tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85058964381654256462024-03-13T13:55:13.657-07:00My Time at Stone Creek Golf ClubA weekly update on golf course conditionsDavid Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-1553328920514626592012-04-09T14:48:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:03:28.806-07:00Beginning a New Chapter in My Career<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUwcbJiswR4/T3XWG3sLLBI/AAAAAAAAGjA/VR38bRmuFnY/s1600/Phipps_mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUwcbJiswR4/T3XWG3sLLBI/AAAAAAAAGjA/VR38bRmuFnY/s200/Phipps_mug.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have developed a passion for this industry and the environment in which the game is played, and have had opportunities to serve in many capacities, both locally and nationally. I have decided to pursue this passion and have accepted the NW Region Field Staff position with the GCSAA. I have been to the GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence Kansas many times and had never imagined that I would actually be working for such an outstanding organization. I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to work with them and to also be connecting with so many wonderful superintendents and their chapters in my eight state region. I will be serving Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those superintendents that have had the opportunity to build a golf course and manage it for years down the road, know what I'm talking about when I say it becomes part of your soul. Stone Creek has become such a part of me and my family. The day has finally arrived now that I feel I have served the course to my fullest, so I have decide to move on to a new venture. Stone Creek has been been a ride of a life time. Since I started this blog in 2009, I never had a chance to talk about the construction of Stone Creek. In this, my final post, I would like to give a brief history of the construction and recognize some of the key individuals that have contributed to its success.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This wonderful ride all began when I was working at The Oregon Golf Club and I was maintaining Peter Jacobsen's putting green at his home in Lake Oswego. Peter was home and he came out to talk while I was working on his green. He mentioned that he was working with Clackamas County and they had decided to proceed with the construction of a new golf course in Oregon City. The first words out of my mouth were "Oh man, I want that job!" Peter replied, "I know, and I want you to have it". The rest is history.</div>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk49Kw-eY-w/T3XxFil_SlI/AAAAAAAAGjI/TnmMqN30O0g/s1600/P0000280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk49Kw-eY-w/T3XxFil_SlI/AAAAAAAAGjI/TnmMqN30O0g/s640/P0000280.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For reference, the tree to the right is the one just right of the 10th approach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was May 1st 2000 and it is hard to imagine but this is what the first hole looked like. Luckily the County hired a gentleman by the name of Wayne Livdahl and he had taken a few photos before I had a chance to purchase my first digital camera.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_g9RblMmfO8/T3YnDjEtk9I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/MVmFfuRhmjw/s1600/P0001006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_g9RblMmfO8/T3YnDjEtk9I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/MVmFfuRhmjw/s400/P0001006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Soon Larsen Golf Construction was under way and the dust was flying. Scott Larsen, owner of the company had a number of key employees that I would like to recognize. Many I still see from time to time and have gone on to be superintendents themselves. Scott's construction foreman was John Burchell and is now a superintendent for Desert Peaks Golf Club in Madras. His Irrigation foreman was Doug Failing who now is the superintendent at Eagle Creek Golf Club. The lead shaper was Tom Cordova. Tom remained in Oregon City and still works with soil driving a dump truck and is currently shaping a golf course in South America. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Scott Larsen himself. A grad from Oregon State and a member of the golf team, Scott ran his construction company for 11 years and did a number of quality projects most notably Stone Creek of course. Eventually Scott decided to go another direction and he is now a very successful superintendent at Emerald Valley Golf Club. The talent among them all was amazing. Scott had brought together an amazing team which did a an amazing job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EIymUGZ5uc/T3YnR8QLhmI/AAAAAAAAGjY/jKsp-E7BbDA/s1600/P0001312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EIymUGZ5uc/T3YnR8QLhmI/AAAAAAAAGjY/jKsp-E7BbDA/s400/P0001312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this photo, from left to right:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chris O'Connell, Peter's caddy, Peter Jacobsen, Jim Hardy, John Burchell, Scott Larsen, Tom Cordova, and me. Not to forget, Annie my trusty Lab down in front.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think we could have put together a better team. I learned so much by watching Scott and his crew. It was such an incredible learning experience for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4OVYdAbvdw/T3dAXj9iPkI/AAAAAAAAGjk/VU0NG8IBWPo/s1600/P0002023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4OVYdAbvdw/T3dAXj9iPkI/AAAAAAAAGjk/VU0NG8IBWPo/s400/P0002023.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our goal was to get at least half of the course seeded by fall and the other half would be completed the following spring. There were a few issues that needed to be dealt with through the permitting agencies that could have spelled disaster, but we hired Dr. Michael Hindahl to help us and the project remained on schedule.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVeldd5ASVM/T3dEgjzw3-I/AAAAAAAAGjs/6LF9sYiL7kk/s1600/Image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVeldd5ASVM/T3dEgjzw3-I/AAAAAAAAGjs/6LF9sYiL7kk/s400/Image003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Adam </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of our biggest obstacles were the amount of boulders that were being excavated. We new that there were going to be a few, but we didn't expect quite the amount that we found. We quickly renegotiated with our mass excavation company and were able to come up with a reasonable deal to handle them all. When you play today you can still see remnants of the rocks along nine and the driving range, by the fourteenth tee, behind the fourth tee, between the fifth and seventh holes and behind the twelfth green. We also utilized the boulders in constructing retaining walls along the twelfth fairway, in front of the fourteenth green and behind the sixteenth green. We even gave tons away just for hauling them off. When you are spending time moving large rocks like these, costs can add up quickly. It is just one of those unknowns that you never know until the shovel hits the ground.