Sod Day

A crew from Emerald Sod Farm near Denver was here early on Saturday morning to get sod down in various places of the course. Finally we can begin putting these projects behind us and get on with the golf season.
Pictured here are large rolls of sod being rolled out along 11 cart path. Areas that were sodded were around 11 bridge, 17 bridge, the lightning shelter near 11 green and the 7th tee surface.
Prior to sod, all areas received an application of starter fertilizer which supplies nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the root zone for adequate uptake and quick recovery. Also, we apply a granular wetting agent (Reservoir) which keeps moisture in the root zone longer than normal.We used this formula during the irrigation install after the mainline was re-sodded and had huge success.

Starting Up

This past week we continued to clear greens 14,7 and 12. As usual, they look good and continue to be very soft. There has been some minor scaring on almost every green from the tractor this spring. It has certainly been an abnormal year with extremely soft conditions under the snow. None of it will cause significant damage. After spring aerification we will have some extra rolling before allowing play.
Also, this week, we have carefully been clearing snow from the #7 tee site as well as getting done with final inspections on the bridges. #11 north abutment had to be excavated again to check the welding plates from the base to the abutment. All is well and now we can focus on timing the concrete portion of the bridges.

This week's weather is looking favorable for melting. This past week we saw part of 11 fairway. Greens 8,9 & 10 will probably melt off by the end of this coming week. If not, we do plan to have all of the greens clear before tax day.
The lightning shelter behind 11 green is scheduled to begin finishing touches this coming week as. It will be nice to cross of projects as soon as possible.

A Great Season

The nordic season comes to a close today. It was a good year. Lots of early snow and the track stayed great through out the year. Now as the days are getting longer and the melting increases areas of the golf course are starting to appear. Over the past few springs, local dust storms in the valley have carried dust to the course have helped increase the melting process by attracting more heat. For getting out on the golf course this can be a good thing, however when dust accelerates snow melt from the peaks, high run-off can happen earlier than normal and become treacherous to creek banks and floodplain areas.

Over the next few days we will be plowing paths and removing signage from the track. Contractors will be on-site next week to start the 7th tee project and finish the lightning shelter near the 11th green. Next we will be cleaning up around the bridges and putting the finishing touches on them as well.

As for the month of March, we nearly matched the snowfall for February with 50 inches. March beat January by 5 inches. We received a total of 2.61 inches of moisture. However, much of that is beginning to melt or evaporate into the atmosphere. The average high temperature for March was 40 degrees and the average low was 16.5 degrees. We received three days in the middle of March of 55 degree days and we bottomed out at 1 degree towards the beginning of the month.

Weather Shelter Update

Today was barely warm enough to continue with framing the new weather shelter on the 11th hole. This shelter is located about 40 steps in the north east direction from the 11th green. It will cover that void in the middle of the course for anyone caught in a storm. It is accessible from holes 11,12,15,16 & 17.

When the framing is complete, only the roof remains. The roof and wood materials mirror the pumphouse building. There are no inside walls on the building, however there are trees and willows to the west of the building to help protect against the prevailing winds. Inside the building will be a circular bench for golfers to sit as they wait out the storm. The wood will be stained the appropriate color and the lightning protection is scheduled to be installed in the springtime.

The Latest on Construction

We are juggling 4 capital projects, while getting the course ready for the winter.

Before I get into the projects, the Coal Bucket Classic is this Sunday at noon. Show up at the first tee. $10 for anyone who would like a chance to write their name on the bucket. We'll play 12 holes and cap it off at the clubhouse restaurant.

The projects are going great and the weather couldn't be better. The greatest challenge for the bridges is the installation of the abutments on the creek edge. There are four total abutments, two for each bridge. We have one abutment for 11 completed, another abutment on 17 is nearing completion.

The 7th tee is rolling along smoothly. There were some slight field changes that needed to be made due to the complexity of this project. This project is scheduled to be completed early December. The biggest improvement for the winter will be a newly relocated snowshoe path along the creek. We will work with the Nature and Nordic Centers to guide walkers and hikers appropriately through this area when the project is complete.

The fourth and final project is a new weather shelter on the 11th hole. Construction has begun and concrete footers are being poured this afternoon. This shelter is located to the left of the 11 green and easy access.

Stay tuned to the site as more pictures continue to be posted throughout the coming weeks. Please click on the slide show to the right side of the blog for each project.