Finally getting some spring projects moving along

The crew is still dodging raindrops to get the course cleaned up.  Just yesterday, we were still mowing areas that haven't been mowed in 2011!  Speaking with other superintendents, golf courses all around our region are struggling just to get cleaned up.  A slight break in the rain over the weekend afforded drier conditions and we were finally able to set off some spring projects that we have been meaning to get to.

So wet I don't even let the employees use a cart!

Ruts and mud are the norm these days.

The most obvious thing going on would be the renovation of #10 bridge.  We addressed the concrete approaches earlier this spring, and now we are tackling the replacement of the wooden bridge deck and restoration of the steel I-beams. The project is not just replacement, but an upgrade in materials.  Existing bridges were built with nails and 2" timbers while we are using treated deck screws and 3" timbers, which offer considerably more strength.  The beams are being scraped and treated with rust inhibiting primer and quality outdoor paint.  In an effort to shore-up course infrastructure, we are trying to do at least one bridge per year over the next several years to replace them in-house in a cost effective manner that doesn't require a large one-time expenditure.

We were hoping to have the bridge finished before the 18-holers opening scramble, but the rain decided to cancel the ladies and our last coat of paint.  We look to finish the bridge tomorrow to minimize golfer inconvenience.  Thank you for your patience.

A view of the rust on the beams of #10 bridge. 

The weak nature of these 2" boards is evident in the fact that they are all becoming detached from the rail after years of cart traffic.  Using the beefier timbers to replace should produce a bridge that will last for decades.

Another shot of the rust.

Cutting off the old 'curbs' being careful not to drop them in the creek.

A close-up of the boards shows nails that have almost completely rusted away.

Removing one board at a time by hand.

Sanding the rust off of the old beams.

 

The first coat of primer goes on. 

After we got the timbers removed, we added rock underneath to protect the bridge approach and the bank that had washed away underneath the bridge.

  We also made efforts to aerate the clubhouse grounds.  Most of the lawn around the clubhouse lacks proper irrigation, and we suffered some turf loss.  These areas were aerified, overseeded, and fertilized. 

Jonesy being careful not to mess up the concrete.