New Approach to Bunker Maintenance

The Golf Course maintenance Staff is always trying to find different ways of improving the aesthetics of the golf course. We are starting our winter bunker maintenance program next week. This process will include checking the depths of the sand, raking the surface smooth, compacting the sand and a new introduction of smooth perimeters within the bunkers. The smooth perimeters will enable the ball to roll down the slope, instead of plugging in the slope. The real benefactor of this process is the integrity of the edges and slopes of the bunkers. Smooth sand will compact much easier than raked or fluffed sand. Overtime with irrigation and precipitation, the smooth interiors will compact more efficiently than if these areas were raked. Aesthetically the bunkers will present a more professional look.
There will be a video next week explaining the process.

Pigment versus Overseed

This week we spent some time with a different approach to adding color to the golf course. Many golf courses are using pigments, paints or dyes for overseed substitutions. We already use a pigment for our putting surfaces to add color during winter dormancy. We wanted to go a step further and add some color to the golf course on the Par 3 Tees and Approaches. We applied a product (Dormant Green from Harrell's fertilizer) this week. Our plan was to test the results of different rates and application timings. Although there is no substitute for real turf (overseed), there is definitely a cost savings regarding fuel, water usage and labor. The pigment applications will add some significant color to the golf course and provide definition within the applied golf holes. Below are some pictures of before and after:

Green's Committee Letter for Brookstone Buzz

GREETINGS FROM THE GREEN’S COMMITTEE

The Green’s Committee had a luncheon at the maintenance facility just before the new year.  This very good idea (and hopefully annual event) was the brainchild of Joey Franco, Brookstone  Superintendent.  The purpose of the get-together was for the Green’s  Committee and the staff  to have a casual meeting to get to know one another, understand the tough job the crew has day in and day out and for the workers to understand the needs and desires of the Brookstone golfing membership.  Mission accomplished I believe.

When you are out on the course and see the staff, give them a wave and maybe even take a moment to thank them for not just doing their job but going beyond with extra effort. Good news.  For additional playability,  tree trimming will begin on holes 2, 5, 13 and 14.  This trimming will open up the entire green from the tee boxes and fairways.  The natural growth has become a problem  and will be dealt with by Joey’s crew  very soon. Don’t forget to check out the 15 inch hole on the practice green.  We are told that it is actually a great practice device. Remember that the following are your members of the Green’s Committee; Carol Welch, Bob Visentin, Jeff Tally, Newton Ticer, Rick Corless, John Barnett, Glen Collins, Norb Missler and Jim Glasgow.  Anyone one of these members is ready, willing and able to give you the latest update on the course, and most importantly discuss any issues you may have and would like to be addressed.

Regards, 

Jim Glasgow (Green's Committee Chairman)

Fire ExtinguisherTraining

The Golf Course Maintenance Staff was trained on the proper operation of a fire extinguisher. Kelly Fire demonstrated the use and different types of fire extinguishers. This was a very important training session for work and also for the staff members who have fire extinguishers at home. The video demonstrates the proper actions of using a fire extinguisher and the use of four important words: PULL    AIM    SQUEEZE    SWEEP

Beautiful Day for Golf!!!

Finally Some Great Weather!!!

We are finally receiving some improved weather. For the last several days we have had cloudy, cold and misty weather. We should have some pretty good weather over the next several days. Today we were able to roll the greens and clean the golf course for a busy day and weekend. Although the temperatures are still cool, we expect a very busy weekend.

New Addition to the Entrance!!!

There is a beautiful addition to the entrance. THANK YOU to the Wines for their assistance and contribution.

Golf Course Maintenance Schedule (January 19 - 25)

New Sand Boxes

Even though the weather wasn't conducive for tasks to be completed on the golf course, the staff is always finding different ways to improve the aesthetics and playability of the golf course. We spent the time last week refurbishing the amenities on the golf course (tee markers, water stations, sand boxes, etc...) We wanted to be a little creative with the sandboxes. First we wanted to increase the size due to the amount of divot sand available for the membership and guests (which is great, members are filling divots, THANK YOU!). Also add the logo of the club on the sandbox. The new boxes will last a couple of years, but annually will be refurbished due to weather. These small improvements go a long way in presentation and detail throughout the golf course.

