Getting Water

So we have water, however it took about 30 minutes until we received our first breaks. Yes, breaks, Landscapes will need to repair an area they got into on 18 and there is another break in front of 12 tee box. So once we have them repaired we'll be able to turn the system on again. We were able to get the system to a whopping 13 psi yesterday and sending approximately 220 gpm. When completely pressurized the new system will come to 120 psi and have the capability to pump 3000 gpm. So if you do the math, you can now understand how fragile our old system is and why we are replacing it. Just a reminder, we will be using our old system until the new one is in place. We should be able to abandon areas of the old system beginning in mid-June.
The staff has done a fabulous job getting the course into shape for the season. On Friday we will be opening 10 holes 1,9-14, 16-18 until further notice. We had some significant winter damage on the 15th, 16th and 17th greens. We will be closing the par 3, 15th until the turf rebounds. 16 and 17 will have temporary greens until they are healthy as well.
We have aerified, sand topdressed, seeded, fertilized and covered them to increase soil temperatures. We have noticed significant growth over the last two weeks.

Drainage

Here is a trench coming down the 3rd tee box into the 2nd approach. The drain will continue across the hole and pick up surface water between the 2nd and 8th hole. The drain will daylight in the rough on the 8th hole, heading back towards the tee on 8.

3/10ths of an inch

Some good moisture yesterday on the golf course. After an electrical inspection today we should be ready to pump water. Mark Sandmeyer and his staff from Freedom Pump have been working diligently getting them ready for operation. Jose and his crew will be finalizing the pipe connections today to send water to the course.

Thoughts and Prayers

If you have been paying attention to #3, our architect is Kevin Atkinson of Phelps-Atkinson Design in Evergreen, CO. You can learn more about him by going to the firms web site located in the links section on the right side of the page. Since October, he has been very committed to Vail Golf Club, developing a Master Plan and working to solve design issues on the course. Beyond all of this, he is the brother to John Atkinson. Some of you may have heard of him, for he has been quite an inspiration. In March of 2007, John was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and he was not a smoker. The life expectancy of stage 4 is eight months. John has been recognized for his courage and perseverance fighting this terrible disease by many media outlets.  Last year, John, an 8 handicap, was the winner of the 2008 US Open Challenge and played a round of golf with Justin Timberlake, Matt Lauer and Tony Romo at Torrey Pines. 

John is now in serious condition and in intensive care at home in Omaha, NE. Click here to read more about John and his journey with cancer. From everyone here in Vail, are thoughts and prayers are with the Atkinson family.

Thanks Mom!

I woke this morning on Mother's Day to see rain, clouds and fog. At first I was disappointed because I was looking forward to enjoying the sun with the family, however it was moisture and we can never really complain about that. Monday will be the first day of starting the new pumps to begin irrigating for the year. So a big thank you to Mom Nature and well, of course all of the mothers out there. 

Spring

Spring is definitely here, not only are the daffodils in bloom but the wind won't stop. Fortunately temperatures haven't been too high to force dessication damage on grass and other plants, but we are getting close. Spring in the Rockies can produce almost any kind of weather.

Connecting to the old Main

This picture shows a connection coming from the new mainline, (black pipe) feeding our old mainline (white pipe). When the project is complete, to abandon our old system we will close that valve and remove the block on top of the valve to prevent anyone from opening it up in the future.

The second valve on the right will feed the 17th hole. Go to the picture bar to find other pictures of mainline install, boring, course maintenance and #3.