Rainy Project Days

We knew that the rain would have to come eventually, and of course, it's all come at once.  That is not a complaint, though.  With the unexpectedly heavy shower that the course received this morning, we've had 3.6" of rain over the last week, and this is close to the same amount of rain that fell from July 27 through October 12.  The relatively slow, steady rains have been perfect drought-busters, and the lower soil profile once again has some moisture in it.  Although we have a few weeks before the the snowflakes will start flying, it's a relief that we won't be entering winter in a drought.

Aside from dodging rain drops, we had a very productive week on the course.  We laid 2500 square feet of bluegrass sod in various areas, and the most noticeable improvement can be found around nine green.  Since we removed a few trees from the back of the green, it should now be possible to grow some grass in this area, and we were pleased with the results.  Sod was also laid by 4 bunker, 8 black tee, 9 cart path, 10 bunkers, 15 cart path, 16 bunker, and 18 tee.

The new look from behind 9 green.

Yesterday, we also finished some tree removal that was started last week by 1 green and by 11 green.  Two ash trees were removed from the southside of 1 green.  Aside from reducing winter shade and subsequent ice accumulation on the green, their removal also fits the ash tree removal and replacement program that was initiated four years ago in preparation for emerald ash borer.  The two honey locusts that were taken down behind 11 green were planted too close to the green.  As they matured, their roots not only competed with the green for moisture, but the trees also contributed to the significant shading that this green has.  Now that they are gone, the stately oaks that were behind the locusts provide a much nicer backdrop.

Work is coming along nicely on the rain garden that Shorewood Hills is installing alongside hole 13.  The main irrigation line that runs from the pumphouse to feed the entire irrigation system happens to run through this area, and with the amount of excavation that's needed for the project, the mainline had to be rerouted deeper into the ground.  This relocation was done last week, and despite some apprehension on our end, everything seems to have gone well.  This week, they have been excavating and shaping the actual garden areas, backfilling with gravel and sand, adding a liner, routing overflow pipes, and even planting and landscaping one of the gardens.

A semi-completed rain garden (above) and still some work to do (below).