. If it weren't for this trailer we would have never finished the greens on time thus potentially inferring with play. Thanks to the loan this never came to fruition and even with all the problem we had we still finished the greens on-time. Hopefully, by tomorrow we will have finished the tees, approaches & fairways.
On Monday, on the very first hole, one of our old triplexes (20 years old) had a massive hydraulic blowout right behind 4's green. The good news is that it did not hit the green at all and we got charcoal on it quickly thus leaving the very noticeable black spot and trail. This will go away soon and the area will recover.
A very big special thanks goes to Bob Dobek for loaning us the sand trailer for hauling topdressing sand. If it weren't for this trailer we would have never finished the greens on time thus potentially inferring with play. Thanks to the loan this never came to fruition and even with all the problem we had we still finished the greens on-time. Hopefully, by tomorrow we will have finished the tees, approaches & fairways.
Day Three -- Aerification in August
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
Today has started better than the past two days and we are going to be back on schedule by the day's end.
extra sand being used to ensure the levelness of the greens for the remainder of the summer. Thursday, the remainder of the chemical and fertilizer applications will be completed and any final details will be taken care of on Friday when the front nine is back closed, and the back nine is open to get ready for the weekend.
Today has started better than the past two days and we are going to be back on schedule by the day's end.
The front nine fairways and tees aerification has been completed along with the practice area and we are preforming the clean up today for tomorrow's opening of the front nine. On Thursday we will be finishing the back nine and it clean up for its opening on Friday. The greens have quite a bit sand due
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Day Two of Aerification
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'
Well, today started better than yesterday, however, we were still down one aerifier. By the time the parts finally got in to repair the broken aerifier we discovered that additionally required some welding. All has been completed but it was too late to put into the field. The good news is that we were able to finish the golf course greens with the exception of the large putting green which we will finish tomorrow. This is okay because we also ran out of sand and had to borrow some from Desert Falls because I shipment did not show up and we will not receive it until tomorrow morning.
This all sounds kinda bad ... but it wasn't. We shifted gears and started the things that are done normally on Wednesday (day three) and did them today, thus putting us in good position for tomorrow. Day three will surely be a busy day getting everything caught back up and on Thursday we will open the front nine while we finish the back side. On Friday, we will open the back nine while closing the the front to touch up anything that was missed and prep for Saturday's opening.
Well, today started better than yesterday, however, we were still down one aerifier. By the time the parts finally got in to repair the broken aerifier we discovered that additionally required some welding. All has been completed but it was too late to put into the field. The good news is that we were able to finish the golf course greens with the exception of the large putting green which we will finish tomorrow. This is okay because we also ran out of sand and had to borrow some from Desert Falls because I shipment did not show up and we will not receive it until tomorrow morning.
This all sounds kinda bad ... but it wasn't. We shifted gears and started the things that are done normally on Wednesday (day three) and did them today, thus putting us in good position for tomorrow. Day three will surely be a busy day getting everything caught back up and on Thursday we will open the front nine while we finish the back side. On Friday, we will open the back nine while closing the the front to touch up anything that was missed and prep for Saturday's opening.
First Day of Aerification
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
The first day did not start too well for aerification ... on the first hole (4's green) that we aerified the 20 year old JD triplex had a massive hydraulic blow out while doing the clean up lap around the green, fortunately it was on the back side of the green and not on the green itself. Then the 17 year old Toro triplex used to replaced it broke down on its way to 5's tee. This wasn't the end of the equipment issues ... one of the EZ-GO used to drag the greens caught on fire, and two other utility units could not even pull the drag mats. As if this wasn't enough the belt on one of the aerfiers snapped and its replacement is not available until midday on Tuesday.
The good news that even with all these equipment issues due to our rapidly aging fleet we were still able to complete nine greens during the aerification. We are hoping today with be much better than yesterday was on our equipment.
The first day did not start too well for aerification ... on the first hole (4's green) that we aerified the 20 year old JD triplex had a massive hydraulic blow out while doing the clean up lap around the green, fortunately it was on the back side of the green and not on the green itself. Then the 17 year old Toro triplex used to replaced it broke down on its way to 5's tee. This wasn't the end of the equipment issues ... one of the EZ-GO used to drag the greens caught on fire, and two other utility units could not even pull the drag mats. As if this wasn't enough the belt on one of the aerfiers snapped and its replacement is not available until midday on Tuesday.
