Hyde Park Est. 1909.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Winter and the Grounds Department

The unexpected cold snap in late November was a harsh reminder that winter is here. Many of the long term forecasts/models point to an usually cold winter similar to last year. I typically don't hold much faith in 10 day forecasts, so long term models are even less accurate in my opinion. During the winter months the grounds staff shifts gears and is involved with:

  • Snow and ice removal in all areas of the club including the platform tennis
  • Refurbishing of course accessories
  • Organizing records and analyzing data from last seaon to adjust programs
  • Capital planning
  • Equipment servicing
  • Continuing education
  • Tree Managemnt program including removals and pruning
  • Staff training

As many people have noted there are new push button heater timers at the platform tennis. To engage the heaters for 30mins simply push the button. The grounds staff will continue to monitor court conditions on a daily basis. Please utilize the court reservation system, this allows us to see if/ when play will occur to turn on the heaters in advance or bring in more staff during major snow events. We also use Twitter - @pobrienhpgcc frequently updating the status or condtions of the courts. Also, additional heaters will be installed soon by Rick Spivey's staff to allow for faster and more consistent melt of snow and ice.

Winter Golf-

As we move into the colder season please contact the Proshop or follow us on Twitter for the latest conditions on the course. There will some days even though the sun might be shining and warmer temperatures be present the course might be closed due to frozen or thawing turf. We monitor conditions very closely, to see when it might be safe for the greens to endure foot traffic.

From all of us it in the Grounds Department we are looking forward to another successful, 2015 season and we all would like to wish you a very Happy and Safe Holiday season!

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

 

 

 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Grounds Update November 11/21/14

The grounds at HP continue to thaw out, however there are many areas of the golf course that are still hanging onto some snow cover along with frozen soil. During this time of year with winter play we have concerns of frost and frozen ground that will impact the turfgrass plant and root systems, particularly on the greens. Over the past week the near record low and high temperatures have created on some of the putting surfaces a 3-4" frozen layer in the soil.

The freeze and thaw periods help relieve compaction in the soil, which is a positive. The negative is; damage can occur when walking on the putting greens when the frozen soil layer has not not thawed out completely. Roots in the top 3-5" are prone to shear from foot traffic where the frozen and thawing layers meet.

With the current forecast trend, thawing of the putting surfaces will occur over the next couple days, but it will not be enough to open for play on Saturday and there will be a slim chance for A Sunday opening. We will evaluate conditions for Sunday closely for a possible opening. Please check with the Proshop for possible opening or follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest updates on the grounds. If there are any questions please email us at: grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

Monday, November 17, 2014

November Update Golf Course and Grounds

The grounds staff at HP over the past few weeks have been in full throttle trying to prepare the golf course for the winter months. Some of the Iniiatives that have been completed thus far include:

  • Leaf clean up (Almost completed)
  • Tee reconstruction
  • Irrigation winterization
  • Rough Aeration
  • Spot seeding of rough
  • Removal of cool season grasses in the fairways
  • Preermegent and post emergent herbicide applications to the rough areas
  • Planting of Tulip bulbs

Double deep tining and heavy top dressings to all greens

Leveling and reshaping of the 8th tee complex

Compressor used to move air through the PVC pipes

Drainage added to 2, 10, 11, and 16

Selective herbicde to remove cool season grasses in Zoysia

Planting of thousands of Tulips

An early November snowfall has put tee renovations on hold for now! Pease check with the Proshop or follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest on golf course conditions.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent