tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88202887105067800202024-03-07T22:37:11.266-05:00Metamora Golf and Country Club's Maintenance DepartmentAndrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-62230254643665504262020-02-18T23:01:00.000-05:002020-02-24T16:42:44.521-05:00Tree removal on the course this winterWe have decided to remove some trees on hole number 6, just across the bridge. These large trees were affecting golfers that were forced to layup in the rough area across the pond. After the stump grinding this spring, we will do some work to improve the rough. We also decided to take down a large maple tree by #5 gold tee. This particular tree didn't effect playability, but it did in fact impede morning sunlight, which is the most important sunlight the turf needs. The first photo shows the 3 trees in the rough area across the pond on hole 6 where some people have to hit to. The second and third picture show the maple tree by the gold tee on hole 5 that was felled and a look from the tee with tree removed.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-69458666527129135552020-02-09T22:28:00.001-05:002020-02-12T11:19:13.778-05:00Posting again to this blogI have taken a break from this blog for several reasons, but since then members have asked and missed reading about course updates and all the practices that go into maintaining Metamora Golf and Country Club. I will start posting updates to keep everyone that reads it informed. Look for future posts in the days ahead.Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-12503019557042321182018-04-01T11:48:00.000-04:002020-02-09T22:30:17.623-05:00Thatch accumulation and reducing fertility needsThatch is organic material that forms between the grass blades and soil surface. Thatch consists of living and dead plant material. Contrary to popular belief grass clippings do not increase thatch production, instead clippings add a light amount of fertility back into the surface. Thatch is a good thing in the right amount. Thatch buffers high air temperatures, and protects the root zone. Thatch allows for a divot to be removed when striking a ball. Side note; that divot should be put back more often than reaching for the soil and seed mixture attached to your cart or in the buckets on the par 3 tees. However, to much thatch can be a bad thing. To much thatch can hold water, harbor insects and diseases. There are several reasons thatch can become to dense or thick. Over fertilizing is the biggest factor in thatch production. Neglecting cultural practices like aeration can also play a role in developing to much thatch. Several years ago, Metamora had to much thatch in the fairways and something had to be done. We do aerate twice a year, but with solid tines, we weren't really removing it. I said the heck with it, I will let it break down naturally and let it feed the grass at the same time. For the past several seasons I have continued to lower the fertility levels especially in the form of Nitrogen to help reduce it. This year I decided to omit any Nitrogen inputs to the fairways all together. In doing this the fairways have never been better in my opinion. They were healthier, required less water, wetting agents and fertilizers.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-91025340799235335682017-08-30T21:55:00.003-04:002020-02-08T23:52:03.738-05:00Tree Removal on Hole 10<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Some of you have noticed we have removed quite a few trees around the 10th green in the past year. This was not just a random selection just to cut down trees. The trees were chosen with careful consideration and strategy. The reason was to give the 10th green much needed morning sunlight, more air circulation and to promote Creeping Bentgrass. Morning sunlight is the most critical sunlight to golf course putting surfaces. During the shoulder seasons when frost delays are common, tree removal will allow you to get on the course a bit sooner too. With the help of an app on my Phone, this app allowed me to view the path of the sun at any time. The pictures below will help explain this.<br />
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-55182356774201540292017-07-27T19:29:00.000-04:002017-09-19T20:23:54.942-04:00Nematodes: a Real and Invisible ThreatNematodes are worm like micro-organisms that live in the soil; some even spend a large portion of their life cycle inside plant roots. There are many species that are beneficial, but there are many that are harmful. These non-beneficial types are called plant parasitic Nematodes. Plant parasitic Nematodes feed on turf grass roots, and they can expose weakened plants and more susceptible plants to other problems (including diseases). To my knowledge, Nematodes haven't gotten much professional consideration in Michigan; nonetheless, due to several factors, Nematologists feel the population is on the rise. Some experts believe the mild winters we have had in recent years have caused the population to increase; others argue that certain preventative chemicals used on golf courses years ago had a direct effect on Nematode proliferation. Another factor: the more topdressing golf courses are doing (Nematodes thrive in sand), the more these "critters" increase.<br />
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In light of these findings I decided to test all of the greens on the property to get a baseline of the amount and types of Nematodes we have so that each winter I can identify which populations are declining or rising. Plus: before jumping to the decision to treat, it is important to get some baseline information so we have something to compare to year in year out; also, there are a couple of products available to control Nematodes, so it's important to have some objective data and criteria to narrow down our choices. Unfortunately, the Nematode threat is real, but so is the research which we can use to combat the threat. I will keep you informed if any action is required. Below are a couple of pictures of a plant parasitic Nematode known as a Ring Nematode.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-20394486037719018802017-05-09T18:28:00.000-04:002017-09-19T20:33:57.539-04:00Course updateIn the past couple of weeks we have been working on the bunkers. We have filled in #7 and #8 bunkers with sand and #6 will be filled in tomorrow. Work on #9 is next and we are hoping to have tile and sand installed by Wednesday. We will be working on #2, #3, #5 and #18 in the next couple of weeks and we will have all the greenside bunkers done. Also, we will be working on the fairway bunkers throughout the season because of all the additional drainage we are adding to the greenside bunkers which is taking more time than we anticipated. Below is a picture of the drainage pattern on #7. We have had to add a lot of additional drainage, in some cases, close to 75% more.<br />
