Member Help Day!

After having to reschedule last weekends Member Help Day because of storms, today went off without a hitch!  We  had about twenty members join us to help complete tree trimming, stump work, as well as some detail work to the short game practice area, and putting up tee signs.  Thank you so much for those who were able to join us!!

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

  ~Winston Churchill

Warming up and enjoying lunch after our work was complete!

A Busy Maintenance Team

Last week we began a major drainage project on hole #11.  For several years now we have had active springs in the left rough that have hampered maintenance operations and making a negative effect on playability.
We are in the second week of the project.  Weather permitting we look to have it completed by weeks end.

                                                           

 cutting sod before trenching

catch basin near cart path

                                                           

heavy, wet, grey clay

We were lucky enough to have some extra help Monday April 2!!

With this drainage project keeping most of the staff very busy, we are also applying our crab grass applications to the entire rough and fairways, as well as seed-head control on greens.  We are continuing to put out our course amenities (tee signs, garbage cans, spike brushes). As of today April 2, we have also begun tree work.  There are many trees scheduled to come down and many others needing trimmed.
It is a busy time for the maintenance staff.
We are having our spring member help day on the course, Saturday, April 14 at 11 am. Please contact me at gregg@lakelandsgolf.com or Joanne at joanne@lakelandsgolf.com to sign up.

Record Breaking Weather

We have experienced 10 consecutive days of above 70 degrees in March. The record previously set was 145 years ago in 1886 however that was in April.  This unprecedented warm March weather comes after south eastern Michigan's 5'th warmest winter on record, the 12'th warmest autumn and last summer where we experienced the hottest July ever recorded. We even saw temperatures this month in the upper 80's 3 consecutive days this month.
The irrigation system is fully charged and we are irrigating the actively growing turf. We are making applications on the course where normally we make them in the middle to late April. Typically we do not start to see the turf growth until late April. This past week we have cut all areas on the course from greens to the rough. Most of the staff has returned to work and are busy getting the course ready for play. The trees are blooming, the flowers are remerging from the ground, and the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air. Lakelands  90'th Anniversary celebration has started early.

Course is offically open

 On Monday we pulled all the winter covers off and were incredibly pleased with turf conditions.  Tuesday, March 13 the course officially opened.  Today we are rolling the greens followed by the first cut of the season.  The extended forecast is calling for highs in the 70s with plentiful sun. It's a great time to come out and celebrate the 90'th Anniversary of your course, Lakelands Golf and Country Club.

Keeping busy

The winter months are some of our busiest, but of a much different nature.  

Because this winter has been so mild it has allowed us time to get out on the course getting small projects done such as tree trimming. 

Limbing up pines on 17

Some of the most important work which is done in the winter months is preparing all the equipment for the golf season.  Every piece of equipment is inspected, cleaned, and tuned.  All the reels and bed knifes are ground, ready to cut our fine turf.  

Bedknife grinding  

 Toro Triplex overhaul

A mild start

This winter has been anything but normal. To date we have received less than 10 inches of snow. The turf has been exposed and overall looks good. Lets hope for an early spring.

2011 in Review