Golf Course Operations

CHAPEL HILL COUNTRY CLUB

Course Operations Updates from Craig Thompson, CGCS

3/27/16 The fairways are in the process of being expanded. The process involves mowing down the new sections (formally rough) in stages to eventually shape all new areas into the ‘short grass’ category. The end result was a 50% plus gain in fairway area (10 acres gained). It will take a few weeks for the new sections ‘green-up’ to the match up with the old. So far, the reaction from most has been positive.

Another change that is being made is the mowing pattern. In previous years, the fairways have been ‘striped’ out. Although this was a benefit to the overall aesthetics, the grain left behind caused adverse playing conditions. The mowing pattern will be simplified and constantly changed in order to alleviate grain.

#18 Fairway Expansion

3/16/16 Bunker washouts of this magnitude take most of the week to repair. This particular storm required 3 crew members, 3 days to repair. This is combined 63 labor hours that was not being used for other operations.

A combined 3.25″ of rain Sunday and Monday nights left all the bunkers washed out. This is typical of storms which dump a lot of rain in a short amount of time. Over the years, these events have brought clay and silt into the bunker sand profile. These particles have filtered to the bottom and clogged the drain lines.

3/15/16

Spring Aeration: Spring Aeration was performed in a different manner this year. A contractor was brought in to “Dryject� the greens. This is a method of injecting sand directly into the green. It is different than pulling a core and topdressing into the holes. The result is less disruption to the surface resulting in better putting conditions immediately following. Below are some pictures of the end result and operation itself:

End Result

3 DryJect Machines used water to inject sand directly into greens

Sand was carried in buckets to refill machines (gypsum was mixed into the sand)

Profile of the end result in the root zone

The greens were dragged the second day (today when it dried from 3.25″ of rain)

Remaining sand was watered into the canopy

And again, the end result.

3/3/16 Update:

Weather continues to delay many projects in progress.

#8 Black Tee Restoration, #17 Paver Project, and Pool Gate Drainage are just some of the projects on hold due to weather. A small drainage project on #8 is also delayed. All of these projects will be completed as weather allows and during the regular Spring preparations.

3/3/16 #17 Paver Project Update

2/6/16 With surplus pavers from two projects in the past (2012 front side tees and 2015 playground), an ‘in-house’ paver project has started on #17 Tee walkway. This is a first for the maintenance staff and something that can help with future landscaping projects and upgrades. Updates to come next week as progress continues.

Tamping, Leveling, and Re-tamping

Spreading, Leveling and Tamping

Adding Base Material

GeoTextile Fabric Installed

Drainage is Installed

Area is Cored Out

Before

2/5/16 Work on the Pump Station continues into next week. The pumps were removed and sent for rebuilding. A new wet well and intake are being installed.

Pumps and Motors Removed

New Intake Pipe Installed

Old Wet Well

New Wet Well being Installed

New Wet Well Bolted

New Intake Bolted

1/28/16

The reason that #3 fairway struggles some years:

#3 Fairway 1/29/16

#3 Fairway Last Spring

The snow is actually insulating this area at the moment. This illustrates the severe shade stress and resulting colder soil temperatures (during non-snow events) throughout the winter months. Add in poor drainage and heavy traffic and the result is an area with a slow green up time as a best case scenario. Winter kill is usually the concern.

Trees are being removed in this area to help with this issue.

1/25/16 Pictures of Recent Ice Storm:

Walk to the Golf Shop

Still 2″ thick

#7

#8

1/19/16

Two logs taken off of #3 today. The wet area prevents us from getting equipment in the area, most of the time. The freezing temperatures and frozen soil opened up a window to remove some of the larger debris

1/16/16

Where did the ballwashers, benches, and half the tee markers go? All course accessories are being brought in for total renovation and refinishing. O.B. Stakes are also in need of some attention. This is done every winter and the reason some or the accessories are over 20 years old and still as good as new.

Most all O.B. Stakes are in need of painting. On warmer days (over 40 degree F), they are being painted. This year, a product will be applied on a schedule to prevent mildew.

Ballwashers will be stripped down, any parts replaced if needed, cleaned, and repainted.

Benches are pressure washed, sanded, and re-stained.

Tee markers are cleaned, stripped, painted and belt-sanded. One marker will be on each tee until complete.