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NjvqQ2bLpg/T3dKVFy3BbI/AAAAAAAAGj8/SZxRHFi-tCA/s1600/Image034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NjvqQ2bLpg/T3dKVFy3BbI/AAAAAAAAGj8/SZxRHFi-tCA/s400/Image034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Growing a golf course in during the winter can create quite a few challenges. First of all this is Western Oregon, and if we had had a March like the one we just had, the place would have been a wash. We did however have some challenges with the rain but for the most part we were pretty lucky. This photo to the left is looking at the eleventh green. The cart path is somewhere under that five inches of mud!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBig5XjE_QE/T3dLbGZRMyI/AAAAAAAAGkE/GegJqLSYiro/s1600/Image009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBig5XjE_QE/T3dLbGZRMyI/AAAAAAAAGkE/GegJqLSYiro/s400/Image009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Straw mulching was our best solution for those areas that were disturbed but had not yet been fine graded and seeded. In order to abide by our excavation permit we needed to have everything covered by October. We came up with this straw blowing contraption which seemed to work pretty well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My first hire was Curt Smith. Curt was my assistant and was a great find. He had grown up in the golf business and there was pretty much nothing he couldn't do. Soon after that I needed to hire a mechanic and soon one found me. Steve Mathre called me from Ames Country Club in Iowa and was planning on coming out to be with his father. I took a chance and hired him sight unseen. Looking back, I don't think I could have found a better mechanic. Steve is still with me today and will soon be Stone Creeks longest employee.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK9ULEW8QD4/T3dZ3oOb5OI/AAAAAAAAGkM/Tyk_MCVaIZ4/s1600/Image005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK9ULEW8QD4/T3dZ3oOb5OI/AAAAAAAAGkM/Tyk_MCVaIZ4/s400/Image005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By early spring 2001, the grass was popping out of the ground. I then shifted part of my responsibility to the roll of grow-in superintendent. Mowing became a priority but as I was afraid of, the maintenance facility was put on the back burner. We scrambled and put together two storage containers and rented a job trailer. Western Equipment's Bill Franzke was our saving grace by arranging enough loaner equipment to get us by until we were able to put together an equipment package. Steve kept the mowers sharp by using a back lapper that we borrowed from The Oregon Golf Club. Working in the containers wasn't the most favorable conditions to work in but I never heard a peep out of Steve.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu-T_VoV6qc/T3dcQZU374I/AAAAAAAAGkU/Of540IXsb30/s1600/P0001565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu-T_VoV6qc/T3dcQZU374I/AAAAAAAAGkU/Of540IXsb30/s320/P0001565.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know how we managed to irrigate during the grow-in but some how we managed. With Doug Failings ingenuity we were able to hook up to the original fill lines from Beaver Creek and then using a diesel powered pump we tapped into the mainline and were able to supply enough water to the lines to keep a few heads running at a time. It was a manual process until we were able to set the pump station, drill a well and finish the lake bottoms. There didn't seem to be anything easy about the irrigation and that continued even after the well was finished and the pump station was operational. That story to come.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnXx4v6zlNA/T3dcVAcyCLI/AAAAAAAAGkc/gaFdj3Ba43M/s1600/P0002231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnXx4v6zlNA/T3dcVAcyCLI/AAAAAAAAGkc/gaFdj3Ba43M/s400/P0002231.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juYuPp0aIfQ/T3dmDxZvuXI/AAAAAAAAGks/vyN4ZRsG5rU/s1600/Image006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juYuPp0aIfQ/T3dmDxZvuXI/AAAAAAAAGks/vyN4ZRsG5rU/s400/Image006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the golf course neared completion the next step was the the clubhouse. We soon found out the someone failed to develop a site plan and there were no plans for a clubhouse yet alone a parking lot. I soon realized what it meant to be a project manager and became involved in the process to have the club house and all the amenities designed and built. I can remember working closely with Ugo Dilulo and Jeff Beck from WRD engineering getting everything put together and ready to submit for permits. Once the plans were finalized we were able to hire a site contractor to build the road, parking lot and set utilities. Our contractor was Rutan Construction.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5mQVJmIGvU/T3dl0dMobxI/AAAAAAAAGkk/csa0vHepJmU/s1600/Image026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5mQVJmIGvU/T3dl0dMobxI/AAAAAAAAGkk/csa0vHepJmU/s400/Image026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ended up building the parking lot over the winter of 2001-2002 and had to use gravel to make the grades. If we had waited until summer to build the parking lot it would have saved us a lot of money but our projected opening date was June and we would have never been done by then. By this time Gordy was on board and he took over the clubhouse project and I saw that the utilities were set and the cart barn was built.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmtW0pnflEE/T3dt91cI1cI/AAAAAAAAGk0/1_2XBgfybWY/s1600/Image038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmtW0pnflEE/T3dt91cI1cI/AAAAAAAAGk0/1_2XBgfybWY/s400/Image038.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High school preview tournament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you ask any grow-in superintendent he will tell you they opened his course to soon and that was true here as well. But we were under a tight schedule and I am proud of the fact that we were able to open even though there were some greens that could have used a few more weeks. The opening was a success. We had a couple preview rounds and tournaments but the official opener was June 2nd, 2002.