On top of the world

Ok, maybe just a dirt pile, but I am on top of something as you can see. We are looking down on the footprint of the new proshop. Footings will be poured today, and once the concrete is in place, this building should go quite rapidly.
Next week looks like we may have some ice in our water rink!
Happy New Year,
Turf

Golf lobby

Here is the golf lobby, which will be transformed into family dining. The old bulletin board is out and is was on the wall to the right. The ceiling tiles are out and the wall in the foreground is only a temporary partition for construction.
I asked Santa for this lift for Christmas, it sure is nice.
I think I was naughty though,
Turf

Fixtures are out

It is almost time to make the turn. The turn from destruction to construction. The light fixtures are out and it is amazing how flat the ceiling now appears.
Making the turn, is also significant, because this area will be known as "the turn."
Neat play on words huh?
Turf

Pro shop work

We are busy inside today. The lift is here and the light fixtures will come out, hopefully. Some walls are coming out and the room will take on a whole new look real soon. It is amazing how big this area is. The ceiling is going to be impressive, and I hope to have some photos later today.
Safety first,
Turf

Bumper cars

Looks like we are playing bumper cars in the golf lobby. No, look closer, we are pulling up carpet, getting ready for full blown renovation that will take place after the new year.
I will keep you up to date with the progress of the project, right here, you won't even need a hardhat!
This area we are preparing is future family dining.
We are getting really good at ripping stuff up,
Turf

Hot tap

In 1750 this technology was produced to be able to tap into water lines without taking the lines out of service. The grey device is a drill and will retract after a hole is cut into the line. The Valve will then be shut and we can run a new line. It was invented back when water mains were redwood, Kankakee still has a redwood mainline in service. This water line had to be moved to make room for the new proshop.
Cheers,
Turf

The ice rink is here, the ice rink is here

Santa brought us a present early. We will be putting up the rink over the next couple of days. The weather does not seem to be conducive to ice making.
Speaking of Santa, he will be here at Briar on Sunday. Come on out and get your picture with him!
Let's lace em up,
Turf

What do we do in the winter?

We get together and answer life's difficult questions. This is the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation's winter education at the Midwest golf house. This two day event is attended by the best and brightest superintendents in the Chicago area. This years topics stress fertility, soil science, and plant growth regulators.
I have served the last two years as President of the association, and our annual meeting was today! My sentence has been served!!!

Winterization of Golf Carts

Well, it looks like it is that time of year again, time to think about snow skiing and ice skating, but for my golfing friends, time to think about storing your golf cart for the winter. I always get questions about the winterizing process, this year I thought I would post a simple checklist for you.

little Ralphie on a cart

• Turn the key switch to the “off’ position, remove the key, and leave the forward/reverse switch in the “neutral” position during storage. Then place the tow/run switch in the “tow” position. Note: since the battery warning light does not illuminate with the key in the “off” position and the tow switch in “tow,” do not use the warning light as an indication of the batteries’ charge state.
  
• Clean the battery packs, tops and terminals using a battery acid neutralizer (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon water). Check, clean, tighten and treat battery terminal connections with a battery terminal protector spray. Tighten all battery cable connections.
  
• Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells to cover the plates, charge the set, and then use distilled water to top off each cell at least ½ inch above the plates or to the level indicator.

Batteries showing corrosion on terminal. note the installation date

• You may leave battery chargers plugged in during storage. If cars are equipped with an on board computer, the OBC automatically will activate the charger when needed.
  
• If the battery charger is left plugged in during extended storage, check the electrolyte level and the charger function at least once a month to ensure that proper operation is maintained. To check charger function, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (on board charger) from the power source and wait five seconds before reconnecting. The charger is functioning properly if the ammeter indicates current.
  
• If AC power is off for seven days or more, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted. To restart the computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (on board charger) from the power source, wait five seconds and reconnect.

Tow Switch

• Be sure to check the batteries monthly to maintain the correct water level in the batteries and to ensure the charger is operating correctly during storage.
  
• Disconnect the batteries for the storage period if any of the following conditions exist: the charger cannot remain plugged in continuously, AC power will not be available during extended storage, or if electrolyte levels will not be maintained.
  
• Check tire pressure and inflate to 18 to 20 PSI, or as called for in the owner’s manual.
  
• Perform all semiannual lubrications.
  
• Thoroughly clean the front and rear body, seats, battery compartment and underside of vehicle.
• Make sure the storage facility has adequate outside ventilation.
  
• Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling. (keeps pressure off the brake components)

Hope this helps, maybe we need a video!
Turf

Where's Waldo?

I mean Marco?
Look closely...he is there.
Marco is an excellent asset to my team. We are clearing oaks for the new pro shop, and it is getting exciting around here.
Winter cart maintenance is coming I promise!
Timber,
Turf