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Thankfully, the greens have completely healed from aeration. There remains a bit of sand on the greens here and there, but, with these cooler temperatures, this is to be expected as the grass isn't growing as fast. Some of you may have noticed that the greens feel firmer and they're receiving shots well without leaving large ball marks. The reason for this is due to the amount of sand we put on the greens during aeration. The sand was critical to making sure all the holes (from aerating) were filled. Below is a photo which shows the holes created by the aerator and how they have been filled with the sand.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-5524573830838482312017-04-30T17:38:00.003-04:002017-09-19T20:42:26.247-04:00Bunker Renovation and Course Update.The bunker renovation project is moving along. We have filled several bunkers with sand and we continue to move forward. We purchased the sand from Ruby Specialty Sands based in Port Huron MI. We have had to do several additional things in order to make this renovation successful; we've added additional drain lines and increased the size of the bunkers in order to access the existing drainage. With bunkers shrinking in size over time we have found that a lot of the drain tile is under the grass and old sand. This week we are hoping to get several more bunkers ready. We have currently filled the greenside bunkers on holes #1, #4, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 and #17. The greensside bunkers on hole #2 are going to be turned into grass bunkers and we hope to have those sodded by next weekend. E and M Golf construction was brought in to help us with hole #13 as those particular bunkers had several drainage issues. E and M is going to continue helping us with holes 6, 7 and 8. Below are some pictures of this work.<br />
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Also, we have aerated all of the greens. The aeration process is something that nobody likes (including the ground staff). However, I am happy to report that we are done pulling cores on greens. Last fall we used a 5/8" solid tine and we found that this type of aeration had many additional benefits compared to core aeration. With proven research and soil samples to support this type of aeration we have found that healing is much quicker than core aeration, and you do not need an army of employees to clean up all the cores. The one thing we have noticed with this type of aeration is that a lot more sand is required to fill the holes (and getting the holes filled is extremely important). I have also added some photos of this type of aeration; the last two photos are what the greens look like a couple of days later.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-79386785238146472832017-04-09T20:52:00.000-04:002017-09-19T20:47:42.793-04:00Bunker Renovation UpdateThe bunker renovation project begins! Unfortunately, the untimely rains have made the work challenging. This weekend, we continued our efforts and we've accomplished a lot. The greenside bunkers on #10, #11, #12 and #14, #15 and #16 are ready for drainage, and sand can now be installed. We are anticipating our first delivery of sand on the property shortly, so we hope to have the remaining green side bunkers on the back side done to the point where new drainage can be installed. Here are a few pictures of the project.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two new drain lines added to the right bunker on 11</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right hand bunker on 14 ready for tile and sand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary trench dug to divert water away from bunker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old drain trenches cleaned out ready for new drainage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#12 bunker ready for drainage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 right side bunker old drain tile removed</td></tr>
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-182637780749150552017-03-19T11:01:00.001-04:002017-09-19T20:53:07.183-04:00Bunker Renovation UpdateMetamora Golf and Country Club is going to perform a two phase bunker renovation project starting this April; we hope to have this first phase completed in May. The reason for the two phases: a complete renovation can take a while to complete, especially when doing it ourselves and not contracting the work out. We want to make the bunkers better now, yet give us the time to complete phase two later. Right now, our bunkers need this "quick fix." The first phase will consist of removing all the current sand and contaminates from the bunkers, and repairing any poor drainage. After this process is complete, new sand will be added to all the bunkers. Below are some pictures of bad drainage that must be repaired during this phase. When this phase is complete, the bunkers will perform very well, and it will give us the much needed time to complete phase 2. <br />