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had been open just a couple months when I came to work and found that the well pump was off. I attempted to restart it and a loud thump was heard. The actual well was 1210 feet deep and the pump was set at 800 feet so there was only one way to find out what was wrong and that was to pull the pump out of the hole. The drillers came back and set up over the hole and proceeded to pull the 6 inch pipe out of the ground. to our dismay all that was retrieved was just the top of the pump column. The remaining stages and the 125 horse pump were at the bottom of the hole.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I give all the credit to our original driller for designing a tool which was comprised of a large pipe with leaf springs welded to the inside of it. They proceeded to lower it into the hole until they felt like they were over the pump. Once there, they pulled it back up and when they raised the last pipe out the pump and motor were inside the pipe. It was just short of a miracle to see that thing come up.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYp_PwnwNEY/T3d2HCXFmDI/AAAAAAAAGk8/Ye_H9NtcnyU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYp_PwnwNEY/T3d2HCXFmDI/AAAAAAAAGk8/Ye_H9NtcnyU/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 14th, 2002</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That wasn't the end of the story. We discovered that the pump was set below the casing and the hole collapsed on the pump thus snapping it off when I restarted it. That meant we needed to clean out the hole and set a screen and a new pump and motor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mean time, it was July and we needed the well water to irrigate the golf course. We were on extreme conservation measures. What could be worse, a brand new course still trying to fill in and there wasn't any water to irrigate it. We quickly got permission to tap into the fire hydrant. Using aluminum irrigation pipe, we piped it all the way down between ten and eighteen fairway to the lake where we could maintain a minimum water level to irrigate with. Greens were our first priority followed by tees and green surrounds. The fairways pretty much got by on the trace of rainfall we received until Fall. Over all it was a valuable experience for us, learning the benefit of letting the course go a little dry in the summer. Perhaps not this dry but we realized that seeing brown isn't necessarily a bad think.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heFoxeLn3gM/T3eM-d368gI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/hC0erMv-Va8/s1600/Image012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heFoxeLn3gM/T3eM-d368gI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/hC0erMv-Va8/s400/Image012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the brown grass in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our next step was to bring in a new driller to bore out the hole and set a screen and sand filter. This ended up becoming a longer job than we anticipated. The well was damaged and was constantly caving in. Finally they were ready to set the screen and begin pouring the sand around the outside of it. Once they got to that stage they were going 24/7 to make sure the screen was set before it could cave in again. Then I got the call early one morning. The drill operator was suspending the screen down the hole and was filling the outside with sand when he accidentally hit the spin lever. They calculated 7 complete revolutions which ended up making a rats nest out of the screen. The next four weeks were spent trying to remove the damaged screen segments and cleaning out the sand that fell down the inside of the screen with yet another another well driller. After three drillers we finally decided to leave "well" enough alone, pardon the pun, and set the pump in the hole and see what we end up with.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtWiuPaYxdI/T3eNnIuhl6I/AAAAAAAAGlY/ppYHYmp5MXc/s1600/Image007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtWiuPaYxdI/T3eNnIuhl6I/AAAAAAAAGlY/ppYHYmp5MXc/s200/Image007.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That is where we left it and it has been producing water ever since. It was not the best way to begin a golf course project but the good news is the well is strong and still produces enough water for us to get through each season.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That is about as brief as I can be in summing up the construction of Stone Creek Golf Club. It has been a thrill of a life time and I feel as if I have been a part of something very special. The popularity of Stone Creek as well as the amount of revenue it has generated over the last 10 years for Clackamas County, gives me great satisfaction to have played such an important role in it's success. I couldn't have asked for a better course to begin my career as a golf course superintendent.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eouLmRiR2EM/Tbrr0P7uW8I/AAAAAAAAEfw/o3zcrUpiW6s/s1600/11+Tee-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eouLmRiR2EM/Tbrr0P7uW8I/AAAAAAAAEfw/o3zcrUpiW6s/s400/11+Tee-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have said it many times but Stone Creek has forded me the opportunity to promote what I am most passionate about, and that is the environment in which the great game of golf is played. The beauty of this course has been my inspiration. There hasn't been a morning that I haven't appreciated the beauty of it and am glad to have had the opportunity to photograph it many times over.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVm4HESWMKU/TlafKWNVpoI/AAAAAAAAFHk/rg0x0LOvUNo/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVm4HESWMKU/TlafKWNVpoI/AAAAAAAAFHk/rg0x0LOvUNo/s200/IMG_1422.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last September, my long time assistant, Mike Turley made the decision to move on and out of the golf industry to pursue a job with a family business. I was set back, not just because I was losing a good assistant, but because I was losing someone I had been mentoring to take my place should I decide to leave. I could not predict the future and couldn't tell him when I would move on so I understood his reasons. I could not be happier learning that Gordy called Mike upon hearing of my decision to leave, and offered him the superintendent position. Mike accepted and is going to come back to Stone Creek and will be able to step right into my shoes without skipping a beat. Upon hearing the news my entire crew was ecstatic to learn of Mikes return. With Chris as Mikes assistant, I am confident that the two of them are going to take Stone Creek to a new level.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would like to finish this post with a few photographs that I couldn't fit in above. The proverbial saying that a picture is worth 1000 words will apply. I will let the photos speak for themselves.