1/11/16 Wet conditions persist from recent rains. Our tight soils’ only method of drying is Evapotranspiration (Evaporation + Transpiration). Even push carts are restricted to the path at this time.

Tree Removal on #3 has started. Not only the green is affected by the shade pressure in this area, the fairway struggles as well. We are thinning the trees to the left of the green and fairway. Since this area is very wet this time of year, the logs will be removed as soon as conditions allow.

Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass) is a cool-season ‘weed’ on our course. Because of the warm temperatures this fall and winter, there will be a lot of various areas in the roughs with this issue. The fairways were treated with a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent this invasion. As soon as conditions dry enough, we will treat any areas needing attention.

12/30/15 Here we go again. Over 15″ of rain since November 1st. These pictures were taken around 1:30 today with a lot more rain on the way:

12/26/15 The recent rains have brought close to 4″. Since 11/1/15, there has been 13.3″ of rain. Course conditions are wet to the point that push/pull carts are also restricted to the path.

Footprints from walking #12 fairway:

#17 During Recent Rains:

#17 Left Side of Fairway

Water movement across #10 fairway:

12/9/15 The Greens are being “vented” this week after a light topdressing/verticutting. Because of the tightness of the green surface, water is unable to move to the profile and continue through. 1 /4″ solid tines were used to cause minimal disturbance. The holes will not be visible in a few days.

11-25-15 #17 Collar Dam Completed and Hole Re-Opened

Each Piece of Sod Replaced in Original Location

Fine Shaping Compete

Excess Soil Removed 11-19-15 Earlier this week, there were only a few days of ‘drying out’ to catch up on some much needed leaf removal. Fairways were also rolled and tees mowed. Last night, there was around 1.5″ of rain, setting normal routines back and making for very wet conditions. Here are a few pictures taken earlier today.

#17 Left Rough

#10 Bridge and Cart Path

#18 Fairway and Right Rough

#17 Cart Path

#11 Cart Path

11/13/15 Selective Tree Removal: The initiative to reduce the amount of shade and improve air flow continues at a slow, but steady pace. As the days get shorter, the amount of direct sunlight is greatly decreased on many of the greens. Here are a few pictures taken of #9 green @ 1:30 pm:

11/3/15

Because of the bad weather, winter maintenance is getting an early start. Edging all cart paths (5 miles, 2 sides) is one of those projects.

The Right Side of #6 Green is getting some much needed sunlight and airflow.

10/26/15

Bunker Edging and Side Sand Redistribution The bunkers are going thru a extensive edging. Sand is also being redistributed from deeper areas of the bunker to shallow areas. The end result will be consistent depths (and feel) throughout. During the growing season, a mechanical bunker rake is used to smooth and scarify the surface. This is a fast and efficient method when the growing season is in full force. As the grass slows, more hand-raking is incorporated.

10/23/15

First frosts are taking affects in the roughs. The higher grass (further away from the warm soil temperatures) start to transition into dormancy first. The initial change usually displays a ‘Tiger Stripe’ pattern.

10/21/15 #13 Will be closed today and tomorrow (10/22/15) and tomorrow for collar dam reconstruction

Before

During

#5 Collar Dam Reconstruction was finished yesterday and reopened

10/13/15

#4 Will be Closed Tomorrow (10/14/15) due to Front Collar Reconstruction

10/12/15 Mowing with Brushes

Rolling Greens

10/10/15 After 12 days of straight rain, the height was raised on the fairways to prevent scalping. After multiple mowings the past 3 days, the height will be lowered to normal fall conditions. Height remains the same on the roughs.

10/5/15 After 12 consecutive days of measurable rain (all time record), the SubAir was used to pump excess moisture from the green root profile.

10/3/15 #10 Creek @ 7:10am

10/2/15

#10 Creek @ 10:45 am

Photo by Assistant Quinn Elliott

10/1/15

#1 Collar Reopens

9/30/15

#1 Will be Closed Wednesday/Thursday due to Front Collar Reconstruction

9/29/15

The right side of #9 Cart Path has been sodded. Mulch and plantings will follow to replace removed trees.

