View from behind 12 green

Sandpines had gorgeous weather during the middle of the week. Yesterday, the weather pattern changed to cloudy and wet. The weather forecast for next week looks better. I am continuing to receive frequent compliments on the condition of the golf course, and on the greens in particular. I was able to get out and enjoy the course with my son Dylan recently, and we had a great time. He is 12 years old, and is really starting to enjoy the game.

8 green

This is the first week in quite some time that we did not perform any aeration on the golf course.  It was a nice change to be able to focus on routine golf course maintenance.  We put our new cups and flagsticks out on the course this week. The greens, approaches, and fairways were all fertilized. The greens were spiked and rolled. All the turf areas were mowed at there usual frequency for this time of year.

It has been three weeks since we have been without a mechanic. The entire maintenance staff has been working diligently together to perform service work and repairs on our equipment. Dan Barnum, and Mike Poston have also been helping me out in the shop a couple of evening a week each. In that period, I have put in several days over 12 hours, and many closer to 16 hours. All the long hours and hard work have been paying off, as our equipment is in much better working order than it was three weeks ago. Our search for a new mechanic has yielded some great candidates. Jerry and I feel very good about selection that we have made. Our new mechanic will start July 2nd, and I am really looking forward to getting him on board.

A beautiful morning view of hole 16

The sun has been shining brilliantly the last few days at Sandpines. Yesterday, I had the golf bug pretty bad. Maybe it was because I got a new club (Adam's Idea a12 hybrid, 19 degree), or maybe its because the US Open is going on right now. Either way, I would have loved to play, but I was just to busy to get out (not to mention there was a tournament going on out on the course). I was able to sneak down to the driving range for a few minutes and try out my new toy. When I hit it good, I liked it. When I hit it bad, it didn't work so well. Looks like I better stick to my day job. Don't get the wrong idea about the club. I think that it may have something to do with my rusty swing. I need to get out soon and try it on the course, maybe this afternoon.

11 green

The tee aeration was completed Monday afternoon. Mowing of all turf areas was completed throughout the week. The greens were fertilized. The tall grass around the bunkers was trimmed. Tee markers were edged. Many of the core piles around the course were pushed out, which is still an ongoing process. Multiple interviews for the mechanic position were conducted. If you know anyone interested in the postion, here is a link to the job posting on Craigslist Sandpines Mechanic. We have had some good applicants, and hope to make our decision soon, so get me your resume ASAP if you are interested or know someone who is.

White circle on hole 11?

The tournament that took place yesterday (Eugene Area Radio Stations) requested a circle around the cup on hole 11. I used the same marking chalk that is used to mark the hitting area on the driving range tee. It will last for a week or so, but not nearly as long as regular marking paint. When the hole location is changed today, many people will likely be wondering what the circle in the front of the green is for. If anyone tries to take a drop onto the green from the valley of death left of the green, you can explain that the circle is not a drop zone, but its merely a circle leftover from a tournament.

View from behind 18 green

The weather at Sandpines has been a mixed bag so far this week. We saw everything from brilliant sunshine to heavy rain. We have had almost 2 inches of precipitation for the month already. Thankfully, the forecast is looking much better. I have been receiving a number of compliments about the condition of the the golf course, especially regarding the greens. Now that the weather is getting better again, its a great time to get out and play a round at Sandpines.

Jerry top dressing 15 green

It was another productive week for the maintenance staff. The greens were top dressed and brushed in on Monday. The greens and approaches were fertilized. All turf areas were mowed. Tee aeration was initiated and would have been finished if it were not for a couple of equipment issues. The tees on hole 5 are the only ones left, and will be finished early next week.

Jerry aerating, and Bob harvesting tees on hole 1

Jerry and I are continuing to put our mechanic skills to the test, and we are getting by. In the short term, we have some good mechanics helping us out. Dan Barnum has been helping us in the evenings a couple of days a week. Mike Poston will also be helping us out beginning next week. These guys both have full time jobs, and we really appreciate their assistance. With their help, we can get by for a bit until we find someone that is a good fit for the position. If you know of any good mechanics looking for an opportunity, please send them our way.

