Cold Air Heading Our Way

 January Cold

Artic Blast and Polar Vortex are two terms most people have come to associate with really cold air and forecasters say that one such system is heading our way.  One weather news outlet described it as "This will likely be the most significant cold we have seen in years and the pattern of below and well below temperatures are expected to remain in the area for a good portion of January".  With this type of long-range forecast and bold headlines we decided to minimize our chances for any type of cold related damage on the Farm greens by shutting down early and applying a thick blanket of pine straw on the greens before installing our protective covers. By first spreading pine straw on a putting surface and then covering it, we create an air gap between the cover and the putting green surface.  The air gap provides significantly more protection from damage that might otherwise occur with lengthy cold weather events. Pine straw is not that expensive because we reuse the pine straw around the course in areas we would of had to pine straw anyway, but it is very laborious and closes the course down a few days longer than just putting down covers due to the installation, removal and relocation of the straw, therefore it is only used in what we perceive to be high risk weather situations.

Pine straw installed before installing the covers 

Winter Work

Despite late fall and winter being described as our off-season the staff has plenty to keep them busy before we begin cranking up for the next growing season.  A large portion of the late fall and early winter months are spent blowing and sweeping up leaves.  The Irving Park course is especially difficult as there are no wooded areas to hide them.  With the new Greensboro no pickup leaf policy I am sure a lot of people can now appreciate the fact we have over a 100 acres of leaves to blow into piles, load onto trucks and haul to one of the local landfills.

One of nearly 100 trucks of leaves hauled away every year

Vacuuming leaves is a daily task

Each year during the non-growing season we spend ample time cleaning, repainting and refurbishing the equipment and the golf course accessories on each course.  This works perfectly with all those really cold or rainy days where it is not conducive to go outside and work.   This year we're having to do some significant work to the Farm irrigation pump station.  Two of the main pumps and one motor are in the process of being pulled and replaced.  We replaced the third pump last year, so once this work is completed, we should be in pretty good shape going forward on what is effectively a 30-year-old pump station.

One of the main pumps being removed for replacement

The Christmas season is now over but not forgotten.  On behalf of all the GCC employees I would like to send out a special thanks to members for their gracious giving that went out to all the employees in the form of a year-end bonus.  The member donations that make this possible are greatly appreciated at this time of the year and goes along ways to defining the commitment the members have for our hard working and dedicated staff.  So, a Big Thanks is in Order!