9/26/15

This was taken this morning on #7 after 2.75″ of rain yesterday. The bunker on the left was constructed in 1999. The bunker on the right was reconstructed (using the Better Billy Bunker method) 4 years ago.

Photo by Zach Johanson, Asst. Superintendent

9/21/15

#3 will be closed tomorrow morning for the completion of the 2nd Collar Dam Reconstruction completed this year. Weather pending, the hole should open back in early afternoon.

9/15/15

#8 Collar Reconstruction Finished and Hole Reopened

9/14/15

#8 Closed on Tuesday #8 Collar dam is being reconstructed and will be closed for most, or all of the day. It should be open on Wednesday

The collar and outer edge of the green was stripped

The area was cut to reach original ‘Bottom’

Excess soil was removed

Area at Day’s End Monday

Sod removed Monday will be placed back to original position on Tuesday morning. When completed, the area will be rolled, roped off, painted G.U.R., and reopened Wednesday morning.

9/9/15

Collar Dams (Part II)

Last Fall, the ‘Collar Dams” were re-graded along the front of 9 greens. the project was a success, with playability and water movement both impacted in a positive way. This Fall, the other 9 greens will be addressed. While working on a green, the hole will be closed for the day. Upon completion, the area will be roped off and reopened. Please play as ‘Ground Under Repair’, as marked. The plan is to complete 2 holes per week.

#10 Collar Renovation 2014:

#10 Collar Before

Stripped of Bermudagrass Collar/Approach and Bentgrass Front of Green

Excess Soil Cut to be Removed

Front of Green is Re-Graded and Smoothed

Each Square of Sod is Replaced in the Original Position

The Area is Roped-off and Painted ‘Ground Under Repair’

#10 Collar After

8/27/15 The greens were aerated this week. In the coming days (and weeks), the greens will be verticutt, re-topdressed, continuously dragged and rolled. They should improve by the day. Every year, a newer variety of creeping bentgrass is inter-seeded into the greens. The days to follow, expect frequent, but light irrigation during the day. If you are on a tee or fairway and see the water come on, it will be off in 3 minutes or less. The frequent watering is for the best germination rate possible.

8/23/15

Green Aeration Scheduled This Week

Green Aeration is scheduled to begin on Monday, 8/24/15. Because of warm temperatures, only a a few holes can be aerated each day. We will start on the back 9 Monday. On Tuesday, the 9 holes that will be open will depend on progress. We will be updating the Golf Shop on all progress and plans. With luck, the entire course will be complete by Wednesday.

8/13/15

Fairway Expansion/Rough Lowering The fairways were reshaped and returned back to their state following the 1999 Renovation. At that time, most all of the roughs were Common Bermudagrass (only the fairways were sprigged with 419 Bermudagrass). Common is not as dense or thick as 419, and is easier to manage during a round. Over the years, the 419 has expanded into rough areas and will one day expand throughout the entire course. Because of this, rough height was lowered this week to 1.5″. The standard, in this area, is from 1.5″ to 2″ in height.

While we are lowering the roughs, please be patient with the mess. It will take a week or so to get back to a normal flow.

Rough Lowering to 1.5″

Some of the fairways are being expanded in strategic locations. This is also due to the thicker nature of the roughs.

#11 Fairway Expansion

8/12/15 Some areas were in need of sod due to tree removal and irrigation system replacements. Instead of sod, the aeration plugs from fairways were used. The plugs were collected, dumped, shaped and rolled into place. Fertilizer, water, and rolling would follow. These areas (on #15, 17 and 18) should have full coverage in the next week or two.

#15 Tree Removal Area 7/7/15

7/29/15

8/7/15

8/13/15

8/4/15 Fairway Aeration

Some of the fairways are being aerated in the next few weeks. 2-3 fairways are completed each week. The plugs are distributed throughout the outer roughs and should be played as Ground Under Repair. Some of the plugs are being used for “in-play� turf replacement, and cared for accordingly.

#15 Tree Replacement Using Aeration Plugs

#18 Mainline Irrigation Replacement

7/16/15

#9 Green Surrounds The recent activity around #9 Greens has caused concern and confusion. The homeowner building the house to the right removed some trees on their property before construction began, which is very beneficial to the green. There was already a plan for CHCC to remove the trees on our side of the property line this fall. It made sense, to speed up the timing to complete removal before the house was constructed. After several meetings with the

homeowner, the work was timed accordingly. Furthermore, a landscape plan (for both sides of the property line) is being worked on for this fall that would blend to create a benefit to all.