The good news that even with all these equipment issues due to our rapidly aging fleet we were still able to complete nine greens during the aerification. We are hoping today with be much better than yesterday was on our equipment.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Aerification Upcoming
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
The roughs have been completed and remember that starting on Monday we will be aerifying everything else. Since this is the last time for the year we encourage you to come out and witness the process so you can see what all we have to do to ensure a healthy golf course not only for today but also for the upcoming season. While you are out watching us I will gladly answer any questions you may have about the process.
Please also try out some other golf course in the Valley during this time. Like the members from Bermuda Dunes stated when they played here last week they loved Avondale, you might find that your love for Avondale during the summer months may return.
The roughs have been completed and remember that starting on Monday we will be aerifying everything else. Since this is the last time for the year we encourage you to come out and witness the process so you can see what all we have to do to ensure a healthy golf course not only for today but also for the upcoming season. While you are out watching us I will gladly answer any questions you may have about the process.
Please also try out some other golf course in the Valley during this time. Like the members from Bermuda Dunes stated when they played here last week they loved Avondale, you might find that your love for Avondale during the summer months may return.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Rough Aerification
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Today, we should be finishing the aerification of the roughs, and starting Monday the 15th we will be starting the remainder of the aerifications including greens, tees, fairways and driving range. The course will be closed the 15 - 17th of August mainly due to the greens aerification, with alternating nines opening on Thursday and Friday ... full course will open Saturday the 20th.
Aerification is quite a large process and during these times of reduced budgets and staffing levels the challenges become even greater. Where the clean up process could be done quicker with more staff, we are going to actually have to reduce our staffing on that weekend following the aerification just to have enough staff to complete the tasks at hand. The good news is that we will still get to where we need to be all be it a couple days later. Remember, the Pro Shop has found other tees times for you and your guests during this time at free or greatly reduced rates ... enjoy those times.
Today, we should be finishing the aerification of the roughs, and starting Monday the 15th we will be starting the remainder of the aerifications including greens, tees, fairways and driving range. The course will be closed the 15 - 17th of August mainly due to the greens aerification, with alternating nines opening on Thursday and Friday ... full course will open Saturday the 20th.
Aerification is quite a large process and during these times of reduced budgets and staffing levels the challenges become even greater. Where the clean up process could be done quicker with more staff, we are going to actually have to reduce our staffing on that weekend following the aerification just to have enough staff to complete the tasks at hand. The good news is that we will still get to where we need to be all be it a couple days later. Remember, the Pro Shop has found other tees times for you and your guests during this time at free or greatly reduced rates ... enjoy those times.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Pro Shop Duties vs GCM
A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.
At the meeting with the summer members a question was brought up marking of GUR (grounds under repair). When I was asked but why I never mark areas GUR I had to explain that marking of the golf course in conjunction with the rules of golf falls under the pro shop's duties. On occasion I help them mark areas such as water and lateral hazards, and sometimes areas that we are actually working on from maintenance, but that is to help them ... not to take responsibility for their assignments. I bring this up because this is not the first time that I have been asked about this matter. Pro shop can, if they decide, mark any and all areas they consider GUR without even asking GCM.
Additionally, the pro shop also oversees the staking of the golf course and ensures that it is properly staked. Once again we help them from time-to-time but the overall responsible falls directly with the pro shop who writes the local rules and are the golf course's rules officials.
Lastly, the reflectors on the flag stick -- it was determined three years ago by the Green, Golf Committees and the Board that since the pro shop is the ones the sells the laser link and hears about one it is bad, that one every week or two they would send their outside service to clean the reflectors. Once per year, the golf course maintenance replaces ALL the reflectors and upon request from the pro shop replaces and bad one, but the day-to-day maintenance is done by the pro shop. I hope this answers why GCM doesn't do certain things around the golf course.
At the meeting with the summer members a question was brought up marking of GUR (grounds under repair). When I was asked but why I never mark areas GUR I had to explain that marking of the golf course in conjunction with the rules of golf falls under the pro shop's duties. On occasion I help them mark areas such as water and lateral hazards, and sometimes areas that we are actually working on from maintenance, but that is to help them ... not to take responsibility for their assignments. I bring this up because this is not the first time that I have been asked about this matter. Pro shop can, if they decide, mark any and all areas they consider GUR without even asking GCM.