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The second phase will begin at a later date, and it will consist of a complete renovation which will require a lot more time and attention to individual bunkers. This phase will include some minor reshaping, a better drainage system, and a sod lining system which will reduce sand contamination during rain events. This type of renovation was performed on the green side bunkers of holes #1 and #4. This phase is explained in greater detail in the bunkers label.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-62126046248070763102017-02-22T21:50:00.001-05:002017-09-19T20:58:34.616-04:00Course Update: Winter DebrisDue to the vicissitudes of winter and the rising temperatures the past couple of weeks I have been able to spend a lot of time on the course. As of right now, the playing surfaces look really good. There is a lot of debris, most of which is due to ongoing winter weather; the result: our efforts, right now, will be directed to picking up the winter debris.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees removed on 10 to provide better playing surfaces</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downed cottonwoods behind 12 green</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dormant bentgrass in 12 fairway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dormant bent with some poa greening up</td></tr>
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-3579544647163121392016-06-22T23:19:00.001-04:002017-09-19T21:06:40.834-04:00Driving Range Tee & Golf Course Update.The maintenance staff has added 3 irrigation heads to the driving range which will cover the tee expansion and the sloped grass area around the driving range tee. We have removed the cart path and the tee expansion will provide over 4,500 square feet of teeing space. We have also decided to hydro-seed the slope that surrounds the tee expansion. Hydro-seeding is done with a machine that spreads seed, fertilizer and mulch to the selected area. The soil along the slope is loose in the top inch or so (sandy) and hydro-seeding is the most effective way to successfully plant grass seed in this type of soil. The mulch that goes in the hydro seeding mix retains moisture (during and after the germination of the seed). We have also, in keeping with current conservation practices, stockpiled aeration plugs that have been decomposing for a couple of seasons; these will provide the base for the teeing surface itself. We will be seeding the teeing surface with creeping Bentgrass. We hope to have the expansion done by the end of next week. It will take several weeks to have this area open, but it will be a great addition to the existing range tee.<br />
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If you have played golf in the past two weeks, then you may have noticed the tiny holes in the greens. These holes are caused by small tines on our aerator (referred to as needle tines or venting tines). This type of aeration provides oxygen and nutrients to the root zone during the season with minimal disruption. This process also allows for some compaction relief and helps the breakdown of unwanted organic matter. In conjunction with our topdressing program, I would like to perform this activity every month; rest assured: it does not disrupt play in anyway, and, once the green is mowed or rolled, you can't even tell we did anything.<br />
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Below are some pictures to help explain what we are doing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding irrigation lines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head and swing joint attached to pipe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeing surface being leveled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The size of Creeping bentgrass seed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle tines on greens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting surface after we roll</td></tr>
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-87185216370285705512016-06-05T14:02:00.000-04:002017-09-19T21:20:06.108-04:00Course Update<br />
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Every spring a flush of growth in turf occurs; it is evident in all the seeds the bluegrass produces this time of year. This abundant growth is triggered by rising soil temperatures. We are not trying to raise handicaps, nor are we neglecting the roughs: the grass just grows really fast this time of year and it's a fool's errand trying to keep up with it! Certain areas of the golf course; i.e., greens, tees and fairways are treated with growth regulators via routine sprays, but it's not feasible to apply them to the rough.<br />
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On a happier and more conservatory note: snapping turtles begin to move around the first week of June to lay their eggs. They like to lay eggs in easy digging soils, such as bunkers and the like. These minor dinosaurs can actually get quite large, and they can inflict painful and damaging bites. For your safety, and the safety of these impressive turtles, we advise that it is best to leave them alone.<br />
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We finally got the drainage and the sod liner installed in the bunker to the left of #1 green. Please do not hit golf shots from inside the bunker. For the sod liner to work, the sod needs to stay in place because divots can lead to the liner failing in the divot area. These areas are marked "ground under repair," so please remove your ball and take (stroke free) drop outside of the bunkers. The sand will be added once the sod knits together and forms a solid barrier. For more information please follow this link<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_346712596"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.metamoragolf.blogspot.com/2015/11/step-by-step-of-bunker-renovation.html">http://www.metamoragolf.blogspot.com/2015/11/step-by-step-of-bunker-renovation.html</a><br />
