Tee markers

We have 216 tee markers on the golf course. That is a little over $5500 in tee markers. But.....we make our own. With a surplus of bald cypress, we save pruning limbs for winter amenity work.
The limbs are cut, holes drilled in the bottoms, nails inserted, ends painted, and then the entire marker receives a coat of exterior urethane. You can see the finished product compared to the rough original.
Now to figure out how to keep coyote pups from stealing them,
Turf

Gold trees......take 2

I tried a new "look" to the blog, the iPhone didn't care for it and removed all my comments.  Here is my blog in its entirety...........

Took a walk to see where we could get equipment, check some course conditions, and peek at the bees.  I was immediately greeted by this scene.

Checking some conditions, we are looking for ice.  Some course managers need to be concerned with ice, as it can contribute to winter-kill of turf.  I don't concern myself too much as turf can withstand from 75-150 days of ice cover depending on the species.  If I see 75 days of ice cover, I have more significant issues.

Inspection of ice, we have two types.  One is a thin crusty layer, which allows adequate gas exchange.
The other is below, the black areas are where the ice is thick and dense.  The latter example prevents gas exchange.  Accumulation of gases, is what will kill turf as far as ice is concerned.  Water.........and crown hydration is another story, for another time.

Checking our service road as assessing pass ability.......Barney photo bombed me!!!  The road needs some serious work before a truck can get through.

Course has many drifts and deep pockets of snow.  More blowing and drifting today.  Hope to be able to get equipment out soon,
Turf

Sent from Erwin's phone

Gold trees, ice, and a photo bomb

Took a walk to see where we could get equipment, check some course conditions, and peek at the bees. I was immediately greeted by this scene.

Winter work

The cold temperatures have halted any outdoor work for now. Snow and drifts have impaired equipment being able to traverse the golf course, limiting the areas where we can perform tree work. We continue to address areas where we can. One area we have accomplished some clearing is shown in these photos of nine red ditch.
We hope to be able to reclaim some area around one red green, two red tee and four red tee this winter. We will see how Mother Nature cooperates.
Turf

Chick Evans Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Leonard Chocholek, a 2014 Evans Scholar from Briar Ridge Country Club. The Evans Scholarship is an annual FULL tuition and housing scholarship that is renewable for up to four years. Evans Scholars applicants must have a strong caddie record, excellent grades, outstanding character and demonstrated financial need.
Leonard plans to attend Purdue University in 2014-15, where he will study computer science. Leonard is eagerly waiting the start of the 2014 golf season and plans on returning to Briar Ridge to caddy this summer.
Thanks to all the Briar Ridge members who continue to support the caddy program. Without the support of the members, these opportunities to our young community members would not exist.
Way to go Leonard!
Turf

Spring 2014 update

As much as we enjoy the beauty of winter, frolicking in the snow, warming up to a bowl of cherry jubilee oatmeal (Sunday brunch favorite, different flavor every Sunday!), and frolicking in the snow. Sorry, I was out of winter fun ideas.
It doesn't take long to daydream about spring and wonder when old man winter will relieve us of the natural beauty of ice and snow. The good people of weather trends have issued a spring golf favorability outlook. I have included the map below. I don't know if cabin fever has made me overly cynical, but saying that the spring golf season forecast will be similar to average, is well.......useless.
That is right, you heard it here first. Our spring outlook for golf will be similar to average, expect a few warm sunny days, followed by sleet and freezing rain. Warm temps in early March will make everyone eager to play, while nighttime lows will prevent the frost from leaving the ground. Some will ask "what is he saving it for?" Certain that I have gone mad during winter lockup. While the latter maybe true, I do love to play, and you will be hard pressed to find anyone more eager than myself to open the course. Spring is tricky. Frozen soils do not drain, and saturated frozen conditions will keep us on the temporary greens for a week or two longer. We usually open up on average, in between the second week of March and the first week of April.
Weather favorability outlook......still makes me laugh,
Turf

Winter wonderland

Briar Ridge has transformed from summer to winter. The views are still amazing and there is plenty to do to keep active. If you are going to cross country ski, please avoid tees and greens. When have the three inches of snow that are required, so strap the "sticks" on and get out there!
Hope you had a safe new year,
Turf