Snow!

Snow has come early to the Ipswich Country Club! Two storms have turned our golf course into a winter wonderland yet again.

#18 covered in snow. This is before the heavier snow fell.

The Bunker renovation carried on as long as it could but due to the early snow the work has halted until the spring. Forty out of forty-one bunkers have been stripped of the old liner and are ready to be lined with gravel and sprayed. The work so far has been proceeding ahead of schedule. The craftsmanship that Fleetwood has demonstrated is exemplary and we are beyond excited to see the final product in the early spring.   FLEETWOOD IS ON SCHEDULE AND WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THEIR PROGRESS.

Fleetwood employees stripping the liner of #5 greenside bunkers after a light snow.



#5 greenside bunker nearly completely stripped of the old liner.





Tarps: Tees

Winter is coming and that means lots of preparation for the golf maintenance staff. Laying tarps down on certain areas of the golf course is one of the preparations. We began with some of our smaller tees like #5 white tee and #16 white and blue tees. The size of these tees coupled with how much play they get through out the year can take it's toll on them. We also put down tarps on the driving range tee and #14 gold. When we put tarps down on tees like this, it helps to keep them healthier during the winter. On average, the temperature of the ground with a tarp on it is around 20°F warmer than the ground without one. The warmer temperature will reduce the amount ice accumulation on the grass, it will allow the tee to begin growing earlier next spring and aid in divot recovery thereafter.

 

#14 Gold tee. Shown after fertilization and heavy topdressing.

 

#14 Gold tee with tarp.

 

Driving range tee with tarp