Hole cut in 18 fairway for the golf ball drop on 6/2/12

It was another busy week for the golf course maintenance staff. The fairway aeration was completed on Wednesday. The greens, tees, and fairways were fertilized. All turf areas were mowed. Several golf carts were serviced in preparation for tournaments this weekend.

Sandpines hosted a Boys and Girls Club fundraiser tournament yesterday. After the tournament was over, there was a helicopter golf ball drop. Numbered golf balls could be purchased prior to the drop for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Click on the video below to see it for yourself.

We are looking for a golf course mechanic. Prior experience on a golf course is preferred, but not required. Knowledge of gasoline and diesel engines and hydraulics is a must. If you are interested in the position, get in touch with me by using the contact information on the upper right.

14 green

This time last week, we were hand watering localized dry spots on the greens with wetting agent, and had the irrigation system up and running (we actually had a string of 16 consecutive days without measurable precipitation). This week everyone has been keeping there rain gear on or within reach. What a difference a week makes. So far this week, Sandpines has received 1.8 inches of precipitation. Thankfully, the forecast is calling for improved weather starting tomorrow.

Earlier this week we had some heavy rain showers, and there was some puddling on some of the fairways. All the fairways that have been aerated so far this spring had no standing water on them. On the other hand, puddling occurred on all of the fairways which had not yet been aerated. Improved infiltration is one of the many benefits of aeration.

This week we had a few hangups with the fairway aeration. Between equipment issues and poor weather, we were not able to be as productive this week as we were during the past couple of weeks. So far this week, holes 4, 12, and 14 have been completed. If all goes well from this point forward, we should have all the fairway aeration completed by this time next week.

Killdeer eggs

Jerry found the Killdeer eggs pictured above when we was marking some sprinkler heads. The eggs blend into the surrounding area very well and could easily have been stepped on. We were careful not to touch the eggs, but I did want to take the opportunity to get a picture of them to share. The video below was taken just prior to the picture of the eggs. The adult Killdeer in the video was not very happy about our proximity to the nest.

12 green

The weather has been fantastic all week. Today marks the 14th day in a row without precipitation! I am continuing to receive compliments on the condition of the course. It's a great time to get out and enjoy a round of golf at Sandpines.

Jerry aerating 7 fairway

It was a very busy week for the maintenance staff. The fairway aeration continued, and was completed on holes 3, 7, 9, and 13. There are still 6 holes left to aerate. If all goes well, we should have the fairway aeration completed by the end of the month. Mowing of all turf areas and golf course setup was also completed as usual. Hand watering on greens also became necessary for the first time this year. One of the three main check valves within the irrigation pump station malfunctioned and was replaced. All bunkers, 150 yd markers, and irrigation control boxes were trimmed around with a string trimmer. Greens were fertilized on Thursday, and were also spiked and rolled this morning.

Rhododendron on hole 6

Today is the official start of the 105th Rhododendron Festival, so I thought it was fitting to add a picture of one of my favorite Rhody's on the golf course. If you want to check out the festival, I would recommend starting off your day with golf in the morning at Sandpines and checking out the car show on Saturday. If parades are more your style, golf on Sunday morning followed by watching the parade. Or if you just can't decide which day is best, just stay the night, and golf both days. Here is a link for all of the scheduled events for the festival: 105th Rhododendron Festival

Finishing holes

The weather has been dry and sunny all week at Sandpines. The course is drying out quickly. We actually had to irrigate some areas last night. The forecast for next week is also looking good. I have been receiving compliments on the condition of the course daily. It's a great time to get out and enjoy the golf course.

Hole 8

The agronomy staff has been very busy this week. The approaches were aerated, and fairway aeration was initiated. The fairways on hole 1, 2, 10, and 16 have aerated. The approaches and fairways were mowed prior to aeration. Tees were mowed and fertilized early in the week. Greens have been mowed daily, and were fertilized as well. The rough and surrounds mowing is in progress, and will be completed today.

Frosty turf

Believe it or not, I am working on this blog post during a frost delay. Yesterday, it was 34 degrees when I arrived at the shop. Today it was 36 degrees. It is very unusual to have frost this late in the spring at Sandpines. On occasion there may be some light frost here and there in late April, but nothing to prevent us from starting on time. Hopefully, today will be the end of the frost delays until late fall.