</div>
<br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8NhTr9-jHc/T3een6iJFyI/AAAAAAAAGlg/LFcnwaKYYME/s1600/Image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8NhTr9-jHc/T3een6iJFyI/AAAAAAAAGlg/LFcnwaKYYME/s400/Image002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a brand new shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqlmFxrcWP4/T3eeo_nwgdI/AAAAAAAAGlo/gh8hselxTmI/s1600/Image0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqlmFxrcWP4/T3eeo_nwgdI/AAAAAAAAGlo/gh8hselxTmI/s400/Image0027.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever see a D-6 stuck?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gxlbmXi498/T3eeqJGuroI/AAAAAAAAGlw/C0Gzq8HC818/s1600/Image00311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gxlbmXi498/T3eeqJGuroI/AAAAAAAAGlw/C0Gzq8HC818/s400/Image00311.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Henninger, Tom Cordova , Peter Jacobsen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxBDABjxZuI/T3eeqjYoRtI/AAAAAAAAGl4/ORD9AtXlPEo/s1600/Image102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxBDABjxZuI/T3eeqjYoRtI/AAAAAAAAGl4/ORD9AtXlPEo/s400/Image102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter shooting the opening for his "Unplugged" show on the Golf Channel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVLK2igcdoc/T3eesiieVCI/AAAAAAAAGmA/8fP0nS7bqRU/s1600/P0000769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVLK2igcdoc/T3eesiieVCI/AAAAAAAAGmA/8fP0nS7bqRU/s400/P0000769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCpO2758jE/T3eevIWpV9I/AAAAAAAAGmI/Gu04Yr--3ro/s1600/P0001074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCpO2758jE/T3eevIWpV9I/AAAAAAAAGmI/Gu04Yr--3ro/s400/P0001074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my dad, Frank Phipps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yya-C9Z3gz8/T3eew2tZxGI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/yUBOYIrAUvU/s1600/P0001887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yya-C9Z3gz8/T3eew2tZxGI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/yUBOYIrAUvU/s400/P0001887.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Burchell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBo1JaGh34/T3egjDWncfI/AAAAAAAAGmY/zOoPpfAWBkc/s1600/Image026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBo1JaGh34/T3egjDWncfI/AAAAAAAAGmY/zOoPpfAWBkc/s400/Image026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching my son Henry how to fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtpxppWt1FE/T3ehGT9sZaI/AAAAAAAAGmg/sR2EcFYeVFg/s1600/6+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtpxppWt1FE/T3ehGT9sZaI/AAAAAAAAGmg/sR2EcFYeVFg/s400/6+green.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clackamas County's Dan Zinzer strategizing his first shot from the bunker on six</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kO0Ao9jL9Nw/T3eh9-kJ3eI/AAAAAAAAGmo/rff9c-YR8yM/s1600/P0001723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kO0Ao9jL9Nw/T3eh9-kJ3eI/AAAAAAAAGmo/rff9c-YR8yM/s400/P0001723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tina, the finest at wiring satellite controllers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E4Vaa3amV0/T3ei4mLwgoI/AAAAAAAAGmw/NuuEoJT7Feg/s1600/P0000976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E4Vaa3amV0/T3ei4mLwgoI/AAAAAAAAGmw/NuuEoJT7Feg/s400/P0000976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back from the 13th green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQDYKm2_V1Y/S38K8Yt02EI/AAAAAAAABb8/P0yLOxJT-iU/s1600/IMG_7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQDYKm2_V1Y/S38K8Yt02EI/AAAAAAAABb8/P0yLOxJT-iU/s400/IMG_7288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same view from the 13th green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-63679805657762067962012-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:002012-03-26T00:00:00.682-07:00Monday, March 26th, 2012I know I'm sounding like a broken record but the weather tops the news once again this week . By my calculations, Thursday's snowfall was our fifth accumulating snow event since the last week of February. I don't think I can remember ever seeing 4" of snow at the end of March. I won't say we're out of the woods yet because with the spring weather we have been getting lately, you never know what the next system will bring. This latest event didn't seem to have the damage that last week's snow brought. There were only a few branches down which gave the crew much needed time to mow the greens and put the bunkers back in place.<br />
Just for fun I took a photo Thursday in the snow and again on Friday from the same place. It's amazing to see the change in 24 hours. (Yes, this is my favorite tree on the course)<br />
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbKzv4KTNs/T24OqRESIGI/AAAAAAAAGhI/_ia9hWG1sTg/s1600/3_22_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbKzv4KTNs/T24OqRESIGI/AAAAAAAAGhI/_ia9hWG1sTg/s400/3_22_12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday, March 22nd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwaoHK73nXs/T24OtpszGJI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/BUwYWNM3Glg/s1600/3_23_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwaoHK73nXs/T24OtpszGJI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/BUwYWNM3Glg/s400/3_23_12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday, March 23rd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once again the crew stepped up and and made sure the weekend golfers received the best possible playing conditions. The guys all appreciated the kind words toward their efforts. It means so much to them to hear given the miserable conditions they have all had to endure lately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NtUIHOGmTg/T2_zH8niFLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/Tz2OiQGZfb8/s1600/DSC_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NtUIHOGmTg/T2_zH8niFLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/Tz2OiQGZfb8/s400/DSC_0408.