tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85952325727593382282024-03-18T04:48:46.431-05:00Sugar Creek Golf Course BlogAn online resource for golfers and community members interested in grounds and golf course maintenance at Sugar Creek Golf Course.Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-70741844508668937512020-09-04T10:11:00.000-05:002020-09-04T10:11:37.002-05:00Summer 2020: Warmest Summer in Chicago on Record<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3G1Cdk9JoU/X1JRaR1_pPI/AAAAAAAAGZY/mHkXlrVqbwkeeuSCGl0tz1A9LSk4ErgQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Summer_2020_Climate_Graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3G1Cdk9JoU/X1JRaR1_pPI/AAAAAAAAGZY/mHkXlrVqbwkeeuSCGl0tz1A9LSk4ErgQACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h351/Summer_2020_Climate_Graphic.png" width="625" /></a></div><br /><p>The National Weather Service's Meteorological Summer Summary reports that 2020 was the warmest summer on record in Chicago. When I first read this, I was a little surprised. While I remember two periods of extended high heat, one in July and one in August, 2020 did not <i>feel </i>like a record warm summer. Maybe that is because there were no 100 degree days, or maybe it is because we tend to remember the very hot unpleasant days in a summer and forget about the weeks of below average temperatures. One thing I do know is that I was measuring soil temperatures in the 90's this year for the first time since 2013, so it was definitely warm. </p><p>Once I looked at the statistics in detail, it made sense. June, July, and August were all well above average in temperature by 5.0, 5.2, and 4.4 degrees respectively. Other summers with memorable heat waves (like 2012 or 1995) had a few more periods of below average temps to balance out their seasonal averages. When all three summer months are above average by that many degrees, it adds up to a record warm season. We also don't tend to notice nighttime lows as much as daytime highs and 2020 had the 3rd warmest low temperature average on record and the 5th highest high temperature average. Warm nights pump up the average temperature, as well as the soil temperature, without any fanfare but turf managers certainly notice in terms of struggling plants and increased disease and insect pressure. </p><p>Even though a lack of rain was occasionally difficult, we were very fortunate that July and August were below average in rainfall and we could keep soil from becoming saturated. Wet soil, flooding, and high heat are a deadly combination for turfgrass, especially in the lower parts of fairways or other areas with less than adequate drainage. Luckily, the heavy rains of May did not continue into the summer months.</p><p>The ranking chart below from the NWS report also shows 2010, 2012, and 2020 all in the top 10 of warm summers in Chicago. 2010 and 2012 were much more difficult for turf, at least at Sugar Creek, so I remember them as "hotter," but they were not as far as averages. 2020 was more of an even warmth while 2010 and 2012 contained more extremes in temperature and precipitation.</p><p>Below is from the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/lot/summer2020" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a>: </p><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="" style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Temperature Rankings</span></center><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"> </center><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">All-time Top 10 Warmest Summers in Chicago (dating back to 1872)</center><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"> </center><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; width: 250px;"><thead><tr><th scope="col" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Rank</strong></th><th scope="col" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Year </strong></th><th scope="col" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Mean Average Temperature (°F)</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</strong></td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2020</strong></td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">76.7</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1955</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">76.4</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">3</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1995</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">76.3</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2012</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">76.1</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">5</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1921</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.9</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">6</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1949</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.5</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1959</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.4</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">T8</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2010</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.2</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">T8</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1973</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.2</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">T8</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1953</td><td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">75.2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></center><center style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><center style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Notable Statistics</span></span></center><center style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"> </center><ul style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: outside square; margin: 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">The average high temperature for Summer 2020 in Chicago was 86.2°F, which was the 5th warmest average high