#14 Tree Removal

Before

Final Look from Fairway

Friday, we removed a total of 14 trees along the fence line/walking trail.  They were removed to allow more sunlight and airflow to the green.  At 4 pm on Friday, the green was still in full sun for the first time it it's life!  In a few weeks, we will plant five new trees to help fill in that open void.  We will select a smaller tree that will not affect the airflow/sunlight issue.  To view each picture in larger format, you can click each one and that will blow it up so you can see it better.

New FCO Logo Bed

HUGE thank you to the Ladies Golf Association for their generous donation which allowed us to install a new landscape bed behind #7 green.  Over the next year, these bushes (boxwoods) will blend together and we will maintain them as the FCO logo.  These projects are fun to compete as it adds a new dynamic to the course. Thank you ladies!

April Weather

I know we haven't seen many nice warm and  calm days yet, but according to the weather channel it's going to be a warm start for spring.  From everything that I've seen, it's looking like it will remain 'well above average' in temperatures throughout the summer months as well.  Hopefully we can get some timely rains throughout the season to help aide in our water bill!

Irrigation Upgrade

Old Set Up

Trenching New Wires 

New Head and Coupler

Up and Running!

                                    

Irrigation work on a golf course is a never ending job.  Over the past few years, we've spent a ton of time working and repairing the irrigation system to ensure that system is running correctly and efficiently.  Here we removed the old quick coupler on the front right of #16 green and added a new sprinkler head and new quick coupler.  The approach on #16 is a south facing slope which causes it to dry out faster than others.  This extra bank head will help us get the area the water it needs and will save us a lot of time hand watering it.  Tip of the cap to my crew for their hard work and making this is quick project.  

Season is Underway!

 

Last week, we got covers pulled and greens mowed for the first time of the season.  Coming out of winter there is always the great unknown, but we came out just fine and the course is in great shape heading into spring.  There is a lot of work to get done, but we're way ahead of where we were last season and I think everyone would agree.

#14 green has made great strides over the winter and early this year.  Today, we used small tines (1/4") on tight spacing, 3" deep.  The practice is vital in the success of this green to prevent any 'layering' in the profile.  This will help the roots continue to work their way down and strengthen the plant.  As spring rolls through, we will continue to work the green height down slowly, but can cause more damage than good if you work it down too quickly.  Aerification will be done frequently throughout the season on this green to aide in establishment.

Stump Grinding

This morning, we started a two day task....grinding stumps.  This process is long overdue as we have 43 stumps that we plan on taking out.  Once we grind them down, we'll then fill the hole with clean top soil, seed, fertilize, then cover with a mat to help with germination.  Not only are the stumps an eye sore, but can do some serious damage to a cart or mower if/when they hit them.  This project has been on the radar for years, and it's nice to finally cross it off the list.  Oh the things you can accomplish when you have a great crew!     

Full Version of Course Update Letter

2016 Course Update

With spring right around the corner, the phones will start ringing with anticipation of when the course will open. I would like to take this time to update you and summarize my decisions and actions that were taken this winter so we could provide you with the best possible conditioned course during the season. 

After last winter, many discussions were had and proactive decisions were made on what has to be done to protect the course so it’s playable come spring.  The answer, cover the greens.  Not only is this a big financial investment, but one that impacts possible golf during the winter months.  Temporary pins were cut in approaches (9 holes) to eliminate completely shutting down and served as a compromise to satisfy the golfers who wanted to get out when the opportunity arose.

There are several reasons why we covered greens at Field Club. 

1.   The first being to protect the turf from cold, dry winter winds, which can desiccate turf, causing injury.

2.   The second is to help alleviate the formation of ice on the putting surface.

3.   To eliminate any foot traffic on the greens while they are frozen.

Identifying the turf species at your club is usually the deciding factor when making a cover/no cover decision.  The most susceptible turf species to injury is Poa annua (the primary species at FCO).  Poa is a much weaker plant than bentgrass, and this goes for the winter as much as it does for summer.  As you have seen, leaving Poa annua uncovered during winter is a very risky endeavor, as Poa does not have the same ability as bentgrass to harden itself off for winter.  When the cold winds combine with no snow cover it can quickly and easily desiccate and damage the plant.  Poa is only able to survive at most, 30-60 days under ice cover.  In Omaha, we often see the prime weather conditions for damage, which is why this was the right decision for us to make.  Covers are the best insurance against winter injury although nothing is guaranteed.  

Over the last week, I have been able to walk the course several times and even pulled back some covers to inspect the turf.  So far, the course has gone through winter with very minimal issues and the greens have great color and appear to be very healthy.  I anticipate no changes from here on out and expect us to not only have a great spring, but a great year of golf. 

The plan (if forecasted weather patterns do not change) Monday, March 7th we will begin removing the covers and preparing the greens for play.  I anticipate by Wednesday, March 9^th at noon the greens will have been mowed, fresh cups cut and ready for golf.

If there are any questions on this decision (or anything moving forward), please direct them to me.  The best way to reach me is via email at nleu@fcomaha.net.  I also utilize a turf blog which serves as general course updates to the membership.  You can view the blog at: fieldclubturf.blogspot.com.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to another great season at FCO.

Regards,

Nick Leu