There was quite a lot of debris on some following another couple of windy days, this all hand to be hand blown before cutting. The bunkers were also blown clean and raked to help dry them out.
This week we have eventually started on winter projects, the ground still wet but just ok to start the change around the carpark/practice ground. On my last post I put the initial stages of the alterations, this is where we are up to now.
The shrubs removed and replanted on the corner of the practice ground, the entrance way shaped and stoned and now accessible for golfers. The new security fence will hopefully be erected next week.
The 19th path has been finished, the remainder scraped off and re-stoned, we have also extended the path for access to the practice ground from around the shop. Due to snow and freezing conditions this hasnt quite been finished.
We have also started tidying the range path up, again scraping off and restoning where needed.
We have then made a start on the path leading from the 19th green to the current 20th tee. Although this path wont be used by golfers as the main access point to the new 20th tee it will still be used for our access and for use during winter to the 20th winter tee. Other paths are planned but we hope to make a start on the 20th green surround alterations next week.
The flood water is still rising on our side of the defenses, it is slowly falling on the other side which is helping our situation. Hopefully next week after a number of dry days the floodgate can be opened to let off some of the flood water on our side and we can assess the damage it has caused.
This morning we were greeted by the first snow of this winter, only a scattering but a lot of ice from snow melt and the previous days rain. These conditions are the worst for turf damage as the surface may seem dry due to the frozen ground, however as there is slight thaw through the day there is a sheering effect which causes permanent damage to the grass. Beneath the surface and ice the ground is still very wet, but is slowly drying again. We did get 1-9 holes back open on wednesday, disappointing and frustrating to take a step back once more with the recent rainfall and snow.
Other problems the weather causes us that golfers probably wont realise is ball collection on the range can be significantly hampered by freezing and wet conditions. The range balls get collected every week, so around 8000 balls a week are picked up by machine and washed, before they are returned to the dispenser. When the range outfield is very wet mud sticks to the balls clogging the washing machine and like this morning frozen mud and water on the balls makes it impossible to put them through the machine. In these circumstances we try our best to keep the machine topped up for golfers to use, so we have to bring them back to the shed to thaw in a warm workshop before returning them to the range.
In the workshop service is going well, the surrounds mower complete, we are cracking on with the semi rough mower. On these machines all oils are changed periodically, sharpened, air cleaners cleaned/ replaced, machine thoroughly cleaned and checked for faults and damage, tyre pressure checked and fully greased. This takes time but we have well trained staff to deal with the demands of maintenance.