temperature for the summer season on record behind 1988 (87.2°F), 2012 (87.0°F), 1995 (86.5°F), and 1955 (86.3°F)</li><li style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">The average low temperature for Summer 2020 in Chicago was 67.1°F, which was the 3rd warmest average low temperature for the summer season on record behind 1921 (69.7°F) and 1919 (67.8°F)</li><li style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">There were 30 days this summer in Chicago that had a high temperature of 90°F or higher, which is the 10th most such days in Chicago's history dating back to 1872</li><li style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">There were 63 days this summer in Chicago that had a high temperature of 85°F or higher, which is the most ever in Chicago's history, besting the previous top number of 61 days that occurred during the summer of 1995</li><li style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">There were 27 days this summer in Chicago that had a low temperature of 65°F or lower, which ranks as the third fewest in Chicago's history behind 1921 (20 days) and 1919 (24 days)</li></ul></center>Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-92005153010259708492019-06-25T17:45:00.001-05:002019-06-25T17:45:17.873-05:00Drain Repairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The frequent rain in May exposed many places where important drain lines were either not working or working very slowly. We tried using a drain auger but that either didn't work or made only small improvements. Once we found a restriction, we marked the spot for repair. Once the ground firmed up a bit, we were able to fix the drains. As we suspected, the problem was mostly roots.</div>
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I can see why this drain wasn't working well:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFhiPvHSpDk/XRKgISGa-CI/AAAAAAAAE0c/VmHeAnYp9wUUpL2WI7Q5af8cPJMvo0hHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190614_113827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFhiPvHSpDk/XRKgISGa-CI/AAAAAAAAE0c/VmHeAnYp9wUUpL2WI7Q5af8cPJMvo0hHQCLcBGAs/s640/20190614_113827.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks to a backhoe borrowed from Parks Department, we were able to fix them all fairly quickly and replace those sections with PVC pipe that is unlikely to be clogged with roots. The older sections uphill of them might be blocked, but these sections should be fine for a long time. It is never fun to fix an area and then have to re-fix it 2 or 3 years later. Roots are relentless!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeH9jayqjf0/XRKhRUTJjmI/AAAAAAAAE0k/r2NKwKsRFe8mugUtqAyVnaPLNMm724uZQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190613_130513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeH9jayqjf0/XRKhRUTJjmI/AAAAAAAAE0k/r2NKwKsRFe8mugUtqAyVnaPLNMm724uZQCLcBGAs/s640/20190613_130513.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq5thWb1rJ0/XRKiRjd70yI/AAAAAAAAE0s/d-kNaSauKRMGkDRk9xySt46DiJDAfudkACLcBGAs/s1600/20190613_140721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq5thWb1rJ0/XRKiRjd70yI/AAAAAAAAE0s/d-kNaSauKRMGkDRk9xySt46DiJDAfudkACLcBGAs/s640/20190613_140721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We fixed 5 drains around the course ranging from 20 feet to 5 feet in length. They are mostly in out of the way locations:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUosGDbdqig/XRKjA7WSVOI/AAAAAAAAE08/e5cEIwwmW84kqYh4whPiY_Jj4EP97B4FwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190615_064825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUosGDbdqig/XRKjA7WSVOI/AAAAAAAAE08/e5cEIwwmW84kqYh4whPiY_Jj4EP97B4FwCLcBGAs/s640/20190615_064825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBaurgBaxNg/XRKjA3jnRMI/AAAAAAAAE04/2JglXQJPNpE2XWaIsqElEjfiSwbpMEcwACLcBGAs/s1600/20190621_145932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBaurgBaxNg/XRKjA3jnRMI/AAAAAAAAE04/2JglXQJPNpE2XWaIsqElEjfiSwbpMEcwACLcBGAs/s640/20190621_145932.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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These repairs will be most obvious the next time we have excessive amounts of rain. The water should have an easier time draining to a lower area instead of forming a temporary pond.<br />
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-88915451462775419672019-06-03T08:26:00.002-05:002019-06-03T08:26:43.977-05:00May 2019 - Another Record!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNuYw_yw9XU/XPUf7Jvq59I/AAAAAAAAEz4/2s0OS9uXWl4ZXnPdShAZgaSH5WaVr50ogCLcBGAs/s1600/May%2B2019%2BRecord%2Bprecip.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="833" height="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNuYw_yw9XU/XPUf7Jvq59I/AAAAAAAAEz4/2s0OS9uXWl4ZXnPdShAZgaSH5WaVr50ogCLcBGAs/s640/May%2B2019%2BRecord%2Bprecip.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-41520253526949093222018-05-31T08:17:00.000-05:002018-05-31T08:17:22.152-05:00Record Breaking May Precipitation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTnZB-xLSKg/Ww_yJfTQqLI/AAAAAAAAEwY/SyG9Ea1_IXQK568O4iMcfqQ_3gURdoDigCLcBGAs/s1600/Rain%2B5-30-2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="987" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTnZB-xLSKg/Ww_yJfTQqLI/AAAAAAAAEwY/SyG9Ea1_IXQK568O4iMcfqQ_3gURdoDigCLcBGAs/s640/Rain%2B5-30-2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the storms in the late afternoon on May 30th, we officially broke the record for the wettest May on record at O'Hare. Somehow the airport only received .9" of rain yesterday for a total of 8.21" for the month. At our location in Villa Park, we received 3.1" yesterday making our total for the month well over 10". Surprisingly, the course has not suffered much from all the rain this month. The storms were spaced out with dryer periods in between so the turf had a chance to recover before the next saturation. Yesterday's 3" was the most we received in one storm. While the creek did temporarily flow over its banks and flood a few areas, it receded by this morning with minimal debris left to clean up.<br />