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In the coming days, we will be adding the irrigation to the driving range tee expansion. We will need to add almost 200 feet of irrigation line, 3 full circle irrigation heads, and enough wire to get us to the controller in the back the driving range. Your patience, as always, is appreciated.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-41889639367792067612016-05-17T21:00:00.002-04:002017-09-19T21:36:42.599-04:00Golf Course Update & Sighs from a Golfing HeartIf we could ever get some consistent weather more of you could enjoy this exquisite property as much the rest of the staff normally do; to that end, we've been busy getting the course into summer shape. Besides our daily mowing activities, we have sprayed herbicides for broad leaf weeds and edged the distance markers. The flower beds are also getting weeded and mulched; we plan on finishing the bunker on #1, and adding sand to the renovated bunkers within the coming weeks. Also, the drainage is getting a much needed update in order to improve playability in some areas. On top of all this, our equipment manager has been busy putting new lights on some of the equipment. Below are a few pictures for your enjoyment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower bed at #13 tee turn around</td></tr>
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Flower bed behind #13 ladies tee</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#14 fairway looking back toward tees</td></tr>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from #10 white tee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle eye LED light bulbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LED lights mounted to greens roller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of #18 fairway </td></tr>
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-60253185200670492972016-05-08T09:25:00.002-04:002017-09-19T22:27:45.503-04:00Check Plot on the 15th Putting GreenGolf course superintendent's have to treat all areas of the golf course in order to provide the best possible playing conditions. These treatments consist of fertilizers, pesticides, and wetting agents. With certain products it is a good idea to create what is known as a "check plot." Check plots can give you an idea of how well products are working. The pictures (below) show a check plot I have created on our 15th putting green. I created this particular check plot by laying down a piece of plywood in the same place every time the green is treated which then allows one can recognize how the treatments are faring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 29th notice how green everything was coming out of winter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 14th notice how yellow everything looked after frost and cold weather</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 17th starting to see effect of first fertility application</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 27th spraying second fertility spray</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Effects of second fertility spray April 30th</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After third fertility spray on May 5th</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look at the check plot, photo taken on May 7th</td></tr>
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-50914093835273593432016-04-26T21:48:00.000-04:002017-09-19T22:53:38.078-04:00Metmora's Irrigation System & Spring's RestartEvery Spring we "restart" the irrigation system at Metamora Golf and Country Club. I say restart with an ironic nod to the inherently seasonal cycles of golf course maintenance. Unlike the Autumnal months, when we remove the water with a large air compressor, the Spring requires us to fill the entire system. It typically takes us a day to do this and get the lines under operative pressure; however, because the Spring's seasonal soils are soft, and the residual effects of the harsh shifting soils of winter unpredictable and indifferent, if you rush the start up, then the pipe fittings and heads can move and leaks can easily result. Afterwards, if all goes well, several days are spent removing air and testing the irrigation satellites and sprinkler heads. Another thing I like to do is inspect the isolation valves which allow us to shut off water to certain areas of the golf course. Doing so allows us to make repairs without shutting down the entire system. We also use the early days of Spring to insure that we are stocked with the proper repair parts in case unforeseen leaks, or other problems in the irrigation system, arise. Below are several pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVl1FSfy6X4/VyAWvMvmS6I/AAAAAAAABCE/W5r8W64A1ZghtHOAhFWHHqGE31TpRp2WACLcB/s1600/Leaking%2Bexpansion%2Bcoupler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVl1FSfy6X4/VyAWvMvmS6I/AAAAAAAABCE/W5r8W64A1ZghtHOAhFWHHqGE31TpRp2WACLcB/s200/Leaking%2Bexpansion%2Bcoupler.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leak from late last fall being dug for repair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isolation valve top being cleaned</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valve boxes leveled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkler heads on #13 being tested</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broken valve box removed<br />
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New valve box instillation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irrigation parts inventory</td></tr>