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It was great to see the golf course so busy on Friday and Saturday. I know this time of year players are getting a little stir crazy and need to get out on the course. The course is in great shape but please don't expect the greens to be running over 10. With 2.5" of rain and 4" of snow it is difficult to maintain summer conditions. When conditions are favorable, meaning firm, we will roll the greens to increase ball roll. If we have a day where we can either mow or roll we will mow first to make sure they have a clean cut. If we can roll the next day than by all means we will.<br />
<br />
We recently had Stone Creek mapped by <a href="http://www.groundlinkx.com/index.php?" target="_blank">CourseVision</a>. I learned about this program at the Golfdom Summit at Pinehurst last November. The power of this tool is immense. Unlike a CAD program, <a href="http://www.groundlinkx.com/index.php?" target="_blank">CourseVision</a> is one simple file in PDF format that delivers accurate measurement data on the entire property. All for one ridiculously low price. This is a tool that will enable us to communicate more effectively and keep track of everything we have done on the property. I was able to submit our irrigation file which was then overlaid on to the entire map with amazing accuracy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Co9b9ZVKqeM/T26s9sXHyCI/AAAAAAAAGhY/O2xqKZk8jhk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Co9b9ZVKqeM/T26s9sXHyCI/AAAAAAAAGhY/O2xqKZk8jhk/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a>Although Stone Creek is an Audubon certified sanctuary, <a href="http://www.groundlinkx.com/index.php?" target="_blank">CourseVision</a> comes complete with an entire property inventory which is part of the certification process. Every part of the property is digitized with proprietary software and then summarized in a spreadsheet. I can also see this being used in many other ways throughout the golf course.<br />
<br />
I will be providing the proshop with a copy of this software for their use as well. I am sure we will find good use for it in setting up tournaments and employee orientation. CourseVision told me that we are the first course in our area to use this technology. They said we have some of the finest aerial photos available in the country which make for a high quality map.<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-47792396041846600222012-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:002012-03-19T13:32:53.287-07:00Monday, March 19th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkzPSwKW-GI/T2TfGwg342I/AAAAAAAAGdA/4e8HqiXmuJY/s1600/DSC_0289_90_91_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkzPSwKW-GI/T2TfGwg342I/AAAAAAAAGdA/4e8HqiXmuJY/s400/DSC_0289_90_91_tonemapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For the third week in a row we have had snow on the ground at Stone Creek Golf Club and we may be looking at a fourth if the predictions hold true. Last week was unusual with over 4 inches on Tuesday. The crew stayed home but Chris and I stayed to attend the Redox seminar hosted by Gary Willis and OVS Proturf Solutions at our event center. As always Dale Miller from Redox gave an excellent presentation on Redox fertility. Seems every time I attend I learn something new.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Rm5TJ86rY/T2Tw8f9MwGI/AAAAAAAAGdg/iacxryD4Vvo/s1600/DSC_0307_8_9_fused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Rm5TJ86rY/T2Tw8f9MwGI/AAAAAAAAGdg/iacxryD4Vvo/s320/DSC_0307_8_9_fused.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tuesday was also our Ladies Club opener but unfortunately that will have to be rescheduled. Sorry Ladies! By Wednesday the course was clear for the most part and we were able to get play out on schedule. As you could expect, the course was saturated. I call 4" of snow "slow release water". It began to rain on top of the snow and by Thursday we had close to 1.5" of rain. As luck would have it, the rain stopped Friday morning in time for us to mow the greens for the OPGA ProAm. Thank you Doug for the invitation to play. The bright sun and the great company made for a great day! Even with all of the precipitation throughout the week, I was very pleased how playable the course was. I especially enjoyed seeing the results all of the drainage projects that we have been working on all winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9mkfpCF4c/T2TyMTBsHSI/AAAAAAAAGdo/N8E3nRLe1Ds/s1600/DSC_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9mkfpCF4c/T2TyMTBsHSI/AAAAAAAAGdo/N8E3nRLe1Ds/s320/DSC_0305.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What the golfers didn't realize on Friday was the aftermath of the snowstorm. The snow was very wet thus the fir trees lost quite a few large branches. The crew did an unbelievable job bucking up all the branches, hauling them to our refuse pile and sweeping up all the cones from the rough and fairways. This was all done in two days and in the midst of one inch of rainfall on Wednesday. If those of you that played on Friday get a chance, please be sure to express your gratitude to the guys for all their hard work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-vAgGxiTJQ/T2TuI__A3oI/AAAAAAAAGdI/w41i4m3IYPA/s1600/2012-01-31_14-41-40_410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-vAgGxiTJQ/T2TuI__A3oI/AAAAAAAAGdI/w41i4m3IYPA/s200/2012-01-31_14-41-40_410.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
