Back in the Day

Prior to the golf course being built, the property had two very different uses.  The far side of the wetlands crossing (#2-7, 12 and13) was farmed, and consisted of apple and peach orchards.

The side of the course closest to the Clubhouse was mined for many years.  The upper layers consisted of a well-draining gravel, while below that was a dense clay, used for lining landfills.  Interestingly, the wetlands to the right of #17 and 18 were largely manmade, as this area was mined to a level that it became impractical to keep water out.

The last clay cell to be mined was where the driving range is currently located. 

It took many truckloads of material to fill the range.

Fully Equipped

One of the most important projects that takes place during the winter is the servicing of the golf course maintenance equipment for the upcoming season.  In a few cases, this may simply involve the "Jiffy Lube" treatment, where the machine has its fluids changed and it is greased.  Of course for mowers, their winter will definitely include having the reels ground and bedknives replaced.  However, with other pieces of equipment, the work is closer to a complete overhaul, and may include replacing bearings, seals, gaskets, cables, belts, hoses, bushings, and brakes.

With an equipment inventory of over $1.2 million, we are fortunate to have an experienced and conscientious mechanic, Joseph Ferman, in charge of maintaining the fleet.  His hard work now will have us ready to go when Mother Nature finally decides to drop the green flag this spring. 

Joseph is inspecting the vibratory greens rollers.

The Latest and Greatest

This week, the annual Golf Industry Show took place in Orlando.  The conference agenda includes seminars and presentations from the country's top turf researchers, along with a trade show where the newest mowers, gadgets and gizmos for turf maintenance are on display.

While a good bit of exhibitor space is taken up by the big guys (Toro, John Deere, and Jacobsen), there are also hundreds of other smaller vendors who often have new and unique products. 

 Need a storage shed or bathroom on the course, but want it to blend in to the surroundings?  One of these faux stump structures might be just what you're looking for.   This picture demonstrates that there are few limits to what folks will come up with for use on a golf course.