Renovation update 10/30

October 30th and things are continuing to move along nicely with the renovation work.  Subgrade on #16 is near completion and our architect is on site to listen to our concerns and for an inspection.  Some changes will be made and then a final rough grade needs approval.

We have also begun to move earth on 15.  As bad as the underlying soil on 16 green was, 15 is worse.  The old saturated clay smells of sulfur and the green was absolutely loaded with tree roots on the left side.  Trees on the left of the cartpath knew where to find nutrients and easy water...right in the subsoil of the green.

Shaper Kevin Nolan nearing finish subgrade on 16

a SouthEast facing slope that is too severe and needs to be softened.  Every inch of the green is plotted and spec'd to a specific elevation.

Rear tier on 16.  Not certain how this will/may change.  Discussions in progress. 



Bulk earth moving on 15

view of 16 from newly created ridge to the right of 15 green

extreme clay in the green on 15

blue/gray clay 15 green

TREE ROOTS IN THE 15TH GREEN !!!  These roots came from the other side of the cartpath and invaded the green.  This is one of the many issues we face while trying to produce quality greens with less than acceptable environments. 

a very large borer, which probably came from one of the removed ash trees on the left of 15.  Many of our Ash trees are infested with these borers which ultimately lead to decline and eventual death of the tree.

 

I appreciate you checking in to visit the blog, stay tuned for frequent updates throughout the project. 

Green Renovation 15/16

Our renovation work is well under way.  Golf Course Architect, Kelly Blake Moran, has designed our new green complexes.  Locally, Kelly is responsible for the superb design at Laurel Links in Jamesport.  The construction crew hails from Delea Sod.  They have hired Kevin Nolan, who did the majority of the shaping at Atlantic GC in Bridgehampton,  We are fortunate to have him in the seat of that John Deere dozer out there doing his thing!

One of the main reason's that we chose #16 is that it's summer survival has always been a constant battle.  When I interviewed for this position way back in 1995, it was explained to me this way: "don't worry too much about this green, it dies every August, that's the way it is."
Hmm? So obviously there is a bigger issue than the turf here.  Well we found it.  Right under the green, was a thick layer of blue/gray clay.  No drainage at all other than an inexpensive attempt with the "Water Wick" system, which certainly helped and remains evident some 10 years after installation.

Here come the photos, please enjoy.

Layering issues in the greens: 3 inches of topdressing, 3 inches of very heavy soil, and under that solid CLAY.  This is the reason behind most of our problems at IHCC.  And...most of our greens were constructed this way. 

We stripped the valuable areas on both greens to use in other areas.

Here we used sod form the right of 15 green to repair the damaged area on 18 green.  Unfortunately, the soil issue here is similar so we will be babysitting this sod for a while.  

We also used a lot of the newer bluegrass surrounds on 15 to repair some of the ground stumps.....

....and to patch the stump area where the mostly dead Maple was removed near the putting green

Step one: rototiller

The John Deere Dozer....has arrived!

Starting on 16

moving soils on 16

Water Wick drainage, 10+ years after installation.  This went down approximately 12", notice here the heavy dark clay soils that were in 16 green.   

Here the dozer is rolling up the blue-gray clay just under 16 green surface.

The dark gray clay....under 16 green, visable even after a lot of soil has been moved.

16

More to follow as the project continues.....

 

15/16 Greens Renovation & Projects / Fall 2013

Sorry for the lack of blog activity through the season.  Now that project time has begun I will keep a flow of photos and information heading out to you so we are all on the same page.

First I would like follow up on the 12th tee project and how that ended up working quite well.  Photos tell the story as shown below.

finished post Sandy destruction work / sod and prep day before mens member guest

got over 5" of rain on Friday of the member guest

newly reconstructed tee washed out to sea...again

reworked the slopes...hydroseeded

added a drainage path in the lowest area

brought in tee/construction mix for new blue tee area

laid the sod and opened it up again...and of course it rained 2" this night.

but, because of the well built drainage system, it survived with no issues 

and all is well on 12 once again.