This irrigation pipe relocation goes on the list of irrigation items to be addressed in the upcoming weeks, right below relocating the irrigation pipe that runs through the east side of the practice putting green.
Another Interesting Discovery
It is always fun to find water bubbling up inside a bunker. A major "no-no" in golf construction is to install irrigation pipe under or within a green or a bunker. The damage due to a pipe failure could be very costly and take a feature out of play for the day or more. As you can see by the photos, irrigation pipe runs through the right side bunker on Hole #3 green here at ACC.
This irrigation pipe relocation goes on the list of irrigation items to be addressed in the upcoming weeks, right below relocating the irrigation pipe that runs through the east side of the practice putting green.
This irrigation pipe relocation goes on the list of irrigation items to be addressed in the upcoming weeks, right below relocating the irrigation pipe that runs through the east side of the practice putting green.
Trees, Trees, Trees....
With the removal of the three Sycamores adjacent to the putting green, that leaves 999 trees on property. Evaluation and upkeep is a costly and time consuming process. Trimming dead wood, low branches, and removal of suckers is a job that has been performed for many years by long tenured employee, Luis Franco. Luis does a tremendous job with this task and could probably tell you a story about nearly every tree residing on property.
One years worth of tree trimming
Luis' Best Work
Luis in action
Irrigation upgrade
As mentioned many times previously, the irrigation system is in dyer need of an upgrade. Given the cost of a total renovation, we must and have addressed this situation, one step/component at a time. The past two season have been spent relocating sprinklers, correcting triangulation, and creating efficient programming. This January, due to a failing 32 year old Toshiba pump/motor controller, we were forced to upgrade to a Watertronics control panel. I say "forced" because we had exhausted all alternatives in keeping the old panel operational. Next in line for upgrades will be a VFD drive for our 75 hp pumps, which should extend the life of our motors and pumps, as well as conserve electricity. Our electricity costs are slated to increase 1.9% to 4.4% above last season.
The new panel
Removal of Trees Surrounding the Putting Greens
For those of you that have expressed interest in why specific Sycamore trees were removed adjacent to the putting and chipping greens, below is an informative video that for the most part reiterates my comments:
Tree Inventory
This January, I have counted and identified the volume of trees that reside at Arrowhead Country Club. The total number is 1053. The charts below identify percentages and total counts per Genus. I will admit that I have some identification work to do within the miscellaneous category, but this may give you a glimpse into the leaf/debris issue that we battle every fall/winter.
To Mow or To Roll?
Growth rates, seasonal climatic conditions, moisture, and desired green speed dictate the answer to the topic question. Depending on the variables of these factors, we decide whether to cut the greens or roll the greens. With a dominant monoculture of A4/T1 Bentgrass, we do not have to factor in the variance of two turfgrass growth habits. (ex. Bentgrass versus poa annua) The decision is dictated by yield and performance. Mowing is a form of mechanical stress to the plant and at certain times can be detrimental to plant health and density. Why mow when you do not have to? If water management and fertility are monitored closely, to the point of just creating enough growth to recover from the stress of play, mowing seven days a week or double cutting is not required.
Many golfers say "We love fast greens!", but usually only a small percentage of Private Membership golfers demand these requirements and on the opposite end, speed can make rounds difficult and not fun for the majority. Greens that are consistent, smooth, and true out-perform speed any day. (In my opinion) Without identifying courses or events, I believe most golfers feel the same way. We do our best to maintain consistency throughout the various seasons that the Southern California climate may dictate.
Many golfers say "We love fast greens!", but usually only a small percentage of Private Membership golfers demand these requirements and on the opposite end, speed can make rounds difficult and not fun for the majority. Greens that are consistent, smooth, and true out-perform speed any day. (In my opinion) Without identifying courses or events, I believe most golfers feel the same way. We do our best to maintain consistency throughout the various seasons that the Southern California climate may dictate.
Alfredo Tri-plexing #18 Green
Alfredo Rolling #16 Green
Water Extraction
For a second consecutive year, water extracted from the well has been below previous measured volumes. This number equates to less water applied across the golf course and is a combination of weather patterns and a closer eye on application requirements. The trend may alter this season depending of climate cycles, but is encouraging given the future state requirements for cut back on usage for "sports turf". Not factored into the water volume equation is the savings related to not having the motors and pumps running to disperse the water.
Interesting projection of a "Facility" Lifespan
It is easy to argue some of these suggestions, especially greens. Some of the greatest greens in the world are decades old. The construction and Superintendent's management of these surfaces are major factors in how these components perform over time.