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As wet months go, we have been lucky that the days of high heat did not come immediately after a storm. It is usually the combination of standing water, heat, and scalding sun where we see lasting turf damage. It is much easier for turf to handle a wet month in May, or any cooler month, than during June, July, and August when the temperatures are usually higher and grass is more stressed.<br />
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We saw a scene like the picture below a few times this month, but in general the course has been in great shape.<br />
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Most mornings have been more like this:</div>
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-46378424703586319052018-05-09T07:15:00.001-05:002018-05-09T07:15:34.573-05:00Finished Deck PicturesWe completed the deck three weeks ago just in time to be enjoyed in the nicer weather after our unusually cold early spring. Many people have had the chance to enjoy it since it was opened.<div>
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After completing the deck, we also rebuilt the retaining wall between the deck and the entrance. The old wall was built in 1992 and was failing. We made the bed slightly smaller and channeled the downspout through the wall to prevent it from washing out. I did not take a "before" picture, but it was not straight, level, or attractive. We moved the wall in 36 inches to allow for slightly more room to park golf carts.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwOrxgkWfAs/WvLlq8sF6pI/AAAAAAAAEvw/hbs5dUpixHMy_VVJxUttqf0K72IA2IV-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Wall%2BRebuild%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwOrxgkWfAs/WvLlq8sF6pI/AAAAAAAAEvw/hbs5dUpixHMy_VVJxUttqf0K72IA2IV-wCLcBGAs/s640/Wall%2BRebuild%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmudV_fDxxc/WvLlrc9MAzI/AAAAAAAAEv0/dTbj7NDV_UQGPfc4vipYCFDmVrdAL_JOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wall%2BRebuild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmudV_fDxxc/WvLlrc9MAzI/AAAAAAAAEv0/dTbj7NDV_UQGPfc4vipYCFDmVrdAL_JOgCLcBGAs/s640/Wall%2BRebuild.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finished wall with top cap and downspout installed:</div>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-91664164738664866422018-03-07T13:41:00.000-06:002018-03-07T13:44:49.249-06:00Deck Rebuild and Other Winter ProjectsSince October, the maintenance crew has been working on rebuilding the clubhouse deck -- on days the weather allowed, at least. At first we were only going to replace the decking but after inspecting the beams things escalated quickly into a complete rebuild. We are currently about 75% complete with the project and hope to have the deck open in April.<br />
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Here are some photos from the rebuild:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New triple 2 x 12 beams</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New beams and rim joist</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfq6g4jx0-c/WqA5gn_yciI/AAAAAAAAEtc/GcpEgxiE07k8VUxbXvo7uAyOe6fVQ1RyQCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BFrame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfq6g4jx0-c/WqA5gn_yciI/AAAAAAAAEtc/GcpEgxiE07k8VUxbXvo7uAyOe6fVQ1RyQCLcBGAs/s640/New%2BFrame.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New frame asembled</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u87YDtZfYy8/WqA5gtei2bI/AAAAAAAAEtY/GK3Aqs4m3gExgN55XonmpfMj8eb0h7CGwCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2Bframe%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u87YDtZfYy8/WqA5gtei2bI/AAAAAAAAEtY/GK3Aqs4m3gExgN55XonmpfMj8eb0h7CGwCLcBGAs/s640/New%2Bframe%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New frame on the "wrap-around" portion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joists covered with waterproof tape</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxpfUbdprE/WqA6D69msUI/AAAAAAAAEtw/rRWE93Vi1KI1BEk6zMS_SqPncpxswF55QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Joists%2Band%2Bboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxpfUbdprE/WqA6D69msUI/AAAAAAAAEtw/rRWE93Vi1KI1BEk6zMS_SqPncpxswF55QCEwYBhgL/s640/Joists%2Band%2Bboards.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New boards and taped joists</td></tr>
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This deck railing jig made installing the spindles and building railing sections a snap:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck railing jig</td></tr>
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Here you can see some railing installed. The finished product will have a 2"x6" cap on top.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va0Pf3gqw-E/WqA6EQCXFHI/AAAAAAAAEuE/SFqhlQRFvNwzZJ396jIpEkfCZDkLdL6lwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Railing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va0Pf3gqw-E/WqA6EQCXFHI/AAAAAAAAEuE/SFqhlQRFvNwzZJ396jIpEkfCZDkLdL6lwCEwYBhgL/s640/Railing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap-around section complete (except for railing cap)</td></tr>
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We have received many questions about the wood. It isn't cedar, but it looks a little like it. It is actually pressure-treated southern yellow pine treated with a pigment to mask the usual green color of treated pine. It is often called cedar-tone in stores. The cedar boards from our original deck were rotting from the bottom up so I liked the idea of a board treated on top and bottom. It is a little more difficult to work with than cedar, more prone to warping and splitting, and a little knottier, but I think it will last longer in our situation here.<br />
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In addition to the deck, the crew also completed a lot of tree pruning and the usual equipment maintenance and reel grinding. Here is a fairway mower reel being ground on the spin grinder:</div>
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On March 5th, we also aerified the greens with bayonet tines. This produces channels in turf to facilitate root growth and gas exchange as the greens dry out. After rolling the greens, the slits are barely noticeable and the greens can be putted on immediately. </div>
