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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-19-REC-min.attach 1,001',,,4,0401,",,,11111111101001 00 111111111111011011111101111111111111111111061111111111111111111111111111111111111111111001000 000000110000p0,,,,,, 1111'1111111,11111111'11,11111 mmmhl ,;;;11111111''''''''70 01 1 111 I 0 0 00 10 0111011i011100iiiii,,iiillin1,1,,,,gio,,111,ii„ 11piilh'Ill 1111111 1 1011101 Tholli111401010100 )10000011Hooloolooloolosoodia,,, 4droPill04, 11100 I! 6prIlll I g1111111h1q11, 1111 I 1111d1451 111 toil, oil EH ur 1 + c vo. nu Ibil 1 P 1 0111111111111 11111F1 Nil r 1111111 111111111illli h k, MI? ,,, 0111111 0 1 'il Or'4z 0p 0 0000 pi , 0111 I 01 001 r. 0 011011 101100 1111 ' m 0 0 op 100 P 0 0 '" ,,,q 1 0 1 t111111111110 404 1.111111 0 1 000A11100000011 All 11 0000 1 10 II 0, ,,,1,01",, 0„,11„,i,o,,,000N0 ,0„„„,iiiiii110,(00(000000„ 1,1111101 . , 1 .10.11... 0 0111101. 10111.01000000opoovoc 01 0 'fill 1 I I I, 01, 10 fa" '1°"i'' fIIIII,1 111 1111111 III ill II 0 11111001111 IM10111 DIP IIIIII1 0 WO il IIIIIV dila I I Mt IllIIII I pg 1 11P R I 1)111111111 )11110 a hilily 1111111101 10„1 01 II, ,1 I r 40, 'l' I 010 1011 1 1 11111" 1 111 1110 ° 0 1 co Hum irt0 III 1 0,41000(t 1 1 01001 l'.,‘ ,, 0,Imo, iiiip, „),I, Ill,1 ii 111111111111111111111h 11,11111111,1 l'Il 11111 11, III, 11 11,? 1 1 000000000000 00 [ 10 „ 1 0 10 Ill l',IP'16,11,,,,Olii,1'II 1 11101t1111111111 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM110`1110 lo f'11011017,110,000 00100 1,010,010,010,0,00,10010 0 00010000J11101100000100000000001000 11 00 000010H1 01 „,,, ,11,IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII(11, 110110101 1111111 0.1 iiiIlli mul11411111111111ilifii 11.11110 1111111 1 0111111111y'1111111V 1 ft 11104 00410011111000011111010010 14011000 1111 II VI Illill'ill)' 1 1, OVII a 111111111111111111\1111111111111111111111111111111ffil NEI 111°1101i'1710110111 111111111111111 1111101 1110010'4010011111111111 1,1100 1 0 111111111 101000111000010001 0 , 11„p1„4111 1 , II I 1111111 II,' '' 111111111 III 111111111111111,,11 PINE MEADOWS GOLF COURSE Lexington, Massachusetts Visit Date May 25, 2016 Present: Mr John Allen, Jr , Vice President of Operation, New England Golf Corporation Mr Tim Harlan, Superintendent Mr William Harrison, President, New England Golf Corporation Ms. Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation, Town of Lexington Mr Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds Mr Tyler Radicioni, Recreation Supervisor Ms Laura Drew, Intern Mr Jim Skorulski, USGA United States Golf Association James E. Skorulski,Agronomist I Green Section I Northeast Region 1500 North Main Street I Palmer, MA 01069 I 413-283-2237 i Fax:413-283-7741 i Email. iskorulskieusca.orct USGA Green Section Mission. The USGA Green Section develops and disseminates sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better goff It was my pleasure to make a half day Course Consulting Service visit to Pine Meadows Golf Course on May 25, 2016 It is always a pleasure to meet with Mr Allen, Ms Simmons, Mr Filadoro and Mr Harrison to tour the golf course and discuss the maintenance needs It was good to see that the golf course survived the winter in good condition with no agronomic concerns Favorable growing conditions this spring has provided a good but dry start for the turf We discussed a number of topics during our tour of the golf course The rebuilding of the 4th green was discussed more thoroughly We also discussed the tee renovation program that is planned for the 8th hole Other topics discussed included bunker renovation, programs to improve several rough areas, tree removal work and general maintenance topics for the playing surfaces The recommendations and observations that occurred during our tour of the golf course are provided in the following report GREENS No 4 Green It was good to hear that money has been allocated to rebuild the 4th green I strongly recommend relocating the green further from the tree line that is on the south—southeast side of green to gain more sun exposure for the turf The less expensive option to improve growing conditions is to move forward with selective tree removal work along the left and back side of the green Relocating the green offers one additional benefit of shortening the length of the hole The area I suggested would still provide a very long par 3 hole with the location of the existing tee boxes An architect might suggest shortening the hole further /I'jVn�G,�'Iim/4i 1°MII IV I' Ii)i VV 1Vd%/yN(IIflWmW;�umm��e1J.'