New Tee, New Motor for Pump

 

We were finally able to get water to the new tee on #15 today.  We have been dumping aerifing plugs on the hill behind #15 for the last couple of years.  This year we got several donations to take the next step to make this possible.  I was able to purchase some used heads with money donated by Jim Weidenfeller.

 

Today, Rich Tabloff donated his time and machine along with pipe and wire to make the project happen.

 

We tied into the regular tee and had to rewire the hole.  The new tee adds about 25 yards, but also changes the angle to the green.  It still needs some time to grow in.  I plan on aerifing the tee and adding some more seed.  It should be playable in about a month when we start to lower the height of cut.  Don't worry, you can still play from the original tee if you choose.

 

We had some irrigation issues the last couple of weeks.  The motor on our main pump died on us a couple of weeks ago.  Here, Mark from Midwest Irrigation installed a new 50 HP motor for our main pump.   It took a week for the new motor to arrive, we used only our jockey pump.  Ok for the short term, but not  a long term solution.  I was able to pump only 175 gallons per minutes.  With the big pump back up and running, we got back to 700 GPM.

First Heat Wave of the Year

This has been a difficult week at Lansing.  The motor for the main pump failed on Sunday.  I made a few calls and got the system set up with only the jockey pump.  A new motor will be installed on Monday.  Our pumping capacity is 650 gallons per minute when both pumps are working.  With only a jockey, it is reduced to 175 GPM.  That has meant that I had to start watering very early and ending as play starts this week.

 

 

Many golf courses have been busy this week hand watering.  Even though we've had warm temperatures, it's been humid.  If we overwater during these conditions, disease will become a major concern.  By limiting water, we hit the hot spots with a little extra water during the day.

 

The greens have held up well this week.  A nice rain would be welcomed.

 

The fairways are showing the most stress during this heat spell.

 

This is Mike our newest employee.  His brother Ricardo has worked here for 2 years.  Even though he's a rookie. Mike has caught on quickly.  He has already learned greens mowing.  He will also do some rookie jobs like weed whipping and bunker work

Clean Up Continued

To be honest, our clean up has been much easier than the guys on the north side of Chicago.  While we are way above normal on precipitation, they've had to deal with major flooding.

 

 

A week ago on Monday, the big storm came through Lansing CC.  After over 200 man hours of clean up, its close to looking like a golf course again.  We've gotten behind in a few detail oriented jobs, but we should catch up next week.  Thank you for your patience.

 

 

 

We had a hydraulic leak last week on #2.  The operator noticed it quickly and got it off the fairway.  We will probably have to dig out some soil on the fairway and seed.  The part in the rough may fill in naturally.  If not, we will airify and seed. 

 

The cottonwood near #12 tee is finally cleaned up.  We were able to pull it down with a chain and a tractor.   Jose is very good and tree removal.

Storm Clean Up

 

The crew spent most of the day cleaning up after Monday nights storm.  We lost at least 10 trees and many limbs.  We hope to have the back nine ready for the outing on Wednesday.  We got help from Scott, Dewey, Josh, Sam and Marvin.  Thanks.

 

#12

 

The port a john was blown about 30 yards from its normal location.

 

We ran out of carts so Dewey used a golf cart.

 

#12 approach shot just got easier if you are on the right side.

Fireworks, Wildlife, Dollar Spot

 

The rain held off so everyone could enjoy a great firework display.

 

 

A super moon was seen during the fireworks on Saturday.

 

 

Great Blue Heron on # 17.

 

A coyote has help keep the geese population down.  He is seen early in the morning and in the evening.  He usually runs away when the crew starts working.

 

It looks like our dollar spot protection is working.  I treated the green and a little into the approach.  Dollar spot is a big problem in Chicago.  Without fungicide treatments, the green would also look like this also.  At Lansing, I treat greens and tees.  Courses with larger budgets also spray fairways.

Rain

What a change from 2012.  April had 7 inches followed in May with 5.  In June, we've had 3.  The lake is back to a normal level.  The rough is growing fast.  We've had a hard time cutting it with all the rain days.

 

 

Please repair ball marks.  The greens are soft because of the recent rain.

 

This week, I was able to find a few drains that were covered with grass.  When cleaned, these areas on the course quickly drained.

Trees, Flowers and Brick Pavers

 

A couple of weeks ago, we planted 8 trees to start replacing the ash trees that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer.  I plan on buying 8 more next week.  This is possible with member donations.  A variety of trees have been chosen including oak, pear, and maple.

 

Over the last week, the crew was busy finishing up flower beds.  We are trying Vinca this year in many of the beds.

 

On Monday, we gave the greens a light topdressing.  The sand was dragged in.  That night we got an inch of rain and we were able to mow in the morning.

 

Our golf pro/manager has been working on a brick paver walkway.  Our grounds department did most of the digging, moving of gravel and sand while Scott did the tamping and installation of the brick pavers.  After he finishes up the brick pavers, we will clean up, add sod and some shrubbery.  We hope to get more weddings when finished.