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Here are the greens after one rolling. They will receive more rolling and mowing before they get much play. By that time, the little slits will be almost invisible but I have taken core samples of them two months later that show the slits full of new roots and still a viable channel for air and moisture.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After one rolling</td></tr>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-81169904563880623942017-08-22T08:12:00.001-05:002017-08-22T08:12:54.803-05:00Net Replacement on #6Earlier this year, a wind storm damaged the barrier net along the 6th hole. Several poles were cracked and one even fell over. Since the poles were around 50 years old, the golf course decided to replace entire netting system with new poles. The old net was taken down and the new net put up very quickly on July 17th and 18th. Below are some before and after pictures of the project.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broken pole after wind storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old pole cracked at the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the new poles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netting system installation in progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IziFA3p42L0/WZwrSiOLAXI/AAAAAAAAEmg/ni7FP1IimoYvpTVSoCXe0CbMfOmWCmE-gCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BPoles%2Band%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IziFA3p42L0/WZwrSiOLAXI/AAAAAAAAEmg/ni7FP1IimoYvpTVSoCXe0CbMfOmWCmE-gCLcBGAs/s640/New%2BPoles%2Band%2Bnet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New net system complete</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New net system complete</td></tr>
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And here is a group of juvenile raccoons having fun prowling around:<br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-39445235696660676252017-01-21T11:32:00.000-06:002017-01-21T18:42:06.510-06:00Grinding ReelsOne of the many jobs golf course maintenance departments perform over the winter is reconditioning and sharpening mowers. Reel mower cutting units require a lot of maintenance to get through a year, and over the winter we try to get them back to "factory specs" -- or as close as possible. It is a time-consuming job, but very necessary to keep the machines cutting through the growing season.<br />
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At Sugar Creek, our grinders are very old and "low tech" but they get the job done. As near as I can tell, the maintenance department has spent a grand total of $800 on used grinding equipment over the last 40 years. We have a Neary 500 spin-grinder from the 1980's and a Neary bedknife grinder from the same period. In addition, we have a Peerless 1300 sharpener from probably the 1960's. We normally relief grind with the Peerless, then spin grind with the Neary 500.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa8NT_UQIoCLp-5YJW6NI7XfdQz18IQjTn2VRgLCFC62_mE4oe7o4c-dvK9V6zS3NIVULy4h4jl_VlDm1o4j3OSy0AssfcAN3U7ODbe6KH3vTziUDkKw1yO8fAQeTlwxmFm_td688OBg/s1600/Peerless+1300+manual+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa8NT_UQIoCLp-5YJW6NI7XfdQz18IQjTn2VRgLCFC62_mE4oe7o4c-dvK9V6zS3NIVULy4h4jl_VlDm1o4j3OSy0AssfcAN3U7ODbe6KH3vTziUDkKw1yO8fAQeTlwxmFm_td688OBg/s400/Peerless+1300+manual+cover.png" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peerless 1300 Manual</td></tr>
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Our John Deere manual contains this relief grinding diagram:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFGnHMa3xP4/WIOR3MNHMtI/AAAAAAAAEkM/22xFgGsoHd01V8Afe5uh3JdoDsI94b0fACLcB/s1600/John%2BDeere%2Bmanual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFGnHMa3xP4/WIOR3MNHMtI/AAAAAAAAEkM/22xFgGsoHd01V8Afe5uh3JdoDsI94b0fACLcB/s640/John%2BDeere%2Bmanual.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">From John Deere 2500B Manual</td></tr>
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A perfect "double relief grind" as in this diagram is difficult to achieve with our equipment, so we use the Toro specification of a 30 degree single relief grind. Either one performs just as well. In the European literature, they often use the term "blade thinning" interchangeably with "relief grinding," and I think that describes perfectly the main benefit of relief grinding. According to the research, specifically Toro's, the best quality of cut results from sharp edges with "light contact" between the bed knife and reel blade. Light contact is much easier to achieve with less surface area making contact. Relief grinding, or blade thinning, achieves this and also makes keeping the edges sharp through backlapping much more effective.<br />
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This year, we tried something new: a <a href="http://www.bernhardgrinders.com/products/tools-and-accessories/rapid-relief/" target="_blank">Bernhard Rapid Relief</a> grinder. As you can see from the manual cover above, the Peerless sharpener takes up a lot of floor space. With space at a premium in the shop, I wanted to see if a smaller tool could replace the old Peerless grinder. It turns out, the short answer for us, a 9-hole golf course with a total of 17 reels to grind, is "yes;" the long answer is "yes -- but it is quite a bit slower and a little less precise than a full size relief grinder." I'm still not sure if I will get rid of the old Peerless, but this little tool has me thinking about it.<br />
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Here is the Rapid Relief:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvgnchQdE4Q/WIJ0q_Zz-9I/AAAAAAAAEjs/vMNk-0EFw4Ucs3LILQ9aW_CvTxrvql1bQCEw/s1600/Rapid%2BRelief%2Bset%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvgnchQdE4Q/WIJ0q_Zz-9I/AAAAAAAAEjs/vMNk-0EFw4Ucs3LILQ9aW_CvTxrvql1bQCEw/s640/Rapid%2BRelief%2Bset%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berhard Rapid Relief</td></tr>