Additionally, the pro shop also oversees the staking of the golf course and ensures that it is properly staked. Once again we help them from time-to-time but the overall responsible falls directly with the pro shop who writes the local rules and are the golf course's rules officials.
Lastly, the reflectors on the flag stick -- it was determined three years ago by the Green, Golf Committees and the Board that since the pro shop is the ones the sells the laser link and hears about one it is bad, that one every week or two they would send their outside service to clean the reflectors. Once per year, the golf course maintenance replaces ALL the reflectors and upon request from the pro shop replaces and bad one, but the day-to-day maintenance is done by the pro shop. I hope this answers why GCM doesn't do certain things around the golf course.
Rough Aerification
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Yesterday we started aerifying the rough but this time with a twist. We put the rough units working along side of the aerifer instead in different areas around the golf course. Using the rough units to "chop" up the aerification cores left a cleaner presentation for the members and guests in in many cases they did no even know which holes we had aerified. We will continue that process today and until the completion of the roughs.
Yesterday we started aerifying the rough but this time with a twist. We put the rough units working along side of the aerifer instead in different areas around the golf course. Using the rough units to "chop" up the aerification cores left a cleaner presentation for the members and guests in in many cases they did no even know which holes we had aerified. We will continue that process today and until the completion of the roughs.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sodding Shapes
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
It was brought up at the meeting with the summer members of why exactly we put the sod in irregular shapes. This was a very good question:
There reason mainly for choosing these shapes was money. There hasn't been funds for sod work or repair in the summer for the past three years; however, this year we were able to glean the funds thanks to an insurance settlement with Sysco since their truck damaged an area at the club house. Since we did some of the work in-house thus the savings from the settlement was used in sod repair. The funds were very limited so we choose the worst of the worst areas to receive repair and allowed the other areas to fill in naturally.
In an ideal world and time we would have removed larger areas in more regular shapes but this summer was not one of those ideal times.
It was brought up at the meeting with the summer members of why exactly we put the sod in irregular shapes. This was a very good question:
In an ideal world and time we would have removed larger areas in more regular shapes but this summer was not one of those ideal times.
Aerification Starts Today
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.
Starting this morning (August 8th) we began the outlining greens such as 4's and DR nurseries, the small putting green next to 3's tee and both the chipping greens. These greens are done in advance for a couple of reasons: first, the greens will have time to heal before the course aerification in case minor repairs are needed; and second, so with a limited staff we can finish the remaining greens during the course closure.
Since the entire course has to be aerified, that is the remaining 113 acres, the rough aerification will begin tomorrow the 9th of August. Special care is going to be taken not to hit the fairways, tees or surrounds to minimize the impact to our summer members and their guest. As with all aerifications here at Avondale the pro shop has implemented a local rule allowing the lifting, cleaning and placing of your golf ball without penalty.
Next week, the golf course will be closed for three days due to the aerification of the greens. On the 18th the front nine will be closed allowing us to finish the fairway and tee aerification while the back nine will be open; then on Friday the 19th the back nine will be closed while the front nine is open for the same reason. Saturday the 20th the entire course will be open and the healing and final clean up will begin. Due to shortages in labor a very limited staff will be working on the weekend to allow maximum labor during aerification.
Starting this morning (August 8th) we began the outlining greens such as 4's and DR nurseries, the small putting green next to 3's tee and both the chipping greens. These greens are done in advance for a couple of reasons: first, the greens will have time to heal before the course aerification in case minor repairs are needed; and second, so with a limited staff we can finish the remaining greens during the course closure.
Since the entire course has to be aerified, that is the remaining 113 acres, the rough aerification will begin tomorrow the 9th of August. Special care is going to be taken not to hit the fairways, tees or surrounds to minimize the impact to our summer members and their guest. As with all aerifications here at Avondale the pro shop has implemented a local rule allowing the lifting, cleaning and placing of your golf ball without penalty.