/lX)11 t dli1 M/INNIaN ,,IIf�Ipl� IIJd��1III1I1I1i11AI%u II 6 11 IIIwIi iIf',cliiIliNuI 41� 1) pl,�IJ ,,v iv lrv, Pf IIYlo,; pJ" i l MII �W „uIuh1uS 1'111yy �Mloom n1V�IIO1VI11111 111 11101,10 1u� 1LI / V 111 ' 11; P ppII� VmflI I II u11l � 111I1ANO MIlplgVII1 4 'V�i IJ 411 �o uYYVOII ,luhuhlllllh1 PJPr i u�Vuu Roo.IPil pI I°11 1 I�u llll!V III 111111I�IV VINu ' kllI/o, �10�0V 1 � iVIIliiillII ipu 111ill1111iJVu )IIIIIIIII I I1111 1 I %011 ,,4111w N01,11111111)'1!1'11111,,1/111'''111111111 N � °W�IIIIIIIIIIIII II olu, 9 � lwVIIIIVI III Piiili 1IVIOi IIMIIII� MIuryll i j�Ip,III Ip 1I4'Ih„ II1 p WWWIIpWIIWu11�0101 u1d1N1Ip, VII ,,Ii1VIII I� uI ! „, umIIIllm,,1 , I vim 1 Ilpw ,1uwm11IIR11111111IIIIIISim.1111,,,111, 1''N Ns1 I SI ory 0 WWvolt l,,, WW 111 im� w;11I "rIllilii)llllIP �IIIIiIp1 I1 I1 1 1 j)1,6K 11IIIIIIV V111111111111111111111111111111111111111(1.11111j )0111111 II, iii The design of the new green is as important as its location • The new green should be built to properly receive a long shot. • It should be approachable so golfers can run shots up to the green • The green should be designed to provide positive surface drainage off of the playing surface in multiple directions and contain no surface depressions • The entry and exit points to the green should be kept open to provide wide access Strong consideration should be given to working with a local golf course architect who can provide a design for the hole and green complex and oversee the construction This offers the best opportunity to complete the project and produce a well-designed green complex that will serve the town long into the future I have attached the names of several local golf course architects who should be available to work on this project. Their insight would also be valuable for the 8th tee complex and even modify the bunker on the 5th hole The new green has to be built with a commercial rootzone mix that will provide good drainage I typically recommend using USGA method of putting green construction and a rootzone mix. However, a good functional green can be built if the design provides good surface drainage, the green has internal drainage and the rootzone mix is of good quality A commercial mix that contains sand, peat and a small amount of soil would be suitable for the new green. It should fall within or close to USGA recommendations for green construction mixes The rootzone mix should be 10-12 inches deep The internal drainage system can be installed in the subbase soils at a depth of 15 inches, using small diameter 2 inch perforated, wrapped pipe installed on a 6 foot spacing The drain trenches would be backfilled with the rootzone mix. The lines would be installed on a grid pattern and the water taken to a larger diameter collector line off the green XGD or a similar company familiar with this type of drainage can complete the installation as can most contractors I have enclosed a list of potential sand suppliers It is very important to not only select a reputable sand supplier but also to check the mix that is delivered to the site before it is installed in the green to make sure that it is the same mix that was selected for the green This simple step can make the difference between the success and failure of the green I will be happy to work with Mr Allen and Mr Filadoro to review the available mixes and to help select one that will be most effective The new green can be established with the existing sod as long as that sod is in decent condition and can be harvested Otherwise, the green will have to be established with a commercial bentgrass sod Hopefully, the sod on the green can be utilized effectively Avoid core aerating the green (hollow tines) beyond the spring aeration program that is planned in the coming weeks The sod should recover sufficiently from this aeration and should be ready for use in fall My primary concern is the likelihood that the turf on this green will deteriorate if we have difficult summer conditions Therefore, it is a good idea lo0 0 0 0pPage 3 to begin to contact commercial sod suppliers to make sure a source is available for the fall project. Surface Quality All of the greens appeared to be in good agronomic condition The turf was showing a need for a fertilizer application Annual bluegrass seeding was coming to an end Once the seedheads disappear the surfaces will become smoother At this point, I recommend vertical mowing the green in one if not two directions (1/8 inch deep) The vertical mowing will reduce some of the excess vegetative growth and should stimulate new growth and produce smoother surfaces. Topdressing the greens will be most beneficial A light topdressing program in addition to the heavier sand applications made with aeration will help to smooth the surfaces for improved ball roll Topdressing on a three-week schedule through the season will also help to balance the organic material that is produced by the plant. This will keep the rootzone more homogenous and will help protect the plants from the traffic that occurs Trees I was very happy to see the removal of white pine trees from the back right side of No 9 green The tree removal work has increased the morning sun exposure to the right half of the green Well done! The 5th green remains heavily shaded especially in the fall and winter months A significant removal of white pine trees will be required along the back left side of the green to improve sun exposure for the turf there We also discussed removing several ash and maple trees as well as a willow from the left side of the 4th green to increase sun exposure for the turf there That work will actually benefit the new location of the green more so than the existing one The trees recommended for removal do not appear to be in the wetland area. A white pine tree growing on the left side of the 8th green is in very poor condition It should be removed There are also several poor quality willow trees that remain adjacent to the 9th green that should be removed The willow trees are in an advanced state of decline TEES No 8 Tee It was good to hear that the 8th tee will be renovated this fall The work will involve the middle tee box. Fortunately, a significant quantity of fill has been generated from the pond dredging work. That fill should be well suited for use as a subbase soil for the new tee complex. The silty soil should be ready for use by the time the project is initiated in the fall The subbase soils would be graded A good quality construction mix (60 40 or similar)would be installed at a uniform 6 inch depth over the subbase soil An internal drainage line should be installed at the back of the tee or whichever way the subbase soils are graded to remove excess water that will accumulate there A 4 inch wrapped poly pipe encased in sand/rootzone mix should provide suitable drainage along the q u ILII por IYII:,S I"I II IIIIDI uPage 4 lower perimeter of the new tee I recommend establishing the new tee using shortcut Kentucky bluegrass sod Trees The 6th and 7th tee boxes are the most shaded areas on the golf course The white pine trees responsible for the shade are showing some signs of decline from a yet unknown factor The decline of the trees will probably result in some selective removal work in the near future This will increase sun exposure for both of the tee boxes and this will have a significant impact on the quality of turf Tree removal work has long been a topic to gain more sun for the turf A smaller size deciduous tree species can be planted to replace the taller white pine trees and help provide some screening for both tee sites I will be happy to review the list of tree species available to the town to help select the best planting option I also agree with the plan to cut back the tree line along the right side of the 6th hole This will allow for more of the tee box (right side)to be utilized for play It is also recommended to root prune a white pine tree growing on the immediate left side of the tee to eliminate the tree root competition with the turf Finally, a pitch pine tree growing right of the 6th tee is also causing shade over one of the primary playing areas It too should be removed FAIRWAYS Drainaae I was surprised to see just how wet the 2nd fairway was at the time of our visit. I'm surprised because the other fairways were quite dry and we have had a dry stretch of weather I'm not exactly sure why the surfaces were so wet. There was a problem with the drainage earlier in the spring but that seems to have dissipated It may be necessary to excavate the wet area to determine if the drain lines are functioning or if there is an irrigation leak. The drain lines can be flushed with water in an effort to remove any debris or to help pinpoint where any blockages or pipe failure exists The drainage on the lower portion of No 2 fairway and No 1 fairway is dependent upon the elevation of the stream or culvert where water exits the site At some point the flow of that water is being impacted either by debris that has impacted the natural flow of that water or by some changes made in the culverts or other piping that moves water below Route 128 I strongly recommend having this area of the golf course fully evaluated by a drainage engineer The drainage engineers will examine the existing drainage and shoot the elevation of the area. They can provide a plan to drain this area of the golf course in an effective fashion Kelly AMI, Inc. are very experienced engineers who work almost entirely with golf courses they can be reached at (514) 697-1130 or e-mail kellv.aminvidectron ca. They have dealt with many difficult drainage scenarios and I am confident that they will provide the most practical option to move water off of the property more quickly Once that is accomplished, the drain lines that are found I 1 1.u q w0 u it II If � 11, II Page 5 throughout the 1st and 2nd fairways will work more effectively or can be replaced with more effective collector pipes Thatch Manaaement It is good to hear that a number of fairways were aggressively core aerated in the fall to remove thatch that has become excessive That practice should be repeated in early spring until the thatch layer is reduced to optimal levels An excessive thatch layer will impact the movement of water through the surface It can impact rooting and root depth The solid tine aeration is helpful but will not remove the thatch The other option to manage thatch is to use a dethatching unit. A dethatching program does not pull cores but uses blades to cut through the surface organic material or thatch This practice is often done in conjunction with core aeration or as a standalone practice done in the spring or fall season