Catching Up

Into the New Year
Happy new year from the grounds department!  For our new members, this is a periodic blog that the Superintendent tries to get out monthly through the season. It's primary purpose is to inform and update everyone on course-related happenings.

Winter makes an appearance
The uncommon weather we've been having has allowed all of the construction crews to stay active on the course and has let the clubhouse renovation project make some significant headway.  I'll just touch on the golf related projects as there's so much happening at the course.
Greens are in good health. We've been monitoring them for surface ice formation and removing any excess water when it accumulates.  The lack of snow cover, at this point, seems to have had little effect on their condition.  I expect them to come into spring with no problems.

Bridges
If you've driven up Munro Rd recently you'll notice a set of new bridges spanning the creek on holes 12, 11, and 10.  Slate Hill Construction was hired last fall to engineer and head this project.  The 15 year old bridges that were in place were narrow and deteriorating from settling and cart wheel impacts.

11 bridge damage

Old 10 bridge 

SHC have done a masterful job at holding back the pond through rain, snow, and ice to complete their work. The bridges are built wide enough with safety and good looks in mind.  They'll be in good shape for many years to come.  There will be a fourth bridge going in on the maintenance road.  The foot bridge on 10 will also be upgraded to allow more water to pass underneath.   All bridges will share the same stone work treatment as the clubhouse when complete.

Equipment Storage
We've slowly been outgrowing our storage capabilities at the maintenance shop.  Over the years we've added different operations and processes on the course.  This requires a need for more storage of equipment and materials.  Keeping our machines and tools dry and out of the weather is our goal. To remedy this we'll be building our own 100'x40' pole barn which will give us room to grow without taking up too much space in the maintenance area.  It will be big enough to double as a handtool and irrigation parts storage area.  Framing will start as weather allows. We hope to have the siding and roof on by Mid march.

Tools and Irrigation -- aka "The Butler Cabin"

Clearing and grading

 

 Ready to start 

Upgrades
I'll be doing another entry when we take delivery, but for now, it's enough to say that Tuscarora Golf Club will be finely outfitted, from an equipment standpoint, for the best care of their fairways, tees, greens, and surrounds. We were in a perfect position with the age and condition of our mower fleet to benefit from an across the board replacement of cutting and traction units.  When weighing our options, we saw a greater benefit to the golfer and golf course by choosing replacement rather than trying to patch together equipment that was increasingly costing us time and money.    
Here's a couple teaser videos of some things you'll be seeing this summer.
Jacobsen GP400 - Ventrac - Truckster XD