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-30585279344132259112016-03-28T21:44:00.001-04:002017-09-19T23:22:52.007-04:00The Stress of Collars & Scalping Like all of our increasing waistlines and the belt holes constantly under strain, a green's collars are an area that can sometimes lose their size and shape. Hence, we are reclaiming Metamora's GC collars' uniformity and proverbial "weight" by narrowing their width to 22 inches. If only our own girth could be reclaimed so easily! The new collar's size will be consistent for each green with the exception of the nursery green. The nursery green will be left a bit wider in case it needs to <i>grow</i>, or to use a more disturbing verb, in case, we need to <i>harvest </i>and relocate a portion of it in the future. Jonathan Swift was actually a golfer I am told. Anyway, in order to narrow the collar and further the disturbing verbiage of G C upkeep, we've scalped parts of the old collar a little at a time (should we lament or praise the warrior Scots for these idioms?). I digress... Spring and Fall are the best times to do this. I prefer Spring because there is usually plenty of moisture for the grass & plants and the heat stress in Michigan is (usually) not a factor. In the pictures below you can see the width of the new collars.<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-10169821603753914802016-03-08T19:41:00.005-05:002017-09-19T23:34:33.387-04:00Golf Course Opening this WeekendThe golf course will open this weekend for play. Please, confine your "play" as much as possible to the cart paths only. Rain and warmer temperatures tomorrow should melt the remaining snow, but, as you can imagine, it will be wet! Please refrain from hitting shots from newly sodded bunkers. Sod was laid late last fall and has barely began to root. This time of year grass isn't growing; therefore, as yet, it will not be able to handle foot traffic within and around the bunkers. Please: tread carefully. We are fortunate to be able to play golf this early in the season, but please, respect the course and the cart path only rule. We will see you out on the course soon!<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-12621782989497042082016-02-04T17:32:00.003-05:002017-09-19T23:44:47.425-04:00Golf Course Winter Update So far we have had a mild winter, and, if Punxsutawney Phil's prediction is right, we are in for an early spring.<br />
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In the fall Golf Course Superintendent's prepare their courses for the winter months. Various activities are performed like aeration, fertilization, topdressing and preventative fungicide applications. At Metamora, all of these activities are performed, but we also raise our mowing heights on greens and mow everything less as we head into winter. This is done to insure that plants can produce and store as many carbohydrates as possible.<br />
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I have had several opportunities throughout the winter to inspect turf conditions and I don't have any major concerns. There were a couple of instances where ice had formed on the putting and fairway surfaces, but it wasn't there long enough to cause any harm. When ice forms a proverbial clock starts, and we keep track of this time while the turf is under ice. Interestingly enough, this winter that clock has restarted a couple of times (including now0. For more information on ice damage view the past posts under the winter labels. I have included several photos (below) of what I have discovered while inspecting the course thus far. Everything, so far, is positive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice sheet formed on green</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow removed to reveal no ice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice sheet melting creating porous ice</td></tr>
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As I've mentioned above, ice did form (as seen in the photo at left), but through melt, this ice sheet has turned into a porous, breathable sheet (as seen in middle picture). In the third photo: more snow fell, but, after removing it, no new ice has formed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposed green and no problems</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renovated bunkers are draining well</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No signs of snow molds</td></tr>
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These photos should help explain what I have seen so far this winter and why I believe any significant problems have occurred. The extended forecast is promising with a few cold days followed by warmer ones. I feel the threat of ice damage is behind us, but a threat to Annual Bluegrass (<i>Poa annua) </i>can still occur in the form of Crown Hydration. This typically occurs late winter or early spring; however, if these weather patterns and temperatures stay consistent it will not be a threat.<br />
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Thanks for reading and please check back in the coming weeks for further updates. We anticipate seeing you on the golf course soon.</div>
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-74073804803109829922016-01-21T10:59:00.000-05:002016-02-04T19:13:48.569-05:00Michigan Turfgrass Foundation's Annual Turfgrass ConferenceThe Michigan Turf Foundation's Annual Conference was held on the campus of Michigan State University January 5th through January 7th. I had the opportunity to join hundreds of turgrass professionals and listen to speakers discuss strategies on renovations, tree management, bentgrass promotion, pest control and many other great topics. These types of conferences are very beneficial to our clubs and their golf course superintendents. It's always nice to converse with fellow superintendents and share ideas on making our golf courses better through our experiences. I would like to thank Metamora for allowing me to go to this conference every year, it is definitely worth it.Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-79170263436098114922015-12-24T10:54:00.001-05:002016-02-06T11:54:37.779-05:00Practice green drainageWith the outstanding December weather thus far, we have added some drainage to the practice putting green. Every spring and during heavy rain events the practice putting green collects water. Eventually it will drain, but it doesn't drain fast enough. We added a drain line to expedite the drainage process. Below are a few photos of the project.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path marked for drainage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sod removed from green and rough</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drain line added and buried</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U95dQUXDO5A/VnwPihsw56I/AAAAAAAAA4M/wBMZaMaIlL8/s1600/Practice%2Bgreen%2Bdrain3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U95dQUXDO5A/VnwPihsw56I/AAAAAAAAA4M/wBMZaMaIlL8/s200/Practice%2Bgreen%2Bdrain3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sod installed and project completed</td></tr>