The site appearance has caused concern. This is a work in progress. Now that the trees (mostly Pine and Gum) been removed and stumps ground, soil shaping will start. By fall, plant material will be brought in that makes sense for the area.

Tree removal around greens has been the top priority of the Club for the last 4 years. Shade and lack of airflow is the #1 problem our greens face. Many areas around the course have already been addressed, with more to go and others to be revisited. #9 was the next on the priority list due to the proximity and size of the trees.

Update 7/24/15: The stumps have been ground and soil is being brought in to shape the new landscape area.

6/25/15

Forecasts and Stats like these are all too familiar. Everything is being done, that can be, to insure the health of the greens. Operations such as venting and “slaking” (to cool down and temporarily appease with light misting of water) are normal procedure for this time of year.

Venting of the Greens

The Greens were “vented” using Bayonet Tines. This has very little disturbance to the surface, and is completed healed within a few days. Throughout the summer, venting will continue to provide a better oxygen exchange into the root zone.

Irrigation Head Replacement and Pipe Maintenance

The irrigation system is aging. Heads are being repaired and replaced as needed. All of these areas are in the line of play. To protect our staff, and ensure that work can continue, a tent is being placed in areas where work is being done. Please play this as a “Temporary Immovable Obstruction”.

6/10/15

Sprig, Sod?….

#3 Fairway is slow to come out this year as usual. The area affected by shade, soil conditions, mowing height, moisture levels, and winter temperature, has healed quite impressively with just a little help. A little more help is needed after one of the worst winters in recent memory. We found a 30 year-old Haun plugger and a Musician/Political Science Graduate that could continue with the healing process. Plugs will be taken from small, non-landing zone areas of the fairway and planted into affected areas throughout the course. Some fertilizer, heat, and time will do the rest. This method will also be used to rid the collars of the stubborn perennial ryegrass clumps around some of the greens.

5/29/15 HashTag HashMark What!?

The fairways are being “Re-Contoured” to their original design. The first stage is to mark according to terrain and the original feel of each hole. It is a work in progress, with minor adjustment being made as the roughs grow. Over the years, the fairways have become larger due our operators. It is easy to get out of adjustment. Fairways usually get bigger over time and greens get smaller if we are not careful. Periodic adjustments are common and not “the Superintendent is trying to make the course harder”. The end result should greatly improve the overall look of each hole.

It wasn’t that long ago…….

#14 Fairway 4/15/15

#14 Fairway 5/12/15

#14 Fairway 5/29/15 #14 Fairway needed a little help to make it out during this slow spring. Cultural Practices, Fertilizer, Heat, Water and Time proved to pay off. No sod or sprigs were needed. #3 Fairway is getting better by the day. It will take a little longer than the others, but we will continue our efforts throughout the spring. Another round of cultural practices is scheduled next week. Every area golf course had similar issues from the harsh winter. The further west, and lower budgets, the worse the problems.

Once Again, the Collars‌.

Some sections of collar were sodded this week. This will happen to some extent every year due to the fragile nature of the area and a commitment to playability with low mowing heights. Ball roll also contributes this issue with out dedication to intense mowing and rolling of greens.

April 15, 2015

Article of Interest: Please Refer to Article Below for an important Spring Update Spring 2015 Bermuda Letter

#3 Fairway- Slow to come out, and areas with not much confidence. Verticutting and Fertilizer will help bring a lot of areas out to heal.

#14 Fairway being Verticutted

The Playground Nears Completion. Zip Line Completion, Fencing and Landscaping remain.

Cart Path Improvements are near completion for the #1 Tee Area. Landscaping and small finishing work remains

March 19, 2015

Selective Tree Removal continues to be a top priority for the Green overall health. Here is current progress left of #14 Green. The fence was damaged during the ice/snow storms by a fallen tree. After cutting remaining trees still standing in the area, the fence will be prepared.

#1 Cart Path Renovation continues. The area is ready for “Crush and Run�, a final grade, then forming and pouring of concrete. During the process, the cart barn entrance and exits will be modified for a better efficiency and less obtrusive to golfers teeing off #1.

