Belly up!

"the turn" is taking on the appearance of a bar. There is no doubt that it is going to be an impressive addition to our facility. I hope these photos get you excited for the grand opening. It is only a few weeks away. I can't wait to see everyone around the club.
Cheers,
Turf

Driving range

We have received the supplies for the drainage project, well, almost. We are missing a couple of rolls of tile. But just to give you an idea of how much drainage we are installing, here are a couple of photos. The lines we are digging are full of water, and we are flowing water off the range already!
Stay away snow!
Turf

Construction update

The construction is coming along, as you can see the new proshop now looks like a real building! I will update some photos of the interior on the briar ridge turfgrass Facebook page.
The floor inside the turn is being installed, and the walls and fixtures are coming along. It won't be very long now!
Cheers, almost,
Turf

Range update

For anyone who has found the range status as closed frustrating, efforts are being made to reduce the number of days that happens. We have trenched about 1000 feet, about a quarter of what we hope to install.
The trenches will be filled with pea gravel and pipe. We will install risers with drain grates to catch surface runoff and the trenches will carry sub surface water.
The design of our system includes perpendicular lines referred to as intercepter lines, spaced twenty feet apart. This spacing pushes the limits of drainage systems, but should improve the area.
A drainage system is complex, and the spacing of drain line depends on the hydraulic conductivity (HC). Are you sleeping yet? That is, the soils ability to transmit water when subjected to a hydraulic gradient. HC is defined by Darcy's law, which I will go into detail in a private consultation with anyone who wishes to participate. However, for sake of friendships, I will forego any elaboration at this time.
We will work on high ground, off plywood today, it's a little sloppy. Yesterday's winds were helping, then we awoke to this!
Pedology rocks!
Turf

The ground is not that firm

Today is a drainage project washout. The second photo is from yesterday afternoon. As the day progresses and the soils warm, we begin to rut. The hauling of material needs to be complete early morning during frozen conditions.
Some people listen when this type of information is conveyed, and trust the experience of others. Some though, like to learn from experience themselves. Both types of education are valuable and it is an individual preference as to the type of learning that one prefers.
Axle deep baby!!
Turf

Improving driving range drainage

We have begun a drainage project on the driving range. We will install about 4000 feet of drain tile in the next two months. We can trench about 100 feet per hour, so the trenching should be complete soon. We are exploring several ways to remove spoils, including the old school method in the photo. Note to self; old school is slow.
Two coyotes looked like they were going to join us this morning, but they decided to explore the red instead. We could have used the help,
Turf

Skating update

The rink has had a tough couple of weeks. It looks like we were going to have a good couple of days, but yesterday, my efforts resulted in a soaker. I broke through the ice, yikes. The good news is....the ice froze, bad news.... It is bumpy.
We will flood it tomorrow if the forecast changes.
What a winter,
Turf

Natural areas gone wild

Natural areas on golf courses are not without maintenance. The ditch bank is adjacent to a narrow, tree lined fairway. Growing quality turfgrass requires specific conditions, in this instance, airflow. Buckthorn is a common invader of natural areas of the Midwest. If allowed to grow unchecked, buckthorn can turn a field into a heavily wooded area.
Here you can see the amount of buckthorn that was growing on the bank. The removal of this woody material will improve the air circulation and make the growing conditions more conducive for quality turf.
Chop chop,
Turf

Country club construction update

The two top photos are of the inside of the new proshop. The walls are covered in drywall and all the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (m.e.p.'s) are installed. The place is looking good and is ready for the team of Gary and Jack.
The Turn and family dining areas are also taking shape. The first photo of family dining shows a view of the old golf lobby, and the facing wall will be where the hostess will great you. The opening to the right is the entrance to the restrooms.
The last phot is from the family dining looking out towards one white.
The weather looks good for skating next week. Get ready to lace em up.
I'm putting on the foil,
Turf

Fireplace and drywall

The construction continues. The rough cut-out for the fireplace is done and some of the drywall separating what will
be family dining, is complete. The area is starting to take on its final design. I hope to have photos of fixtures, woodwork, and acrylic panels next week.
We are repairing some drainage on the course, as well as cleaning up some old stumps.
Ralph went swimming today, crazy dog!
Have a great weekend,
Turf

Turn update

The platform in "the turn". Is in place. The raised view is excellent. The partial walls for family dining have drywall on them. Things are moving along now.
The ice rink is a little "soupy"
See you soon,
Turf