Next week, the golf course will be closed for three days due to the aerification of the greens. On the 18th the front nine will be closed allowing us to finish the fairway and tee aerification while the back nine will be open; then on Friday the 19th the back nine will be closed while the front nine is open for the same reason. Saturday the 20th the entire course will be open and the healing and final clean up will begin. Due to shortages in labor a very limited staff will be working on the weekend to allow maximum labor during aerification.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Aerification Upcoming (Last Time This Year)
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
That dreaded word .... aerfication is coming once again, but the good news is for the last time this summer.
Starting next week we will be aerifying the the nurseries, small putting green and the chipping greens to allow time for recovery in case any damage is done and repairs are needed during the course closure aerification August 15 - 17th. In addition, we will be starting the roughs with special care not to hit the tees or fairways ... see the pro shop about the lift, clean and place policy for aerification holes and plugs.
The pro shop this aerification cycle has arranged for alternative golf courses for our members to play while the course is closed as part of the improvements to the services offered to the summer members. We want to disturb our members as little as possible but with our soil conditions here at Avondale these aerifications are a necessary evil ... but will heal quickly at this time of year.
That dreaded word .... aerfication is coming once again, but the good news is for the last time this summer.
Starting next week we will be aerifying the the nurseries, small putting green and the chipping greens to allow time for recovery in case any damage is done and repairs are needed during the course closure aerification August 15 - 17th. In addition, we will be starting the roughs with special care not to hit the tees or fairways ... see the pro shop about the lift, clean and place policy for aerification holes and plugs.
The pro shop this aerification cycle has arranged for alternative golf courses for our members to play while the course is closed as part of the improvements to the services offered to the summer members. We want to disturb our members as little as possible but with our soil conditions here at Avondale these aerifications are a necessary evil ... but will heal quickly at this time of year.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Results of the Meeting with Summer Members
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
As some of you know JC Resorts and local staff had a open forum with the summer members that may have had questions about transition ... several members attended. The take home message was that during the 4 - 6 weeks that the course is transitioning some consideration needs to be given to the members to make them feel that they were getting value ... everyone agreed. In addition, Shaun just recently got reciprocal golf courses for the members to play while we are aerifying. We still have a way to go but progress was made in finding areas for perceived value as being a summer time member.
As some of you know JC Resorts and local staff had a open forum with the summer members that may have had questions about transition ... several members attended. The take home message was that during the 4 - 6 weeks that the course is transitioning some consideration needs to be given to the members to make them feel that they were getting value ... everyone agreed. In addition, Shaun just recently got reciprocal golf courses for the members to play while we are aerifying. We still have a way to go but progress was made in finding areas for perceived value as being a summer time member.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Primo Finished & Turf Growth
A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.
There is nothing quite like rain from mother nature ... even though we had very little rainfall hit Avondale it was, along with the humidity enough to jump start the turf growth. Over the weekend the growth was so much that we had to double cut almost every area to get a quality cut.
Today, we have finish spraying the Primo (growth regulator) on the tees and fairways. At first this may slightly off-color the turf since there wasn't fertilizer funds to add some calcium nitrate to offset the color drop. The slight discoloration will disappear quickly if it comes at all.
There is nothing quite like rain from mother nature ... even though we had very little rainfall hit Avondale it was, along with the humidity enough to jump start the turf growth. Over the weekend the growth was so much that we had to double cut almost every area to get a quality cut.
Today, we have finish spraying the Primo (growth regulator) on the tees and fairways. At first this may slightly off-color the turf since there wasn't fertilizer funds to add some calcium nitrate to offset the color drop. The slight discoloration will disappear quickly if it comes at all.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Primo Application Week
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
During this upcoming week we will be spraying the fairways and tees with a growth regulator called Primo Maxx. The purpose of this growth regulator is reduce upright growth by inhibiting the auxin and promote lateral growth thus improving filling in of weaken areas. This process requires foam marking (the golf ball shaped soap balls) to glean what areas have been sprayed. This process will start Tuesday.
During this upcoming week we will be spraying the fairways and tees with a growth regulator called Primo Maxx. The purpose of this growth regulator is reduce upright growth by inhibiting the auxin and promote lateral growth thus improving filling in of weaken areas. This process requires foam marking (the golf ball shaped soap balls) to glean what areas have been sprayed. This process will start Tuesday.
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