The dethatching process itself does not take very much time However, the cleanup associated with the dethatching is a process. A number of manufacturers make dethatching equipment for fairways Graden, SISIS and First Products (VC-60) produce units that you might consider demonstrating on the golf course to observe their effectiveness Units combined with a sweeper attachment (Kesmec, Wiedenmann) are another option that takes care of the clean-up process Trees Trees are impacting the playability and appearance of several fairway and rough areas One of the areas of concern is the right side of the 5th fairway where exposed tree roots create a dangerous playing condition and are potentially damaging to equipment The surface roots also impact the ability to grow good quality turf Root prune along the right side of the 5th fairway to sever the surface roots The roots can then be removed with a small excavator, the surface tilled and graded with new topsoil and seeded This is a good fall project. Similar work should be along the right side of the 6th and 7th holes However, the work there involves removing a number of white pine trees and some pitch pine trees from the right side of the 6th fairway to allow more sun to reach this high traffic area that has been perennially weak and unsightly Removing the trees and then pulling the surface roots and regrading the area around the cartpath and right rough will provide an opportunity to grow a good quality stand of turf Use turf-type tall fescue or a blend of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue to reestablish this rough area I recommend similar work along the right side of the 7th hole I also recommend removing a white pine tree that is growing on the right side of No 7 green/approach The white pine tree is not necessary Removing that tree will also remove surface roots and allow more sun to reach the rough area that is in closer proximity to the green We discussed the need to remove several poor quality willow trees earlier An ash tree growing on the right side of the current 4th green will also need to be removed if the green is relocated There are number of white pine trees that are in advanced stages of 11.,011 01"'u 1111 0;11 ll'"Ilii' 0! 11 11��u�� 11.0 Page 6 decline I will try to find out what might be impacting the white pine trees However, I would anticipate that those trees will have to be removed eventually as they are declining quickly Finally, we discussed replacing the Austrian pine trees that provide a screen behind No 9 green The trees are showing signs of Diplopia blight disease The trees cannot be saved Begin to make plans to replace the pine trees with another screen planting, and preferably one that will not grow above 20-25 feet. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Sand Bunkers We discussed options to improve the greenside bunker on the 5th hole I still believe the best option is to renovate the bunker and to convert it into a grass bunker This would involve some shaping work to soften the grade of the banks and perhaps to create a flatter plateau to the left of the bunker This would help to prevent shots from bounding into the woods The soils would also be used to reshape the bunker so that it can be more easily maintained with riding mowers I recommend working with a golf course architect to review the bunker An experienced golf course contractor could also reshape the bunker to make it a more maintainable grass bunker The left greenside bunker on the 6th hole is in need of renovation work. The bank is beginning to break down due to sand accumulation The work would require reestablishing a bunker edge and removing the sand that is accumulated on the bank. The bank would then be graded and new topsoil added The bank could then be reestablished with turf-type tall fescue sod that is durable and can tolerate the drier summer conditions CONCLUSION This concludes my summary of the topics discussed during my visit to Pine Meadow Golf Club and I hope this report proves useful Best of luck for a successful season and please feel free to call at any time throughout the year if I can be of additional assistance The USGA appreciates your support of the Course Consulting Service Please visit the Course section of usoa.orq to access regional updates that detail agronomist observations across the region Also, please visit the Water ResourceCenter to learn about golf's use of water and how your facility can help conserve and protect our most important natural resource II mill i�. ^lii. 0 II''"p' II iiPll'i 10 a^"circ V"i Page 7 Sincerely, 70,011— James E. Skorulski, Agronomist Green Section, Northeast Region JES jen cc. Mr John Allen, Jr , Vice President of Operation, New England Golf Corporation Mr Tim Harlan, Superintendent Ms Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation, Town of Lexington Mr Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds Mr William Harrison, President, New England Golf Corporation Attachments Northeast Golf Course Architects Northeast Topdressing Sources Sod Nurseries 00 0 011 Page 8