The only trusted “Dirt Movers� were brought in over two weekends to grade for the new Playground.

Installation will start soon.

March 9, 2015

#1 Cart Path Replacement started on Monday. A temporary pathway will be roped off left of the tee.

Tree Removal continues on #1 Tee in order to improve sunlight on Driving Range Tee and keep roots out of the Practice Green.

March 4, 2015

Trees continue to come down to proceed with various projects. This small section of cart path know as the “drink spiller” will be replaced with a new section. The tree roots are what caused the asphalt to break up, and as you can see, will be prevented in the future. The playground shaping will start this weekend.

The recent storms have knocked down limbs throughout the course. The cleanup has been in progress and should be completed by early next week.

The melting snow has left the course very wet to say the least. More winter weather is on the way.

#17 Bunker awaits warmer weather to receive sand. This one was being cleaned out when the problem was discovered. It sits too close to the water table and any clean out would be a very temporary solution. Therefore, the Better Billy Bunker method of renovation was implemented. The contractors were working at Hope Valley that week, so an opportunity was at hand.

The bunker was completely cleaned out, drainage pipe was replaced, and gravel placed at a 2″ depth throughout the bunker floor. A “binding” product was sprayed to create what feels like the surface of a track. This will prevent any contamination of clay throughout the sand and drainage areas during any given flooding event. Eventually, all bunkers will be reconstructed using this method, or similar, when resources are available.

February 21, 2015

The golf course will be closed until temperatures climb enough for a complete thaw.

February 12, 2015 Golf Course will most likely be closed on Friday thru Sunday due to low night temperatures. Please check back for periodic updates.

February 4, 2015

#17 Green 8:02 am

23° F

#17 Green 2:43 pm

53째

Predicting the opening (or closing) time of the golf course is a challenge this time of year. A lot of factors are involved that affect how much the greens freeze, and the speed in which they thaw. Today, for an example, had a predicted low of 33 when, in fact, this mornings low was 23. What had been expected to be a few hour delay at most, turned into Closing for the Day. The staff tries to predict and come up with an opening time as soon as possible. It is recognized that golfers want to make plans in advance. Some mornings are easier to predict than others.

The next few days, and weekend will be challenging as well. IF the weather predictions are correct, Friday, the course will most likely be closed, and Saturday will be a long delay with a chance of being closed. At this time, it is too early to predict, but the call will be made as soon as possible each day.

Closing due to frozen/thawing conditions is for the protection of the roots. As a green thaws in the root zone, the top soil is loose and pliable. At the same time, the frozen root zone is solid. Any foot traffic (or otherwise) would cause the top zone to shift, while the frozen zone remained in place. This action would sheer the roots off at the boundary between the two zones. This would occur for every footstep. The end result would be shorter roots going into the Spring with a limited time to recover before the summer heat stress.

The decision to delay or close the golf course is never taken lightly. Some days work out better than others.

Articles of Interest:

Old Men and Other January Golf Issues

January 30, 2015

The New Playground is in the permitting process. As soon as the Town of Chapel Hill gives us the green light, the project will start.

January 29, 2015

This week, an Irrigation Flush Valve for silt in the system was installed on the bottom of #7 fairway. The result, should be another tool used to help the irrigation system operate until improvements can be made.

January 8, 2015

Due to frozen conditions, the course is currently closed. Looking at the weather ahead, Tuesday, January 13th is the best chance of reopening. Look for periodic updates.

The Article below is a very informative article from The USGA Green Section discussing frozen/thawing conditions.

Winter Play — When to Go and When to Say No Applying the principles of turf science to common winter scenarios that arise on golf courses allows decision makers to implement preventative measures, assess risk, and make informed decisions that provide an appropriate balance between the needs of the turf and the expectations of golfers.

BY CHRIS HARTWIGER AND ADAM MOELLER

Despite the single digit temperatures, work has continued on some of the bunkers. Sand is being removed (today with a pick) in order to clean out and repair the drainage system.

The frozen conditions allowed access to an otherwise wet course. Taking advantage of this, #1 left green-side bunker is receiving sand.