As mentioned many times in the past, our irrigation system (32 years old and counting) is in desperate need of replacement and has out-performed it's suggested "lifespan".
Bunker sand is another area of note. The last time the bunkers were aggressively addressed was in 2002.
As mentioned many times in the past, our irrigation system (32 years old and counting) is in desperate need of replacement and has out-performed it's suggested "lifespan".
Bunker sand is another area of note. The last time the bunkers were aggressively addressed was in 2002.
Irrigation additions
The improvements, alterations, and additions to the irrigation system (installed in 1978) will be on-going until a new, more functional and efficient system is finally installed. The amendments help "band-aid" inefficiencies and deficiencies, and have allowed us to operate the system to it's limited potential and then some. We recently installed the system's first ARV (Air relief valve) on a recently discovered, dead-end, 4" mainline at the very north point of the course. This line was not present on any of the original "as-builts" and was not known to exist. Even Luis Franco was unaware of it's existence. Just another mystery that resides under the turf at ACC.
With the consistent leaks and requirement of shutting the system down for repair, air enters the hydraulic system. The air, when compressed by the infusion of water into the pipes, creates what is called "water hammer" and can be detrimental to the life span of the PVC pipe and fittings.
Installation of ARVs is common on most new systems. This addition will hopefully buy the system a few more years of use. A typical irrigation system's life expectancy is twenty five years. ACC's system is currently thirty two years old. The cost of a new system is always hard to swallow, but state water reduction requirements and energy costs will soon force a renovation.
With the consistent leaks and requirement of shutting the system down for repair, air enters the hydraulic system. The air, when compressed by the infusion of water into the pipes, creates what is called "water hammer" and can be detrimental to the life span of the PVC pipe and fittings.
Installation of ARVs is common on most new systems. This addition will hopefully buy the system a few more years of use. A typical irrigation system's life expectancy is twenty five years. ACC's system is currently thirty two years old. The cost of a new system is always hard to swallow, but state water reduction requirements and energy costs will soon force a renovation.
Stress Crack in 4" line
Debris within the dead end line
Repair made and ready for ARV install
ARV and isolation valve within valve box
Beautification Award Winner 2010
The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Arrowhead Country Club as the award winner in the 2010 Maintenance of Existing Property category of the Chamber's annual Beautification Awards Program.
I would like to congratulate my staff for their hard work and dedication to the club and it's members.
2010 Staff
(Left to right): Luis Franco, Jason Cook, Juan Rivas, Gilbert Santibanez, Manuel Tavares, Hipolito Vegadornez, Miguel Poot,
Alejandro Serrano, Alberto Segoviano, Miguel Bonal
If it is not Rain, it is Wind
For a second consecutive day, Mother Nature is not cooperating with your desire as members to play golf. Last evening's gusts and today's sustained high winds have not made for favorable golfing conditions. The course is littered with tree debris and several trees have fallen victim to the recent rains and wrath of the current wind.
Back right of #3 green
Back left of #1 green
Left side #16 fairway tee shot
Shade and our Putting Green
The images below depict the volume of shade that our southern most Practice Putting Green receives throughout the day.
7:45 am
10:45 am
11:45 am
12:45 pm
1:45 pm
2:45 pm
USGA- A Guide for Green Committee Members
Open for play
After 13.68" of total precipitation over the past seven days, we opened for play today at 9 a.m. for walkers and 12:00 noon for carts. The course drained remarkably well given the volume of moisture that had fallen on the region. We spent a majority of the day cleaning up fallen tree debris, pumping out bunkers, and cutting greens and fairways. My hat is off to the crew for their hard work today.
Rain... rain... go away
The course is closed today due to heavy rains (.80" by noon). The course received 5.3" of rain in the past twenty-four hours, which brings the moisture total to 8.48" for the past week. (Wednesday- .38", Friday thru Sunday- 3.6")
Let there be Light
The east side tennis court lighting is finally operational again for those of you that enjoy hitting the "yellow ball" back and forth as much as you enjoy striking the "white ball".
"Black Friday"
The photos below depict the physical evidence of damage resulting from foot and golf cart traffic on previously frosted turf. The "black markings" are the signs of damaged plant cells within the leaf tissue. When the temperatures are low enough to freeze the intercellular liquids within the plant, the plant is vulnerable to piercing damage when traffic is present. Please respect your golf course and remain off of turgrass when frost is present.
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