Tree Work on #5

Each off-season at Concord Country Club, we devote time and effort to improving certain aspects of the golf course. One of the more significant enhancements is the redesign of the fifth hole, as laid out by golf course architect Andrew Green. Although we are not able to get the project fully underway until the spring, the first steps have been taken to improve the playability of this hole. Trees have been removed on the right side of the golf hole, providing an area for the expansion of the fairway. Also on the right side of #5, a fairway bunker will be constructed approximately 140 yards out, creating a strategic play for golfers looking to take an aggressive line in order to provide themselves with a short approach shot to the green.  Another part of this redesign will be the addition of a back tee with the original design specs of Donald Ross; the new tee will add length to the golf hole and give golfers a unique view of the green. This expansion will improve the play of the fifth hole, while also staying true to Ross' plans.

Range Divider Restoration

During the off-season, the staff has been renovating course objects to freshen up looks, as well as improve their integrity. An example of this is the work our crew did on the wooden range dividers. By sanding them down and applying a fresh coat of paint, these dividers will look very sightly at the driving range while our members work on reestablishing their swings for another season.

Hill Clean-up Behind 11 Green

As we await the beginning of the 2017 season our team has been working on improving certain areas of the course. One location that we have improved upon is behind the 11th green. The crew touched up the hillside by removing rocks and stumps, improving soil conditions and planting fescue. Previously, this area consisted of weeds and scrub brush and was unplayable for golfers. This subtle enhancement will allow for a playable shot for those who find themselves just over the green.

Divot Bottle Stand

The winter makes for a great time to work on projects that add functionality and aesthetics to the course. Pictured is a cedar divot mix stand that is able to hold up to twenty-four mix containers. Our members do an excellent job of filling divots throughout their rounds and this rack will provide golfers with a chance to reload when they arrive to the 10th tee. Thank you to all members for helping keep the course in brilliant shape!

Scorecard Boxes

New Scorecard boxes constructed by the staff this week.  They are a new and welcomed addition to the course; made of the same material as the cooler boxes which were constructed last winter.  You will find them located on the 2nd and 10th tees.

Winter Topdressing

Topdressing the greens as we head into winter is vitally important.  The heavy layer of topdressing sand acts as insulation for the turf in the cold winter months.  While there are no guarantees against winter injury the topdressing greatly improves the chances of the turf to make it through the winter unscathed.  Within the next few days we will also be covering some of the greens as an added measure to prevent winter damage.

Minor flooding at Concord CC

One of our interns stands at the edge of the Jenny Duggan Brook which rose after the course received 3.5 inches of rain since yesterday.  There was some flooding this morning but the waters are receding with no damage to speak of.  The walking bridge on 17 and the new bridge on 7 have been washed out of place.  Our crew will return them to their original position as soon as the brook is low enough.
Also with all of the wet fairways, there will be no carts allowed on the course today.  The use of carts for Sunday will be decided tomorrow morning, we hope everyone made it through the storm intact.

Frost

Heavy frost this morning. Course will be close until noon for critical course maintenance. The range will open at 10. 

Irrigation Blowout

The irrigation system is getting blown-out this week in preparation for winter.  Typically we do it before Thanksgiving week, however since the bunker project is still on-going we kept the system charged for a while longer.  

Irrigation Wiring

The picture shows the irrigation satellite on the 9th being re-wired for new electric valves.  The valves will be utilized for mister irrigation on the 8th greenside bunkers.

Drainage Basins

On 14 fairway the staff leveled several drainage basins which were too low and mowing had become difficult.   The surrounding turf was removed and the basins were raised to grade making mowing easier.  Five basins in all were completed.

Aerification Update

All of the greens and approaches have been aerified,  topdressed, brushed and rolled.  The back 9 tees have been aerified and cleaned, and will be topdressed tomorrow.  All 18 holes will be open tomorrow.

Irrigation

On Sunday we had an irrigation break on the 8th hole.  As you can see there is a lot going on in this picture.  The break has been isolated and will be repaired today.  The repair will simplify the amount of fittings to hopefully prevent this from happening again. 

The course is in great shape heading into the last few weeks of summer.  We are prepping for our big fall member guest and then aerification.  My apologies for not posting in a while.  The site is going to get updated and posts will continue weekly. 

Dry-Ject

To the left is a picture of the 5th green. A company came today and dry-jected the green before we aerified. The dry-ject process involves forcing a high pressure water blast fracturing an aerification hole. The holes are then filled sand to a depth of several inches below traditional aerfication. The process helps increase water infiltration and adds sand deeper into the profile.

Cutting greens

Today we cut greens for the first time in 2012. The course will open on Wednesday at 12pm for the 2012 season. If winter should return over the next few weeks; the course will be closed for a few days until conditions can improve. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the course in the next few months!

Covers Removed Today

With the forecast in concord to hit 70 degrees; the staff removed all the covers from the greens and tees. The turf underneath looks great and will have a nice head start in the spring. If the colder temps return, we will put the covers back on in the evenings for an extra layer of protection.

ABW (Hyperodes) Traps

Today we installed five pitfall traps around the course. These traps are designed to track annual bluegrass weevils that are moving from the treeline/roughs towards the fine turf areas. By counting the adults captured it will give the staff an advantage and an idea of populations for this upcoming year. Pitfall traps are an integral part of Integrated Pest Management Program and will help us prepare for any necessary course of action.

12 Irrigation Project

The staff just finished installing our irrigation main connecting the 13th hole to 10, 11, and 12. The original main line ran through what is know the grounds management center. The piping will allow us to keep the necessary water pressure to feed this end of the golf course.

Snow

Well our first snowfall of the year was not a huge amount. We received about an inch yesterday before it changed over to rain. What ever snow remains will be here for at least a little while due to the frigid temps over the weekend.