Uncovering Greens

The Golf Course Maintenance Staff will be removing the covers today. This process will start around 12:00 pm. We hope to have the first tee times begin around 1:15 - 1:30 pm. Thank You!!!

Greens Committee Meeting January 6, 2015

Green Covers Update

Based on the forecast, we will remove the covers on Sunday afternoon (when temperatures allow). We had planned to remove the covers on Saturday, but the temperatures are not conducive.

Golf Course Maintenance Schedule (January 11 - 17)

Due to the weather we are experiencing currently, we were unable to concentrate on last week's tasks. The weather is forecasted to improve next week (a little chance of rain). We will focus on the bunker compaction, tree removal and installation of drainage.

Department Head Update on Facebook

Every week a Department Head will supply a video to the Brookstone Golf & Country Club Facebook page. The video is an update regarding certain aspects of a specific department. Due to the cold weather we are experiencing currently, I wanted to update the membership on the time period the greens will be covered.

Greens Committee Letter

Every month a member from the Greens Committee will submit a letter for the Brookstone Golf & Country club newsletter. The information will consist of discussion and viewpoints from the Greens Committee for the given month. Below is Mr Visentin's letter for January:

Dear Brookstone Members,

As 2014 draws to an end and we start a new year, I want to reflect on the numerous improvements that have been made to our golf course and club facilities this year:

· Complete Greenside Bunker Renovation

· Cart Path Renovation

· Resurfacing of Several Teeing Areas

· Tree Removal in Several Areas

· New Artificial Driving Range Mat

· New Pavers for Amenities             

· Geese Removal

· Large Percentage of Contamination "Yellow Dog"     Removal from our Greens

· Resurfacing of Tennis Courts

· Outdoor Fire Pit and Seating Addition to the  Clubhouse

· New Golf Cart Fleet

Along with these improvements we welcomed our new General Manager, Mark Turner, in June of this year.  Mark has made some tremendous strides in making improvements to the club, and we greatly appreciate all of his hard work.

Another major accomplishment was that our Class A Golf Course Superintendent, Joey Franco, became a

recipient of not one, but two, very prestigious national honors this year.  The Golf Course Superintendent

Association’s highest designation - CERTIFIED GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT (CGCS)....Please

congratulate Joey when you see him, as this is a highly earned honor.  Joey Franco was also interviewed by the Marietta Daily Journal for becoming a recipient of the MELROSE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY.  The

Academy provides Golf Course Superintendents the wonderful opportunity to attend the organization's

national show, to network and improve management and developmental skills.  Please feel free to contact

Joey  with any questions at super@brookstonecc.com.

With our new GM, Mark Turner and his staff, our Head Golf Professional, Mark Avery and his capable

assistants, and the grounds crew/maintenance staff led by Joey Franco (CGCS)  2015 is looking very bright

for BROOKSTONE COUNTRY CLUB and its members.

Sincerely,

Bob Visentin

Greens Committee Member

Storm Cleanup

We experienced some significant storms this weekend. We received an estimated 5" of rain. Overall the bunkers held-up pretty well, but there was debris throughout the golf course. We knew we were going to apply the covers on Tuesday, so the Golf Course Maintenance Staff concentrated their efforts cleaning the golf course on Monday. We wanted to make sure when the covers were removed the golf course would be clean and ready for play.

Workshop 101

Even though the golf course is closed, the staff is still improving the golf course. We are currently repainting the tee markers, broken tee boxes and water coolers. We are also building larger sand containers for divot sand. This time of year is a great opportunity to concentrate on these specific items.

Covering Greens

The Golf Course Maintenance Staff will be applying the covers onto the putting surfaces today. The temperature forecasts are very low for the coming days. Dependent on temperature, we will be covered until Saturday (January 10, 2015). If the temperature forecasts improve, we will remove the covers on Friday. Please visit the blog or contact the Golf Shop for updates.