All winter the repair of the large Dakota topdresser had been looming over us, and this week Steve and I finally decided to see if there was a way we could repair it, instead of ordering a new conveyor box for the side chute. Last fall the tractor jackknifed while topdressing the tees thus crunching the bottom end of the conveyor box. We checked the price on a new one and that was going to cost us close to $4K. If there is a way to repair it,I was confident Steve could find a way. We sat there and stared at it for some time then finally Steve had a plan and off he went.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwwKQeT8gOM/T2TuVLcQExI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/pYf6oaiJKd8/s1600/2012-03-15_08-59-57_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwwKQeT8gOM/T2TuVLcQExI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/pYf6oaiJKd8/s320/2012-03-15_08-59-57_150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He started by cutting the bottom roller out of the box then he cut the seam at the corner. With a little heat he was able to bend the box back into shape and then he welded the roller back in place. Steve is a perfectionist and wouldn't be happy with just a simple fix. By the time he finished, he had new paint and safety stickers applied, and it looked as good as new. I can't describe how happy I was to see it back together when I came back to the shop Friday after the Pro-Am. The side conveyor plays a vital roll in our aerification program. Without it we would have to make multiple trips to the sand pile thus using an abundance of time and fuel. Great work Steve!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjl40Oykhzg/T2X-w0xqEtI/AAAAAAAAGeI/_9wXwqiJauQ/s1600/2012-03-17_14-03-23_899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjl40Oykhzg/T2X-w0xqEtI/AAAAAAAAGeI/_9wXwqiJauQ/s400/2012-03-17_14-03-23_899.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
In the coming weeks we will be applying Verde-Cal to the fairways but will be looking for some firmer conditions. As long as the course is clean we will continue on some small projects along the cart path edges. We also have quite a large debris pile to chip up as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-73304857867572516742012-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:002012-03-14T14:44:57.716-07:00Golembiewski Leaves Oregon State University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p68FaARWQns/T1z-JMiHp9I/AAAAAAAAGaM/7rAt3-m5fiQ/s1600/2012-02-28_09-11-53_858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p68FaARWQns/T1z-JMiHp9I/AAAAAAAAGaM/7rAt3-m5fiQ/s320/2012-02-28_09-11-53_858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Last week I received a phone call that I never imagined I would receive. A few years ago the turf community was pondering how they were going to replace Tom Cook at Oregon State University. The Oregon Superintendents came through with $50K to assure Tom's position would be fast tracked in order to keep the program running on a smooth course. I was asked by the University to serve on the selection committee and was overwhelmingly pleased to meet Dr. Rob Golembiewski, who we eventually agreed to offer the position. Dr. Rob and I developed a great friendship and often spoke on the future of the turf program and how it could reach new heights. <br />
<br />
Since coming to Oregon State University, Dr. Golembiewski picked right up where Tom Cook left off and immediately began to develop new programs and interest in research at Oregon State. He began by constructing 50,000 square foot putting green and began trials on michrodochium patch, anthracnose and most notably, a green speed trial that mirrored Tom Nikolai's trial at Michigan State, but only on annual bluegrass instead of creeping bentgrass. <br />
<br />
Dr. Golembiewski's impact to the turf community was immediate. In his first year he made over 30 appearances across the Northwest, speaking to various groups on turfgrass management. His enthusiasm was unbelievable and everyone was excited for the future of the turf program at OSU. I know this sounds like a eulogy but rest assured Rob is doing fine and well. The phone call I received was Rob informing me that he had been offered a position with Bayer Crop Science in Columbus Ohio. Rob didn't have to explain it to me because I knew that eight of his siblings would be close at hand in Michigan and he would be much closer to his family. There was no doubt that the offer must have been pretty sweet as well. It was not an easy decision to make but I know it was right for him and I would have done the same if I were in his shoes. <br />
<br />
We will all miss Rob here in the NW and will always look fondly on the impact he had on the turf program within such a short time. Our focus will now go toward preserving the turf program and finding a replacement as soon as possible. I have already been contacted by Anita Azarenko, the department head, and asked to meet with the Dean. It will be imperative to show industry support for the position and to assure them that our support and funding will continue. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpVYD8ON2GY/Tnen7eFlcQI/AAAAAAAAFLc/-mFD74J7zKk/s1600/Rob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpVYD8ON2GY/Tnen7eFlcQI/AAAAAAAAFLc/-mFD74J7zKk/s400/Rob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Rob is not the only university professor that has recently been lured away from academia. Most recently, Dr. Frank Wong from UC Davis has gone to Bayer Crop Science, Dr. Lane Tredway from UNCS has gone to Syngenta, and Dr. Eric Miltner from Washington State has gone to Agrium Advanced Technologies. This is a disturbing trend to say the least as far as universities go. Is this a sign of a failing university system that has become so reliant upon outside funding sources that once a turn in the economy, the programs begin to fail? I feel this is a trend that has begun long before this recession. States budgets have become stretched to the point where the idea of a land grant university is a notion of the past. <br />
<br />
Dr. Golembiewski has been referred to as a “one man show” which is no exaggeration. Back in the days when I was at Oregon State there was a complete landscape curriculum as well as a turfgrass curriculum. That continued for many years until funding became short and they couldn’t retain the landscape professor and he was off to greener pastures. The university needs to offer both programs to retain its viability but the funding is still short for a full time landscape professor. Dr. Golembiewski’s position is funded but he is still required to fulfill 125% of a single full time equivalent. (FTE) This is why we still need to raise more funds to enable the university to bring on another position. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jBlSAwR6nk/T10AVHADkpI/AAAAAAAAGaU/i6vvNotWzUc/s1600/5387435995_86abeb5a73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jBlSAwR6nk/T10AVHADkpI/AAAAAAAAGaU/i6vvNotWzUc/s320/5387435995_86abeb5a73.jpg" width="320" /></a>The only way universities can retain quality people any more is through endowments. The Oregon State Foundation has been extremely supportive of the superintendents and has helped us set up an endowment for the program. Jack Holpuck of the OSU Foundation has been a great supporter of the turfgrass program and has worked tirelessly to secure funding. In 2008 the Giustina family donated $1 million to endow the faculty position in turf management. Without this donation the program would probably be a wash today. <br />
<br />
We are headed into a new chapter of leadership at OSU and I am excited about the new opportunities ahead . Turf programs on the west coast are few and far between, leaving mainly Oregon and Washington State as programs to educate our future superintendents and turfgrass managers. <br />
<br />
Rob, I’ll miss you. You can move to Ohio but you cannot hide. Our friendship will remain and I’ll look forward to spending time together at future GCSAA conferences. <span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #351c75;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Course Update</b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
Since I was away from the course last week, there isn't much to report other than when I came in on Saturday the course was getting rave reviews from the Men's Club. This March weather doesn't seem to want to let up. Snow is predicted once again on Tuesday! One thing for sure is the sun will be here before we know it. Just remember, July 5th is just around the corner.<br />
<br />
We will be looking for a break in the weather to make our calcium application to the fairways. If not this week, we will be on it as soon as the weather permits. Once again we will be using the Verde-Cal. I have decided to spread it ourselves this year and save us the application fee.David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-78721083362995678762012-03-05T20:13:00.000-08:002012-03-06T13:26:29.826-08:00Golf Industry Show 2012, Las Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-OvVovcaHg/T1J21i7vvNI/AAAAAAAAGUU/rvY-rKPdecc/s1600/2012-02-29_15-27-59_847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-OvVovcaHg/T1J21i7vvNI/AAAAAAAAGUU/rvY-rKPdecc/s400/2012-02-29_15-27-59_847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It is great to be home after spending a week in Vegas. I normally have this blog posted first thing Monday morning but the last thing I wanted to do when I got home was spend time away from my family writing my recap of the week. It's now Monday afternoon and I have finally decided to give it a go.<br />
<br />
First I would like to recognize my staff for doing such a wonderful job while I was gone. I came in on Sunday to find everything in top shape. Again, the weather threw them a curve with a light snowfall, but they still managed to check off a few more projects including some drainage between the tee boxes on fifteen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp6FIK-O_hs/T1U6L5ziGBI/AAAAAAAAGWI/5M4MtMYmDP0/s1600/Peter+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp6FIK-O_hs/T1U6L5ziGBI/AAAAAAAAGWI/5M4MtMYmDP0/s200/Peter+and+I.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The highlight of the trip had to be receiving the Presidents Award. I cannot describe how it feels to be recognized by my peers. When GCSAA's President Bob Randquist called last October, it really caught me off guard. Once I realized that he and the Board of Directors were responsible for the nomination, the gravity of the award fell upon me. This has been the highest honor of my career and I thank Bob and theGCSAA Board for bestowing this upon me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jzNBpiq7Jo/T1J21mkF69I/AAAAAAAAGUU/pVeM_mHRP2E/s1600/2012-02-28_11-55-29_477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jzNBpiq7Jo/T1J21mkF69I/AAAAAAAAGUU/pVeM_mHRP2E/s200/2012-02-28_11-55-29_477.