A new "footprint" at HMGC

As you have likely noticed the construction of our range/pump house has begun to the right of #9 north fairway and the driving range.  Despite my rambling in newsletters, my blog, and even in public forums in front of the members, there is still some confusion as to what this thing is here for.

The footers have been poured and ready to stack block.

First thing you noticed is it's not that big.  We tried to minimize potential interference with golf and future improvements by working closely with our golf course architect.   Obviously placement is very important not just now but relative to future master plan work.

The building is 20' x 36'.  Approximately 1/3rd of that (12x20) will be used to house the new pump electronics and injection system (more on this when it gets installed) as well as storage for irrigation repair parts and supplies.  There will actually be no pumps in the building, only the controls that operate them.  Having a small building will lengthen the life of these electronics as well as protect them against maintenance issues.  We are putting about a $60,000 "water computer" in there, and we want to keep it functional for at least the next 15-30 years.  The computer actually costs just slightly more than the building if you can believe that.  The water will be plumbed into this building so that it may be treated with our new infection system and sent back to our existing main line along #9 creek.

The other 2/3rds of the building will be much needed storage for the driving range, club fitting, and golf instruction operations.  The ball washer will be relocated here as well as the multitude of eqiupment currently occupying space in the bag room.  Wintertime will allow storage of the range picker.

As far as appearance, the building will be a block-type construction with "split face" blocks.  Most schools, hospitals, municipal buildings you see are split-face CMU block.  Originally, to save money we budgeted for a metal building.   Amid concerns about longevity, appearance, and the likelihood of balls making an awful racket when bouncing off of it, the board opted for more permanent construction for a minimal upcharge.

Typical split-face block

Overall, the construction should take about 3-4 weeks.  New power will be installed now that the building position is set, and finally we will be getting pipe and pumps installed to tap the new water in our wells.

I will keep you posted as we approach major milestones.  Keep enjoying this great fall golf weather.

-Dan