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.  

Bunker Project Continued

The completion of another major portion of the bunker renovation is almost complete.  The two fairway bunkers on the 14th hole have been combined to make one larger bunker.  Like the other bunkers the drainage and subsurface were reworked and the irrigation will be adjusted to the new bunker shape.  This bunker will be completed shortly, once the sand has been added and the surrounds have been sodded.  We have been very happy with the progress made so far and are looking forward to the completion of the bunker renovation project.

11th Fairway Bunker Renovation

The overhaul of the fairway bunker on the 11th hole will be completed shortly after Thanksgiving.  The bunker has been moved further back some 20 yards, by removing area from the front and adding it to the back.  New drainage has been added along with the relocation of irrigation.  The changes made will make the hole a little tougher for the longer hitters, while being more forgiving for the novice players.

Bunker Project

The picture shows the fairway bunkers on #1.  These three bunkers have been stripped completely and floors totally rebuilt.  Progress on the entire project has been great thus far despite the weather.  Early next week the 14th and 11th fairway bunkers will be completely reshaped. 

Bunker Project Continues

The bunker project continued this week holes 17 and 14.  The picture shows drainage work being done for a new out fall drain.  By early next week we hope to be into 17 fairway drainage and bunkering.  A new cartpath will be installed to the left of the fairway bunkers on 17.

Hurricane Sandy

Huuricane Sandy left its mark on Concord.  Throughout the course we lost about a dozen trees and have debris all over.  The course will be closed today for cleanup and we hope to reopen tomorrow.  This picture is to the left of the 2nd fairway.

Bunker Renovation Update

The renovation project has been proceeding nicely these last few weeks.  Currently the renovation crew is on the 16th hole, having already completed almost the entire front nine.  The bunkers look great and the playability is excellent.  We are looking forward to having the back nine bunkers be repaired as they have had more issues with playability and drainage than the front nine. 

Pictured below is the completed bunker to the right of the 5th green.

Bunker Renovation

The bunker renovation project got underway today.  Mcdonald and Sons, based out of Maryland, are the contractors that will be spearheading the renovation project.  They have over 25 years of experience, in which time they have worked on top courses throughout the country and developed a reputation for excellence. 

The renovation will consist of removing existing sand, regrading subsurface, fixing drainage and re-edging each bunker.  A.A. Will high density sand, found at clubs such as Kittasett Club and Charter Oaks CC, will be added when the subsurface and drainage are corrected.  Reshaping and resoding of bunker faces will be done as needed.  Upon completion we are looking forward to having some of the best bunkers in New England for years to come.

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 Complete

Today the staff wrapped up the finishing touches on aerification. The picture shows the fairways being topdressed before dragging the sand in.  The greens and approaches are almost healed in and should be in great shape by the weekend.

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.

Back Nine

Yesterday, the staff finished greens and approach aerification on the front 9.  Today the back 9 will be closed.  We hope to have the majority of the greens completed by this afternoon.  We will be rolling and brushing the greens on the front today, the back tomorrow.  With good weather we hope the greens will be healed in in a few weeks.

Front 9 Aerification

The putting green in front 9 will be closed today for a aerification.   The staff will aerify greens and approaches; with seeding and topdressing to follow. 

Aerification

An update on aerification:  Greens, approaches and tees will be aerified the week of September 10th.  The process should take a few days if the weather cooperates.  Fairway aerification and topdressing will begin the following Monday.  The course will have nine holes closed each day in order to expedite the process.

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. 

Vandalism

When you're on the course you may notice on the first, second and third green some unusual marks.  This damage is from a bicycle.  These marks will need a little TLC over the next few days but should recover.  It is unfortunate but certainly not uncommon on golf courses this day in age. 

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.

Greens Aerification

Greens and approaches have been aerified and topdressed over the last two days. We will begin the process of aerifying tees and fairways next week. The staff will continue to topdress fairways after aerification. I am hopeful with good weather, proper water and fertility; the holes should heal in a few weeks.