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The rail attaches to the bedknife with strong magnets. On some reels, the front roller has to be taken off. On these reels, we had to remove the groomer to make space for the wheel. This was an extra step but the groomer gear boxes needed inspection and cleaning any way. Once you have the setup parallel and adjusted correctly, you have to get the feel down.<br />
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It takes some practice to get consistent results. The first reels we did were fairway reels and they did not come out "perfect" but they were completely adequate. Once we got to the greens mower reels, though, the results were just about as good as we could achieve with the old Peerless grinder -- but quite a bit slower. It took dozens of passes with the abrasive wheel to take off the required material. These greens mower reels took about 45 minutes each. I did take off a lot of material because they had lost almost all of their relief from the previous year. This unit is not really intended to be a shop's only relief grinder. It is more meant to touch up or restore relief to blades during the season. For a small shop like ours, though, it can get the job done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBgpVYPFh90qcThUdBI-uVXVDPlUwev3Jd8fcok3A-XcrlIKBxJTSS_z07d_Nx9hEcNBSd3GoLyZOthvgcwOAfwXasqrJizyY5Cx1ExnwP1sllC83-aQsJDOawFJSd9E5r3HRbNT1sds/s1600/Rapid+Relief+in+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBgpVYPFh90qcThUdBI-uVXVDPlUwev3Jd8fcok3A-XcrlIKBxJTSS_z07d_Nx9hEcNBSd3GoLyZOthvgcwOAfwXasqrJizyY5Cx1ExnwP1sllC83-aQsJDOawFJSd9E5r3HRbNT1sds/s640/Rapid+Relief+in+use.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernhard Rapid Relief in action</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After the restoring relief to the blade, the spin grinder is used to sharpen the reel and ensure that it is a perfect cylinder. It would be nice if this Neary spin grinder had a relief grinder attachment, but it is a spin-grind only model that we purchased used about 15 years ago. It is in good shape and works perfectly but it is a single purpose grinder at this point. I would love to find a used relief head that could be retrofitted to this unit.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RuuDW8K13M/WIJ0jr8TUZI/AAAAAAAAEj0/DzB50tN396g8O5CKralrwbmXMXLl7vY6QCPcB/s1600/Neary%2BSpin%2BGrinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RuuDW8K13M/WIJ0jr8TUZI/AAAAAAAAEj0/DzB50tN396g8O5CKralrwbmXMXLl7vY6QCPcB/s640/Neary%2BSpin%2BGrinder.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neary 500 spin grinder</td></tr>
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</span> Here is a close-up of the spin-grinding process:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FEF5bi0LzQ/WIJ0kCU_a5I/AAAAAAAAEj0/lOSy981Bal8lB6AcgIYwO8-JpagdovgDwCPcB/s1600/Spin%2BGrinding%2BClose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FEF5bi0LzQ/WIJ0kCU_a5I/AAAAAAAAEj0/lOSy981Bal8lB6AcgIYwO8-JpagdovgDwCPcB/s640/Spin%2BGrinding%2BClose%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See <a href="http://sugarcreekgolfcourse.blogspot.com/2011/12/time-to-grind.html" target="_blank">Time to Grind</a> and <a href="https://sugarcreekgolfcourse.blogspot.com/2010/01/reel-grinding-complete.html" target="_blank">Reel Grinding Complete</a> for more on reel grinding. <br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-61926202468906109822016-11-15T17:21:00.000-06:002017-01-21T18:42:49.598-06:00Kubota Mower RepairWe had another complicated repair to make recently on the Kubota front mower used to mow slopes and uneven terrain with a flexible Lastec deck. It is an important machine as our other mowers with flat decks scalp the turf around the greens, tees, and bunkers. The machine was leaking fluid from a gasket on the hydrostatic transmission (HST). Normally, gasket changes are not that difficult, but on this machine the bolts needed to remove the transmission housing are located inside the tractor. The only way to access them is to separate the tractor completely and remove the transmission.<br />
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Here are some interesting pictures from the process:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmQKstI3rsbTMVRGHclNH-XTa3Dwd66qZfOTIWEYSOnvP4lkEjlB6Gfq1jVdqwycCUbmhNVXKDJgFoaZcyH1_dLp8nSH_K7NV2KtfoDSMrNydRxkSs0kIxdGUe5nEEb-IrMwDc7Kr1R8/s1600/20161026_133206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmQKstI3rsbTMVRGHclNH-XTa3Dwd66qZfOTIWEYSOnvP4lkEjlB6Gfq1jVdqwycCUbmhNVXKDJgFoaZcyH1_dLp8nSH_K7NV2KtfoDSMrNydRxkSs0kIxdGUe5nEEb-IrMwDc7Kr1R8/s640/20161026_133206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kubota F3060 after separating engine frame from front axle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoKbLzId60Y/WCtNB09wY7I/AAAAAAAAEiU/acZF5pkbmgwxzUKfcbkb9D96XEwZRfBvwCLcB/s1600/20161026_133228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoKbLzId60Y/WCtNB09wY7I/AAAAAAAAEiU/acZF5pkbmgwxzUKfcbkb9D96XEwZRfBvwCLcB/s640/20161026_133228.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrostatic transmission rear view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_STKqxw-E8/WCtNCmoxMoI/AAAAAAAAEic/p82kXIDzphAsx15x2bnybuaCXnfX-9L3wCLcB/s1600/20161027_083339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_STKqxw-E8/WCtNCmoxMoI/AAAAAAAAEic/p82kXIDzphAsx15x2bnybuaCXnfX-9L3wCLcB/s640/20161027_083339.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After more cleaning and disassembly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxV4bJdt1g8/WCtNDgdPQXI/AAAAAAAAEig/jYSVFXRBC8M7KgGlIN_3mjO-KnEyFYtGgCLcB/s1600/20161105_064353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxV4bJdt1g8/WCtNDgdPQXI/AAAAAAAAEig/jYSVFXRBC8M7KgGlIN_3mjO-KnEyFYtGgCLcB/s640/20161105_064353.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the tractor after removing transmission - amazingly clean for a 16 year old machine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmkiPSA78kI/WCtNEcHVsQI/AAAAAAAAEik/Ra-r56F1ktQToR75CYM5qa99xu2UyubwACLcB/s1600/20161105_071844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmkiPSA78kI/WCtNEcHVsQI/AAAAAAAAEik/Ra-r56F1ktQToR75CYM5qa99xu2UyubwACLcB/s640/20161105_071844.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of hydrostatic transmission</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv-1crN_Ix0/WCtNEctBOEI/AAAAAAAAEio/WhTshL0o_gMl7lZWT3ztTYgnGH3bz0wuACLcB/s1600/20161105_071902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv-1crN_Ix0/WCtNEctBOEI/AAAAAAAAEio/WhTshL0o_gMl7lZWT3ztTYgnGH3bz0wuACLcB/s640/20161105_071902.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HST cylinder block - This little thing is what makes the mower move!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poty_1LaPBM/WCtNE2nk3EI/AAAAAAAAEis/Nqs-0VLGH-EJsl64cZZdG5AajBRFGOktQCLcB/s1600/20161105_093826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poty_1LaPBM/WCtNE2nk3EI/AAAAAAAAEis/Nqs-0VLGH-EJsl64cZZdG5AajBRFGOktQCLcB/s640/20161105_093826.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reassembled with new gasket, o-rings, and seals</td></tr>