December 18, 2014 (Winter Projects)

In 1999, a new pond was constructed on #14. The old pond had silted up over the years and was only 4″ deep on the left side. Therefore, a silt retention pond was constructed to prevent this in the future. After 15 years, it is finally ready for a clean out operation. This was done this week. Hopefully, it will be good for another 15 years.

The lake outlet on #8 has been leaking for two years. The old galvanized steel pipe had rusted over the last 40 years. While the equipment for #14 Pond maintenance is on the property, it was a good time to replace the outlet pipe. A new double-walled corrugated plastic pipe will be installed in its place. Afterward, the lake should return to its proper level.

Other normal winter operations are going on now. Edging cart paths is a major ordeal. With over 5 miles of cart paths (and two sides), it is an operation only tasked in the winter months.

December 5, 2014

Annual refinishing of golf course accessories has started. Ballwashers, Benches, and tee markers will all go missing in stages from the course. Every year, all these are brought in for refinishing and restoration.

A few more bunkers have been chosen for restoration. Last year, bunkers on #15 and #10 were completed. This is a 5-10 year maintenance of bunkers that are slow to drain after a storm. The bunker is emptied of the sand, drain lines are cleaned out, drain pipes are rinsed to be reused, and all are replaced to have essentially a new bunker. The #1 left greenside bunker is being restored at this time.

November 12, 2014

The greens were “Vented” this week. This is different from Aeration since there is no thatch removal and it does not relieve compaction. Over the last 3 months, the greens have been aggressively rolled to create the smoothest surface. In doing this, the greens have “locked up” on the surface making water penetration difficult. Small solid tines are used to punch small holes and break up the surface tension.

Tree Removal remains the top priority around greens. Direct impact a green is any trees that are shading the surface for a significant portion of the day. Indirect impact are the trees in blocking air flow in and around a green. Both types are being removed this fall.

Trees behind #1 Green are being thinned out to improve air flow to both #1 and #2 Greens. This has been an ongoing project as time allows.

#2 Green has one of the most severe morning shade issue. Some of this has been relieved by tree removal this week.

Winter Morning Sun pattern. The blue line is the shortest day of the year. The yellow is today.

Only trees that adversely affect the health of the greens are being removed. There is not an agenda to rid the course of a significant number of trees, yet, a small amount of removal has a significant impact.

Craig S. Thompson, CGCS

November 7, 2014

#7 Collar was operated on this week. Reconstruction of the front of #1 Approach will start Monday. The hole will be closed on Tuesday.

#7 Front Approach and Collar.

All Sod is placed in a manner that it can be replaced in its original location.

The Left Side Drainage Basin of #7 Green This area has held water for the last few years. The drain basin worked, but the collar had risen where water could not reach it.

Please be aware of wet conditions. Even on 90 Degree Rule days, there can be some wet areas in the fairways and roughs. This time of year, any scar made will be there for months until it can heal.

#7 Fairway last February following a “Carts on Path” day.

October 30, 2014

The entrance to the greens continue to be reconstructed. Seven collars have been “operated” on this fall so far. We hope to work on #7 and #5 over the next two weeks. The lowering of these collars (raised from years of light topdressing) benefits water movement off the greens and improves playability.

The timing of this work is due to the mix of warm season and cool season grasses. Work will stop towards the middle of November due to the late timing replacing warm season sod. #6 Collar

#11 Green #11 Green Tree removal is the highest priority at this time. Air flow and sunlight are vital to the greens health. A few trees have been cut to date as we plan to step up the frequency in November. This operation will continue throughout the winter. The result is seemingly instant in any area affected.

October 23, 2014

The discoloration around the edges of the greens is actually a promising situation. Each July and August, when bermudagrass is at its peak growing season, encroachment occurs into the greens. The healthier the green, the less the encroachment. Getting the bermudagrass out of these areas is challenging, to say the least. Therefore, we do apply some products and methods to these areas when the bermudagrass is not at its peak, and vulnerable. That time is now. The discoloration is a sign that it is working. With continued efforts, we hope to eliminate this issue. #9 Green (not typical of most)

The collar project continues. Thus far, the immediate fronts of 6 greens have been completed. #6 is the next on the list which is planned for Tuesday of next week. It takes about two full days to complete a section. Due to the nature of the work, the hole is closed until completion.

#12 Green Front Completed