Course Update 2.5.16

I apologize for the extra long lapse in blog updates. I will return to monthly updates beginning immediately. We have had a busy last couple of months - Check out the photos and information below to see a few of the items that we have been working on:

#1 Green: We finally opened #1 Green for play the day before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately the rains continued and by that Saturday we were back under water. The flooding did not cause major damage, but did set us back in terms of improving putting quality. We have now been open for more than two months and the grass is handling traffic well. As spring approaches we will adjust our cultural practices and be able to get this green putting as well as the rest of the greens.

#1 Green on 2.5.16

Driving Range Update: In 2015, RCC completed several improvements to the driving range practice tees. All of the tees were resurfaced, enlarged, and planted to an improved variety of bermudagrass (Celebration) that recovers quickly from divots. However, our teeing areas are still relatively small compared to the amount of use they receive. You can help keep the grass looking good by minimizing the amount surface area damaged by divots. Check out the image below for a quick and simple tip that can make a big difference.

Proper divot patterns will help keep the grass looking good.
Photo credit: http://www.golfledger.com

In other driving range news, we have been busy improving drainage and are currently in the process of renovating the driving range bunkers. They will match the look of the bunkers on the course, and help with maintenance practices such as mowing and collecting range balls.

Jack Johnson of Johnson Golf Services works with our crew to reshape the bunkers on the range.

Irrigation Work: Our crew has remained busy working to improve our irrigation system. One of our main goals this winter is to complete leveling of the green-side sprinkler heads. Completing this labor intensive task will increase irrigation efficiency while improving play-ability around the greens. We will replace the turf around the sprinklers within the next month.

Many of our green side sprinkler heads are more than six inches below grade.

The crew working to "level the heads" around 13 green. 

Ruby and Roxy check out the finished product.

We are also fixing several leaks as the soils have gone from saturated to dry again. Irrigation technicians - Jacob Nava and Jaime Guerra have done a great job.

Jacob and Jaime repair a valve near 11 green. 

Safety Training and Compliance: One of our biggest goals for 2016 is to provide a structured safety training program for our golf course maintenance staff. Our program will help reduce work related injuries and ensure compliance with OSHA and other government agencies. We have a spend a considerable amount of time working to update all of our records and inventory to reflect the changes in the Globally Harmonized System. We printed, filed, and organized more than 800 pages of Safety Data Sheets. In addition, we have started requiring all employees to watch a series of safety training videos that specifically focus on golf course maintenance. The videos cover such topics as "chainsaw safety", "eye protection", "safe mower operation", and more. For information visit www.mccordgolf.com.

Our new time clock area has all required signage and provides employees with access to Safety Data Sheets. 

The crew takes advantage of a cold morning to watch a training video on working around hazard chemicals.

Course Accessories: Every year we spend time refurbishing and replacing many of our course accessories. Items such as tee markers, yardage plates, cups, and more are brought to the shop for cleaning and painting. We are currently working on a plan to replace all of the ball washer on the course.

Several crew members painting tee markers in January.

Tree Work: We removed several damaged trees over the last couple of months. Many of these trees presented safety and liability concerns. Each year we contract with Ted Crews (Crews Service Company) to grind any stumps resulting from tree removals. This year he completed 28 stump removals for RCC.

This Cedar Elm located to the right of 15 tee box was almost completely rotten in the center - posing a major safety concern.

Ted removing a large Arizona Ash stump near #7 fairway. Photo by Duane Kemp.

Winter Sod Work: We decided to repair the damaged areas on #6 and #9 Greens by using sod taken from the chipping green. Typically, we use our nursery greens to complete this task, however the flooding in 2015 caused our nurseries to be unusable. By early summer we hope to have our nurseries back in great shape.

Joe Nava and Sergio Zapata work on #6 Green.

The crew removed the sod from the location of the new fire pit prior to construction. This sod was transplanted to the front of the clubhouse.

On the Horizon: Several areas of the course on are in need of repairs in 2016. We are currently planning for repairs to the wall near #7 green, erosion and drainage improvements on #9 and #11, repairs to the Marina road, and changes to our irrigation transfer pump.

This conceptual image shows the required changes to our transfer pump in order to be in compliance with new USACE regulations.