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Happy Holidays from Metamora Golf and Country Club's maintenance department.</div>
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-84546531491005332015-11-13T07:47:00.002-05:002017-03-19T11:16:09.119-04:00Metamora's bunker renovation step by step.I mentioned in the previous post what the bunker renovation process entails. In this post I will explain in greater detail the entire process. Below is a step by step list of what goes into Metamora's bunker renovation with pictures for you to enjoy.<br />
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The first step is to remove the old sand and few feet of turf that surrounds the bunker. The turf removed from the perimeter helps us define the size and shape of the bunkers. As bunkers age they typically get smaller, in our case some of the bunkers are close to 25 years old.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old sand and grass being removed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sand piled up for removal<br />
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The next step is to remove the old drain tile and bedding material like pea stone or gravel. Once that is completed, the bunker floor is re-graded.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old drain system being removed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bunker floor being re-graded</td></tr>
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During the re-grading process sometimes you find surprises.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWBlDp64bdg/VkQMNutnIiI/AAAAAAAAA1U/W6IvwUANA4o/s1600/Rock%2Bdiscovered%2Breworking%2Bbunker%2Bfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWBlDp64bdg/VkQMNutnIiI/AAAAAAAAA1U/W6IvwUANA4o/s200/Rock%2Bdiscovered%2Breworking%2Bbunker%2Bfloor.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge rock right under the surface</td></tr>
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The third step is creating the new shape and style. As mentioned bunkers shrink over time due to sand build up. When smaller bunkers are preferred, but there is a sand build up that you don't want to or can't remove, burlap bags filled with topsoil make a great alternative. These bags can be stacked and molded. Using sand as a wall is not a good choice as it doesn't create a firm foundation to keep sand inside the bunker and doesn't hold up well to traffic from golfers and especially mowing equipment. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR6nZ9SQ3a8/VkQOTs7qtOI/AAAAAAAAA1k/MGkdKDvb-_Y/s1600/Sand%2Bbuild-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR6nZ9SQ3a8/VkQOTs7qtOI/AAAAAAAAA1k/MGkdKDvb-_Y/s200/Sand%2Bbuild-up.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand build up in front of bunker</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vuyKDmmA7Q/VkUR4TrHJfI/AAAAAAAAA2E/6zo0yOB5EP0/s1600/Burlap%2Bbags%2Bfilled%2Bwith%2Btopsoil%2Bbeing%2Binstalled%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vuyKDmmA7Q/VkUR4TrHJfI/AAAAAAAAA2E/6zo0yOB5EP0/s200/Burlap%2Bbags%2Bfilled%2Bwith%2Btopsoil%2Bbeing%2Binstalled%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burlap bags filled with screened topsoil </td></tr>
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Once the bunker floor is graded, new drain lines are dug. Every bunker may have different drainage patterns. This depends on the size and shape of the bunker. In many cases new exit drain lines have to be installed. This is due to the new drainage system being installed much deeper than the original system. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQjOdIFVqeE/VkUSY8vmB4I/AAAAAAAAA2M/q6S7BOYCSsU/s1600/Drainage%2Bpattern%2Bof%2Bright%2Bgreen%2Bside%2Bbunker%2Bon%2B%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQjOdIFVqeE/VkUSY8vmB4I/AAAAAAAAA2M/q6S7BOYCSsU/s200/Drainage%2Bpattern%2Bof%2Bright%2Bgreen%2Bside%2Bbunker%2Bon%2B%25234.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New drain line trenches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIC4FbGo5Zc/VkUT2NBC4RI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/0d63zDsmPVU/s1600/drain%2Blines%2Bdug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIC4FbGo5Zc/VkUT2NBC4RI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/0d63zDsmPVU/s200/drain%2Blines%2Bdug.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drain line trenches</td></tr>
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Once the dirt from the drainage trenches is raked out or picked up, instillation of the new drainage system is installed. The new system, I am very excited about. This drain tile is spiral corrugated inside and out, fitting screw on and this pipe is bedded in sand. This system has been very easy to install and given how much rain we have received so far this fall it is working great. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AchOfUPw8o/VkXS50Y--tI/AAAAAAAAA2w/m_LPSeQfgI8/s1600/INBOX12698cd17b2306ac9a8edcf7bc758ba2b2618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AchOfUPw8o/VkXS50Y--tI/AAAAAAAAA2w/m_LPSeQfgI8/s200/INBOX12698cd17b2306ac9a8edcf7bc758ba2b2618.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS Turf flow fine perforated drain tile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj_yDP1pNQM/VkXTCJR_XpI/AAAAAAAAA24/OZpe3sB1dGU/s1600/Drain%2Btile%2Bbeing%2Bbedded%2Bin%2Bsand%2Bwell%2Bbelow%2Bbunker%2Bfloor%2Bon%2B%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj_yDP1pNQM/VkXTCJR_XpI/AAAAAAAAA24/OZpe3sB1dGU/s200/Drain%2Btile%2Bbeing%2Bbedded%2Bin%2Bsand%2Bwell%2Bbelow%2Bbunker%2Bfloor%2Bon%2B%25231.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drain tile getting back filled with sand</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-4TXDXRK8w/VkXTHincGxI/AAAAAAAAA3A/6GYrEURKZ5E/s1600/Bedding%2Bdrain%2Btile%2Bin%2Bsand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-4TXDXRK8w/VkXTHincGxI/AAAAAAAAA3A/6GYrEURKZ5E/s200/Bedding%2Bdrain%2Btile%2Bin%2Bsand.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look at tile being bedded in sand</td></tr>
