18 Approach...Update 6/13/12

Work on #18 is nearing the end and I, like everyone else, are anxious to the see the final product.  New irrigation and drainage have been installed and thoroughly tested, and three truck loads of bluegrass and fine fescue sod (around 30,000 square feet) have been laid in the areas designated as rough.  New bentgrass sod (10,000 sq ft) will be installed Thursday for the enlarged fairway/approach, and then it's up to us to keep enough water on the sod to allow for proper rooting.  Once the sod is down foot traffic will be limited in the the flatter areas, and walking up or down the hillsides/slopes should be avoided.  With favorable weather I anticipate being able to play off the new sod in a couple weeks.

18 Approach...Update 5/18/12

The contractor was able to complete the site prep (aka Tree Removal) of #18 today so the hole will resume normal play for both days this weekend.  There is a small amount of cleanup work remaining, but the contractor will be here early tomorrow morning and should be off property by the time the first groups are finishing.  For anyone who witnessed the removal process today, you have to be impressed with how quickly and efficiently the project was completed.

18 Approach...Update 5/17/12

Site preparation for 18 approach begins Friday morning (5/18), and for the safety of you and your guests a temporary green will be used at the end of the fairway.  The cart path will still be in service for exiting the hole, but please use caution and be aware of the work being done in that area.  Should the contractor not be able to complete the work on Friday, the temporary green will remain on Saturday.  I will post an update tomorrow regarding the status of the hole for the weekend.

Practice Bunker

The newly renovated bunker at the chipping green will be open for play on Saturday 5/19.  It's been closed to allow the new sod time to establish a root system that can support foot traffic and maintenance.  The grass face along the chipping green is most likely to be damaged from foot traffic, so please refrain from using the face to exit the bunker.

Take a look at the before and after pictures of the bunker below.  The difference is amazing!



Before



After

18 Approach

The rough around #18 green has been sprayed with a herbicide to kill the grass in preparation for the renovation project.  The work is being done by Fore Front Construction, the same contractor who is currently on site installing drainage and leveling tees.  Tree removal is scheduled to start next week, and  earthmoving will start the following week.  Several trees need to be removed to allow the cart path to shift left to improve playability left of the green and bunkers.  New irrigation and drainage will be installed immediately following shaping, and the entire area will be sodded.  The contractor anticipates the entire process taking 2-3 weeks depending on the weather, but once construction begins a temporary green will be used at the end of the fairway before the pond to allow the contractor to work uninterrupted.  For certain outings and member events the hole will play as normal, and the construction area will be treated as Ground Under Repair.  A drop area will be provided and clearly marked along the back of the green.