Every year, there are so many things that get done around the club that no one questions nor appreciates. When I say that, especially the word appreciates, I don't mean that in a negative way whatsoever. Simply put, to meet the expectations that you deserve, there are a lot of details that need addressed year after year. Some of these are very minor like repairing the golf course trash receptacles. Others are more time consuming like making a new set of tee markers (a total of 160 individual markers that requires 160 plus linear feet of rhododendron logs) using our very own vast supply of Rhododendron shrubs each year. It's these details that keep us busy regardless of the weather outside. Today started off with a little bit of rain, so our attention shifted indoors, where we sanded and refinished all of the teak tabletops from the croquet pavilions. Once the weather slightly improved after lunch, we shifted our attention back outside, preparing the ground for tomorrow's sod installation. I chuckle to myself when I'm asked, "what do you guys even do during the winter?" The truth is, winter can be more stressful than the auto pilot mode during the actual season.
There is an episode of the television show, "The Office," where one of the characters, Dwight, losses his job at Dunder Mifflin and while he was gone, it became apparent of all the details around the office he was handling without any recognition or knowledge from anyone else. For example, the plants around the office wilted and died because he was the one watering them before he left every evening. It's a funny episode that always reminds me of the Golf Course Maintenance Department at Highlands CC. I'm not exaggerating when I say our team has our hands in so many things around this club than anyone realizes! From all things outside in terms of the golf course and landscaping, helping the COA (Community Owners Association) with projects, managing the entire practice facility operations, club safety, overseeing Fairway Villa maintenance, plowing and salting all club roads and the endless calls from folks needing help with Town of Highlands related questions/ issues. It is a full plate and more than most would be able to handle but that's the way we like it. It keeps each day interesting and active! But I digress... Let's get back to our 2021 projects.
The stump of the big Oak tree was removed from the ground. This really cleaned up that corner. As we study the site, the contractor and I came up with an idea to eliminate the large retaining walls that would be required to keep the lawn at the specified elevation. Rather than have a 6 foot wall of rock, we will build an 18" sitting wall, then stair step 3' or so back and add a 4' wall. See my drawing below. This allows us to have the proper elevation, but it also lets up break up these larger walls with foliage. The best part is, seating is gained all around the new lawn.
Above, it was this corner where the large Oak was located.
Above, on #11, more and more soil is being hauled to this fairway from the croquet lawns. I can't say enough about how well these projects compliment one another. While I know you might be thinking all these photos look similar day after day, the quantities of material and change in the look of each project is substantial after everyday's work.
Below, this drain inlet is at the original ground elevation. The soil elevation around the basin is now 18" higher. Talk about fixing drainage; about 25,000 square feet of #11 fairway will be raised 12"-18" higher than existing grade! This gives us the opportunity to move surface water off the fairway and into basins or the stream.
Above, I promise that mountain in #11 fairway is not a new tee! The pile of soil will be pushed back down the fairway in the direction of the tee. They haven't been able to cut more sod because the ground has been frozen. You never want to fill right on top of grass. The layer of sod must be removed first to avoid any layering issues that could affect the downward movement of water through the profile.
Lastly, some more photos of #12. I am so excited about this because we will be installing sod tomorrow. Initially the plan was the lay sod today, but the weather got in the way. Tune in tomorrow for photos of the finished product. This will be special!
