Tasks off the Course

The last few weeks have flown by with little to talk about on the golf course, so please excuse the lack of postings. 

The cold, dry air has resulted in stalling the turf getting in better shape although ball roll has been good for this time of year due to the lack of precipitation. In the last few weeks most of my time has been dedicated to projects of finalizing the netting that will protect the parking lot and pool areas from errant golf balls originating from the 5th hole, negotiating with irrigation control system suppliers, making improvements to the sewer lift station at the cottage, narrowing down the suppliers for the roofing at the maintenance yard, and teaching a class at the Golf Industry Show. 

The Golf Industry Show is the annual trade show and meetings of the allied associations of the Golf Course Superintendents Association, Club Owners Association, Club Builders, and Architects. There are tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of distributors, and classes ranging from business to agronomics.  This year I taught a weather forecasting class. My meteorology degree helps me daily in planning work schedules and applications on the course, and it was a privilege to share that knowledge during a 4 hour class at the GIS. While there I also was able to see the latest innovations and techniques involved in maintaining La Rinconada.

USGA panel discussion at the GIS

There is a lot of equipment that sits out in the sun at the maintenance facility  In order to protect the clubs investment from the elements I have been working on planning a structure that is used to support solar panels. Solar panels will not be installed initially, however the covering will function very well for the equipment. What I like most about this is the ability for equipment to be maneuvered under the structure, and the price.

The type of structure that will be used in the maintenance yard

The sewer lift station that services the cottage and wash pad at golf course maintenance was completely rebuilt due to its age and numerous problems. A bathroom in the maintenance building was remodeled with new sheet rock, paint, flooring, and fixtures. Also an exterior wall that had mold problems was removed and rebuilt at the cottage.

Mold in the cottage north wall

This down time of year is also utilized to identify my goals for the year. These goals are in line with the vision and mission of the Club as a whole, so I have been working with the Greens Committee to draft a mission statement, which we completed at our last meeting. At future meetings we will develop maintenance standards.

So, although there has not been much to talk about on the course, there has been a lot going on. Our current soil temperatures are in the upper 40's, which is cold enough that little growth is occurring,  however we are getting warmer and not too far of from 55 degrees which is where we will see growth and better color.

Kevin