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The mower is now back together and working. Older machines are always an adventure. When I was researching this repair, I did not find much on the internet related to it. Luckily, I did have the workshop manual for this piece of equipment which was a pretty good guide. I share these photos because, first, they are pretty neat to look at (if you like machines), and, second, they might help another grounds crew or mechanic needing to do a similar repair.<br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-19824025593882756402016-11-04T08:15:00.002-05:002017-01-21T18:43:01.089-06:00Parking lot patchingYesterday was a busy day. We winterized the irrigation system with a large compressor which is used to blow the water out of the pipes and sprinklers with air. This is crucial to ensure freezing temperatures do not damage the system over the winter. For the past several years, we have used a 825 cfm compressor which does an excellent job in around 4 hours. It used to take all day with a 375 cfm model. Getting the job done quickly was especially helpful yesterday because we are still open for golf and we were able to finish before most golfers came out to play.<br />
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At the same time, we also had a contractor patching the most worn area of the parking lot. One area in particular of the roughly 40-year-old asphalt needed to be replaced as it had been worn away by flowing water and plowing. The result is a great improvement, although the parking lot has other areas of concern and some underlying base and drainage issues that will need to be corrected in the future. This partial and relatively inexpensive repair makes an immediate improvement for winter banquets and next year's golf season. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sf0rBgsKoE/WBx_ok5rU2I/AAAAAAAAEg8/xBdqYvLOs5coSzfF1xs0aBB_t1UlE5ZgQCLcB/s1600/1%2BGrinding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sf0rBgsKoE/WBx_ok5rU2I/AAAAAAAAEg8/xBdqYvLOs5coSzfF1xs0aBB_t1UlE5ZgQCLcB/s640/1%2BGrinding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1. Grinding the worn asphalt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igvz_7mEwNQ/WBx_pmzj2GI/AAAAAAAAEhA/8kFmTsM20LY6r113JkfhkjPFjJK4kwRUwCLcB/s1600/2%2BRemoval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igvz_7mEwNQ/WBx_pmzj2GI/AAAAAAAAEhA/8kFmTsM20LY6r113JkfhkjPFjJK4kwRUwCLcB/s640/2%2BRemoval.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2. Removal and prepping the base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nL1sLsPdQ0/WBx_rm54khI/AAAAAAAAEhE/3rOHb7tcvWoqmkAWL080BkYqE0MHkYDFwCLcB/s1600/3%2BPaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nL1sLsPdQ0/WBx_rm54khI/AAAAAAAAEhE/3rOHb7tcvWoqmkAWL080BkYqE0MHkYDFwCLcB/s640/3%2BPaving.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3. Asphalt installed in 1.5 inch layers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiNQ1CczP3A/WBx_vUwSwHI/AAAAAAAAEhM/BgKeyR4P8DgW19AgGJkP166zLodR7EGDgCLcB/s1600/4%2BFinished%2Bpaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiNQ1CczP3A/WBx_vUwSwHI/AAAAAAAAEhM/BgKeyR4P8DgW19AgGJkP166zLodR7EGDgCLcB/s640/4%2BFinished%2Bpaving.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4. Final compaction</td></tr>
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The area will also be re-striped to match the existing parking bays.<br />
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For comparison, below is the area before the patching. Over the past several years, the spent, old surface layer of asphalt was gradually washed away by water or plowed away with snow removal. The Midwest is particularly hard on asphalt due to our weather -- frequent freezing and thawing and often frequent winter precipitation that requires removal. Once an area is compromised, it usually deteriorates quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhyE7FkkhUs/WBx_r8T_zPI/AAAAAAAAEhI/bbeB4fXF-wcoqjwF6onGK02MQe88gVxKgCLcB/s1600/Parking%2Blot%2Bpatch%2Barea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhyE7FkkhUs/WBx_r8T_zPI/AAAAAAAAEhI/bbeB4fXF-wcoqjwF6onGK02MQe88gVxKgCLcB/s640/Parking%2Blot%2Bpatch%2Barea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-46689888841607359712016-10-24T10:54:00.004-05:002017-01-21T18:43:15.635-06:00Cart Path RepairsLast week, 4 areas of crumbling asphalt cart path were repaved to make our paths more comfortable and safe for riding carts and walking traffic. More pictures are posted to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sugar-Creek-Golf-Course-285425653068/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.sugarcreekgolfcourse.org/" target="_blank">website</a>. Below are some before and after pictures from the project:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area behind #1 Green - Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind #1 Green - After</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area left of #1 Green - Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left of #1 Green - After</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th Hole Green - Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#5 After</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path by #3 Tee - Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3 After</td></tr>
