With all that is going on around the club, I would like to introduce you to the many ways I plan on utilizing social media to keep everyone updated. The first is this blog. When I update this blog, I can only prescribe 10 email addresses to receive the update. Lyndsey then emails my update to the membership. One way you can receive it automatically is to become a follower. There is a link in the top right hand corner which allows you to follow. Click and enter your information and you will receive the updates automatically. Second, I have created a Facebook and Twitter page which will allow me to more readily upload pictures and information from my cell phone. The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/diamondoaksgolfcoursemaintenance and the Twitter feed is www.twitter.com/#!/aggieturfman98. Simply click "Like" on the Facebook page or "Follow" on the Twitter page and have updates readily available. With all of the projects we have underway, I will be updating all of these forms of communication on a regular basis!
That being said, the bunker renovation is set to begin today. This project has been a long time coming and I'm excited to finally have it underway. Here is a quick rundown on the scope of the project:
- work will begin on the greenside bunker on #1.
- the fairway bunker on the left side of #8 will be moved to the right side of the fairway.
- the greenside bunker on #17 will be make into 2-3 smaller bunkers to allow easier access from the green.
- drainage will be installed in all bunkers.
- there will be a liner system installed in all bunkers to help prevent contamination from the native soil.
- the liner system will include the addition of Portland cement incorporated to a depth of 8-12 inches, which will be wetted, packed and allowed to sit for a couple of days to set up.
- a clean, white sand will then be added to a depth of 4 packed inches.
- the plan also calls for removing the 3 bunkers around the chipping green and creating a new bunker on the left side of the driving range tee. This will allow for more area around the chipping green to be utilized for chipping.
- the plan calls for the renovation to take 6 weeks, but with a little help from Mother Nature, I would not expect it to take that long.
As far as the golf course, we are off and mowing. I went out last week and painted the edges of the fairways and approaches and will continue to paint them on a weekly basis until we establish a line. Typically this time of year, I move the fairways down as low as possible to remove the dormant material and allow for new growth. With the many complaints I've heard about thin grass in the fairways, I will be leaving the height a little higher and will work to generate a little "cushion". Once the weather shows we are in the clear of any more freezing, we will aerify the fairways and help relieve compaction. Some areas (in particular #7 and #8) will be aerified several times. The height of the rough is starting out at 1-inch. The tees will be moved lower to help promote bermuda grass growth.
Finally, as time allows for me and my staff, we will begin creating new and updating existing landscape areas to help with aesthetics of the course. This will not happen overnight, but I hope over time you see an improved look around the golf course.
As I mentioned earlier, please take a moment to subscribe to one or more of the many different ways I plan on keeping you updated with the golf course. And as always, I can be contacted anytime at aggieturfman98@gmail.com!
Chuck McCaskill
It looks like a beautiful and peaceful place, would be nice to go play golf or just sit and relax for while in a good weather. Places like these should be promoted more best ping driver
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