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After the drain system is installed and trenches are back filled with sand to the bunker floor, we begin laying down sod. The sod inside the bunker is being used as a liner. This grass will be killed with round-up and new bunker sand will be installed on top of it. The sod's organic matter or thatch is what is used inside the bunker. The thatch which is composed of cellulose and lignin becomes a barrier between the native soil and the new bunker sand. The cellulose portion of thatch will decompose where the lignin portion will stay around for a long time. I have talked with several people that have used this method and they all feel it has worked well for them.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5PkmoRFss6g/VkXWAft0C2I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ai48S25lRk8/s1600/Finished%2Bbunker%2Bwith%2Bsod%2Bliner%2Bon%2B%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5PkmoRFss6g/VkXWAft0C2I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ai48S25lRk8/s200/Finished%2Bbunker%2Bwith%2Bsod%2Bliner%2Bon%2B%25231.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished bunker with drain lines exposed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LSm9Tq9PDk/VkXWA6yaNZI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qEMJGhUf2dM/s1600/Finished%2Bbunker%2Bwith%2Bsod%2Bliner%2Bon%2B%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LSm9Tq9PDk/VkXWA6yaNZI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qEMJGhUf2dM/s200/Finished%2Bbunker%2Bwith%2Bsod%2Bliner%2Bon%2B%25234.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished bunker</td></tr>
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The last step in the renovation process is obviously the addition of the bunker sand. <br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-80831437846051053332015-11-01T19:46:00.002-05:002016-02-06T19:38:42.147-05:00The Bunker RenovationOur bunker renovation has started and we are all excited to see this happening. Renovating bunkers is a lot of work, but well worth the effort. <br />
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I get asked a lot of questions regarding our bunkers. Here are some answers to some of the questions.<br />
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<strong>Why don't you just add more sand?</strong> The current sand is contaminated with silt and gravel. Silt is the biggest reason the bunkers don't drain well. Adding new sand wouldn't do a lot in this case because proper drainage is our biggest concern.<br />
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<strong>Can you just take the old sand out and put in new?</strong> Unfortunately the silt has worked its way down to the drain tile and has clogged up the perforations in the tile. In some cases socked drain tile was used and the sock is clogged up with silt. The existing tile was also shallow has been nicked with the bunker machine and silted sand has entered the tile.<br />
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<strong>What does the bunker renovation entail? </strong>Our bunkers are getting completely overhauled. As mentioned before the old sand is removed. We also strip about 3-4 feet of grass around the bunker, this helps define the original size and shape. This grass will be discarded because it's inconsistent and replaced with new sod. The old drainage system is removed and also discarded. After altering the shape, the sub floor is re-worked to create a floor that is flat, free of rocks and slopes slightly to future drain lines. The next step and the most important step is a new drainage system is installed. Adequate drainage on the entire golf course is important, but in bunkers it's critical. As we replace the grass that was removed around the edge with sod, we will also be lining the entire bunker with sod. I have talked with several people that have done this and it's inexpensive and very effective.<br />
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<strong>The New Drainage system</strong><br />
The new drainage system is unique, the pipe size is smaller than the old system but more drain tile is added. There are several things I like about this drain tile. The holes are a lot smaller than the old conventional drain tile. Unlike the old perforated tile that was back filled with pea stone, this particular tile is actually back filled with sand and is installed deeper than the old system. I really like this because it eliminates the risk of pea stone contaminating the sand. Another benefit of this type of system is the sand can easily be removed and replaced if needed and the tile itself is much easier to work on. The new drain tile has spiral corrugations inside and out and fittings screw on snug to keep sand out. Also with a spiral interior water flows through it faster which is very important in bunker drainage.<br />
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The video link below will help explain why a bunker renovation is necessary<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ZzffW2fbk&list=PLnU5qUEfww3cOAU8iTQTUpF5S4UqhXJka&index=56">USGA Bunker Video</a><br />
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-71355226745543954722015-10-25T20:17:00.001-04:002015-10-25T20:19:10.773-04:00A very busy few weeksOver the last couple of weeks the maintenance staff has been extremely busy. We have aerated all the greens and fairways. The greens are now back to normal and a couple more fairways have some healing, but they were just finished late last week. The greens height of cut is also being raised. This is critical for carbohydrate production and storage. The last couple of winters have been pretty harsh on grass and carbohydrate production and storage is essential for cold winter survival.<br />