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-15343861129926284472016-10-07T08:57:00.001-05:002017-01-21T18:43:26.457-06:00Fence Repair on #7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next step of our renovations around the driving range is nearly complete. Before the <a href="http://sugarcreekgolfcourse.blogspot.com/2015/03/2015-emerald-ash-borer-tree-removals.html" target="_blank">Emerald Ash Borer</a>, this area was packed with <a href="http://sugarcreekgolfcourse.blogspot.com/2010/03/buckthorn-removal.html" target="_blank">buckthorn</a> and ash trees. Removing the invasive species and dead ash trees has been a costly and time-consuming process. First, the buckthorn had to be removed to allow access to the fence and the ash trees. Second, the fence was cut and rolled up to allow the removal of the 75-foot-tall ash trees. Third, around 160 ash trees were removed around the range by the Village of Villa Park's tree crew. Fourth, the area around the <a href="http://sugarcreekgolfcourse.blogspot.com/2016/06/7-tee-cartpath.html" target="_blank">back tee on #7</a> had to be renovated to allow cart access, improve drainage, and repair damage from the tree removal. Fifth, the stumps were ground and leveled. During these steps, several improvements to drainage, grading, and turf were made. The sixth step is repairing the chain link fence that was rolled up to allow access to the trees. This is a tedious process that involves weaving the panels back together and stretching them down the line. </div>
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Below you can see Gary weaving one of the last panels together:</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PSuaOgpTs_iuFhTzSACdzfetRbZHNmrZeG4iPBi6GwnKaYrg9GUltbS2-1lxgZjzMRQpcyi0Tq29N4NZLK91QxJh2YHMRgWGThI_Vt0QYrobi8_ENUGmAT4LNxNBXxhzoLa1aaGpyYA/s640/20161005_133515.jpg" /> </div>
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With the fence back together, we can start adding the finishing touches. Grass will be planted up to the fence on the golf course side. On the driving range side, a mix of narrow-growing shrubs and trees will be planted in the future. Very few species are suitable for this area because we do not want them to grow into the driving range net or hang out too far and block the tee on #7. We will also avoid planting a monoculture (meaning all one species of plant) to reduce large-scale losses to a species-specific pest in the future.</div>
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For reference, here is a photo of the area in 2013 as the ash trees were dying. This is after a lot of buchthorn removal had already taken place. The concrete in the foreground is a piece of curb removed from the fairway bunker on #6 while we were renovating the bunkers that year:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udFZH8eSWv4/V_egt97eDbI/AAAAAAAAEfg/K6W2s0OHb4MVhy6cV-3o0sPPESDZ0fL4wCLcB/s1600/DSC09996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udFZH8eSWv4/V_egt97eDbI/AAAAAAAAEfg/K6W2s0OHb4MVhy6cV-3o0sPPESDZ0fL4wCLcB/s640/DSC09996.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the same area from another angle:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efHQ1pllZIY/V_ejGCFXwoI/AAAAAAAAEfs/ysU5yOCtDOcvfdaaj7eEC1BCc405qBYLwCLcB/s1600/DSC01351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efHQ1pllZIY/V_ejGCFXwoI/AAAAAAAAEfs/ysU5yOCtDOcvfdaaj7eEC1BCc405qBYLwCLcB/s640/DSC01351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The area looks quite different now, but from the perspective of the game of golf it is arguably better as the branches do not knock down tee shots and less time is lost looking for lost balls. Also, the trees and buckthorn in the area required a lot of maintenance and trimming even before the trees died, and they were causing damage to the driving range net. While we would much rather have not had to remove the trees, we now have a fresh start in this area and can intentionally plan it to be more sustainable in the future.</div>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-47129418580089740132016-09-30T14:35:00.000-05:002017-01-21T18:43:34.252-06:00Fairway mower wheel repair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Tuesday, the left wheel on the fairway mower looked crooked. I was really hoping the lug bolts were just loose, but no such luck. We have an interesting repair in front of us. The frame cracked on the wheel motor mount. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracked frame</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is supposed to be a wheel there!</td></tr>
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A new front axle frame assembly is about $2500 plus many hours of labor. We are going to try repairing the mount before going that direction. After cutting out the paper thin rusted frame and grinding, I think we have something we can work with: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clamping up the new motor mount</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New pieces of metal added to strengthen frame</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforced the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished repair</td></tr>
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The fairway mower is back in action and everything worked fine. I'm fairly confident the wheel motor mount is now stronger than it was new. Our fairway mower double cut the fairways today to catch up on the grass growth since last Thursday. We have had a lot of rain in the past week and the fairways were getting very long. They are now back to normal height.</div>
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On a happier note, I had a visitor last week!</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GEuewaT7C8s/V-66pm60SNI/AAAAAAAAEd0/uUeeuAl6RSY/s1600/2690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GEuewaT7C8s/V-66pm60SNI/AAAAAAAAEd0/uUeeuAl6RSY/s640/2690.jpeg" /> </a> </div>
Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-19241957043408636172016-09-17T10:35:00.003-05:002016-09-17T10:35:44.971-05:00Stump grinding This week, we ground about 200 stumps around the golf course. Many of them were here along the 7th hole and the driving range. After we fill in the holes, we can put the fence back together and start beautifying this area that was once filled with Ash trees taken by the Emerald Ash Borer:<br />
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<img border="0" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yVQ0OCnSG4/V91Zn-6KopI/AAAAAAAAEcs/-m3CReYgPyk/s640/20160913_132303.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Also, the new seed and cart path behind 7 tee are looking good:<br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-14605559903728794372016-08-26T08:47:00.002-05:002016-08-26T08:47:12.056-05:00A beautiful morning <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7IxlAcJeRQ/V8BIA4DaVGI/AAAAAAAAEcE/_GJk2UvGjhM/s1600/20160826_084352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7IxlAcJeRQ/V8BIA4DaVGI/AAAAAAAAEcE/_GJk2UvGjhM/s640/20160826_084352.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-88629291477209100282016-08-11T12:29:00.000-05:002016-08-11T12:29:34.489-05:00New roots in August! <div dir="ltr">
A couple weeks ago, we used "bayonet" tines for the first time on the greens. The slices left were barely noticeable after rolling and mowing. A few days later, the marks were invisible but testing with a soil probe reveals excellent rooting in the channels opened up by the tines. In each of the slices, new roots have developed, sometimes down the entire length of the tine. Without venting, it is unlikely we would be growing new roots in August - especially this August. The channels formed by the bayonet tines offer some much needed oxygen to the rootzone allowing golf courses to keep their greens healthy in tough conditions.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayonet tines on a Toro 648 with rear roller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New roots!</td></tr>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-20381626556986105032016-07-26T16:05:00.000-05:002016-07-26T16:05:14.761-05:007 Tee Area Before and After<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
With seed germinating and the cart path installed, I thought it was time for some before and after shots of the area behind 7 tee. This project accomplished several things: improved drainage, removal of old fill pile, improved cart routes, and safe access from the driving range to the course. The "after" photos were taken after several rainstorms and the improved grading and drain lines performed as expected with no standing water in the area.</div>
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Looking back from 7 tee:</div>
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Before removing the pile and after:</div>
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Same area earlier this year and now:<br />
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Looking north after the drain was installed and now:<br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-14902210282638054402016-07-26T05:43:00.000-05:002016-07-26T05:43:03.322-05:00Early morning net repairs<div dir="ltr">
Thanks, Stan! </div>
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-64321011569620047532016-07-16T09:42:00.001-05:002016-07-16T09:43:02.768-05:00Blue tee on #7 is open<p dir="ltr">The cart path around the back of 7 tee was finished Friday and the tee is open for play. </p>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 15, 2015: Trench dug for drain pipe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 16, 2015: Pipe installed. Backfilling begins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 16, 2016: Tilling and grading</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 9, 2016: Seed and blanket down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 24, 2016: First mowing</td></tr>
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-80388266896756739712016-06-24T20:09:00.000-05:002016-06-24T20:09:29.410-05:007 Tee Cartpath<div dir="ltr">
Serious progress made today on the renovations around the back tee on 7. The crew spread moistened stabilized crushed granite in the forms and rolled it out. It was a beautiful day for working outside. Good work, Gary, Felix, Aaron, and Chase!<br />
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Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-27939424470676838282016-06-18T14:58:00.001-05:002016-06-18T14:58:03.540-05:00The day lilies are in bloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwRK5EIPc10/V2WnyjRQ-CI/AAAAAAAAEV4/CNckpZUEL2M/s1600/20160618_074730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwRK5EIPc10/V2WnyjRQ-CI/AAAAAAAAEV4/CNckpZUEL2M/s640/20160618_074730.jpg"> </a> </div>Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-72805958102220166292016-06-15T09:03:00.000-05:002016-06-15T09:03:13.139-05:00Another new drain lineA couple weeks ago, we added a drainage pipe to connect an old drain line to the newer system. The old drain line could have been connected when the newer line was put in, but I'm guessing the architect did not know the old system was there. The connection should allow some areas of 7 fairway to drain more quickly as the perforated drain lines will be draining into a deeper basin instead of being full of water after a rain. It should also reduce the puddles you can see in the pictures that were caused by the old drain line "daylighting," or emptying onto the surface.<br />
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Thanks to Elmhurst Park District for letting us borrow the backhoe. We could not have done it otherwise. A trencher would not have worked on some of the large chunks of concrete we ran into. Some were so big, we just had to leave them there. We ran into a complete slab of sidewalk at one point. Luckily it was deep enough we could leave it there and still maintain our slope. <br />
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595232572759338228.post-72376692960570950732016-06-13T10:53:00.001-05:002016-06-13T10:53:08.322-05:00Sunrise at Sugar Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Kevin Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07203337877400694808noreply@blogger.com0