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If you have played in the last couple of weeks you probably have noticed we are starting our bunker renovation. So far we have removed the sand out of four bunkers and are defining their new shape and have started adding new drainage. The bunkers that are currently being renovated are the two at #1 green and the two at #4 green. We chose these bunkers, because they are the worse to drain during rain events and receive the most play during our peak time. After these are completed we will continue in the spring with several more. <br />
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I haven't been posting on here a lot lately, but I will have much more to add regarding the bunkers very soon, so please check back in the coming days.<br />
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<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-47534860155612799872015-09-03T05:00:00.000-04:002016-03-31T16:53:45.470-04:00Assistant Superintendent Christopher Bertrand<br />
<a href="https://mail2.charter.net/index.php/inbox/attachment/filenameOriginal/betrand.png/filenamefs/INBOX11462e7a099650395b54c082be36b858fef2d" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail2.charter.net/index.php/inbox/attachment/filenameOriginal/betrand.png/filenamefs/INBOX11462e7a099650395b54c082be36b858fef2d" width="121" /></a>Our Assistant Golf Course Superintendent Christopher Bertrand has accepted a position with Vargo Golf group. I have had the opportunity to work along side Chris for over 7 years. Chris started out as a general member of my crew at Copper Hills Golf and Country Club. Chris showed great interest and passion for the turf industry. When an assistant's position became available he was promoted. When I came to Metamora in the spring of 2011, I wanted Chris to join me. Chris now has an opportunity to join a company that manages several golf courses. Chris has done an excellent job for us and was a big part of the changes that were made to improve Metamora. I am very, very proud of Chris and wish him luck in his new position.<br />
<br />Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8820288710506780020.post-89581526076754998882015-08-23T22:44:00.002-04:002016-02-10T19:50:03.052-05:00Course update!<strong>Course Update.</strong><br />
As we head into the last week or so of August I felt that a course update was in order. The weather has been relatively good this season and course conditions have been great. We have been doing tree work to improve air circulation around the 10th, 12th and 15th green. We will be doing some more work soon around the gold tee on hole number 5. As mentioned before, sunlight and air flow are very important. Sometimes the benefits of this type of work aren't seen right away, but the turf grass plants get healthier and stronger with time. A good example of this is the first two greens. These greens and their surrounds used to be very problematic and would require a lot of extra care, and would play differently than some of the rest of the greens. In time, they have become as healthy as some of the others, and require no extra care because of tree removal and pruning.<br />
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<strong>How is the bentgrass promotion going?</strong><br />
Promoting bentgrass is a never ending practice. Some people think Annual Bluegrass or Poa annua will out compete the Creeping Bentgrass over time. You will never hear me say that! Creeping bentgrass requires different management practices than annual bluegrass. With our efforts we are seeing the Creeping bentgrass out compete the annual bluegrass. The use, and timing of growth regulators and fertility practices, are benefiting the bentgrass more so than the annual bluegrass. Below are some pictures that may help explain this.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkoGX7-hIk0/Vdp_BOOXOmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/FsDlLwt-jOQ/s1600/Bentgrass%2Btaking%2Bover%2Bweakened%2Bpoa%2Bannua%2B8-23-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkoGX7-hIk0/Vdp_BOOXOmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/FsDlLwt-jOQ/s200/Bentgrass%2Btaking%2Bover%2Bweakened%2Bpoa%2Bannua%2B8-23-15.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bentgrass out competing the Annual Bluegrass</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u61Olo-NRuc/Vdp-0laZzaI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PT9os8Kw72I/s1600/Creeping%2Bbentgrass%2Band%2Bannual%2Bbluegrass%2B8-23-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u61Olo-NRuc/Vdp-0laZzaI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PT9os8Kw72I/s200/Creeping%2Bbentgrass%2Band%2Bannual%2Bbluegrass%2B8-23-15.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greener bentgrass out competing the weaker Annual bluegrass</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU6LXvPAWEQ/Vdp_kWdA_uI/AAAAAAAAAzo/zCfYI6kUoa0/s1600/Fwy%2BBentgrass%2Bcreeping%2Bover%2Bweakened%2Bannual%2Bbluegrass%2B8-23-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU6LXvPAWEQ/Vdp_kWdA_uI/AAAAAAAAAzo/zCfYI6kUoa0/s200/Fwy%2BBentgrass%2Bcreeping%2Bover%2Bweakened%2Bannual%2Bbluegrass%2B8-23-15.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairway Bentgrass creeping over weakened Annual Bluegrass </td></tr>
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<strong>Harry</strong><br />
Our male labradoodle that we got at the beginning of summer is doing very well and is anticipating the days when he can start going to work. This week he is getting his rabies vaccination and will be ready to chase geese in a couple of weeks. Below is a picture of him.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBDoADQBc7c/Vdp-3QJ4OsI/AAAAAAAAAzc/2l3EIZNVM5w/s1600/Hairy%2Bready%2Bto%2Bcome%2Bto%2Bwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBDoADQBc7c/Vdp-3QJ4OsI/AAAAAAAAAzc/2l3EIZNVM5w/s200/Hairy%2Bready%2Bto%2Bcome%2Bto%2Bwork.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready for the golf course!</td></tr>
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Andrew Daltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169096228710177567noreply@blogger.com