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Receiving the award in Peter Jacobsen's presents could not have been any better. Peter and I go back twenty plus years to the days when I maintained his putting green at his home. It was there when he told me he wanted me to help build Stone Creek Golf Club. For both of us to be recognized at the same event was a moment to cherish. Peter's a true gem to the golf industry and receiving the Old Tommy Morris Award was a well deserved honor. Here is a short video of some of his speech from the show.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="20" height="350" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37701348?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&api=1&player_id=player_1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
<br />
David Feherty was our key note speaker at the Golf Industry Show General Session. As always, he kept us in stitches with his wit as he recalled some of his past experiences. Feherty has now been a US Citizen for over two years and it was amazing to see his patriotism shining through. Feherty is co-founder of an organization called <a href="http://www.troopsfirstfoundation.org/history.php" target="_blank">Troops First Foundation</a>. He and co-founder Rick Kell have developed several programs and events designed to help Wounded Warriors and their families that address relationship building, mentoring, reintegration and moving forward. Listening to him tell the stories of his experiences was certainly inspiring to say the least.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="20" height="350" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37778685?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=3bba00" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
David Feherty from <a href="http://vimeo.com/gcsaatv">GCSAA TV</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4th9J5g3Ei0/T1J21isKKRI/AAAAAAAAGUU/0JSf6xDiZ8o/s1600/2012-02-29_13-53-38_382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4th9J5g3Ei0/T1J21isKKRI/AAAAAAAAGUU/0JSf6xDiZ8o/s320/2012-02-29_13-53-38_382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While walking the trade show floor I like to look for new and innovative products. Especially ones that would enhance Stone Creek Golf Club. One item that caught my eye were these manufactured stone tee signs from Tee Box Creations. Their stones are made from 5000 psi solid cast stone with no resin or plastics. It is solid throughout and is exceptionally durable. What caught my eye was the price. You could pick up a pretty nice sign for around $500. That's not a bad price by golf course amenity standards. These would certainly take Stone Creek's presentation to the next level. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWXDdT-dUFY/T1J21jsAjyI/AAAAAAAAGUU/dfoQy58KyVQ/s1600/2012-02-29_10-25-12_669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWXDdT-dUFY/T1J21jsAjyI/AAAAAAAAGUU/dfoQy58KyVQ/s320/2012-02-29_10-25-12_669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Standard Golf was displaying a new sign for the driving range tee. If you have been following my previous posts regarding the proper use of the driving range tee, this sign may look familiar. If I can contribute to the the greater good I like to share my ideas. Steve Tyler at Standard Golf liked the sign so I gave Standard my permission to print make it on their standard 12x12 aluminum sign. They tweaked the graphics a bit to save on printing costs. I believe the overall message is the same. I hope people take advantage of the sign and use it on their range. It is my goal to re educate the golfer on the proper range etiquette. When used properly we can use the range much more efficiently and have it heal much quicker as well.<br />
<br />
The trade show floor seemed to have more traffic than in recent years. On day one there was a huge line at registration which some stated may have been an over site on GCSAA's part but contrary, it was a great problem to see. I think by the time the numbers are counted the show will be an overall success. Many of the vendors I spoke with seemed very excited by the amount of traffic they had by their booths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWzPZVJRBNc/T1V51XhnV3I/AAAAAAAAGWc/lgLqcMGoEyo/s1600/2012-03-01_20-21-06_473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWzPZVJRBNc/T1V51XhnV3I/AAAAAAAAGWc/lgLqcMGoEyo/s320/2012-03-01_20-21-06_473.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Las Vegas was a memorable week for sure. Especially reconnecting with all my close friends from across the country. The networking alone at the GIS is worth the price of admission. It is through sharing experiences and talking about what works and what doesn't that has inspired me over the years. I enjoy staying in touch with many friends through social networking but there is nothing like good ol' fashioned face-to-face to rekindle the friendships.<br />
<br />
Through social networking I have met a lot of superintendents from around the globe. It was great to put a face to the name on many occasions in Vegas. One was Jason Chennault who made the trip all the way from Calcutta to come to the show. Working in India, Jason has utilized social media to stay in touch with his US counterparts and is often part of many Facebook conversations. Social media has certainly impacted the golf industry in a positive way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF4VjTFaouw/T1WAOfkEXVI/AAAAAAAAGWk/yW4Wog0FqLA/s1600/EGRPH2384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF4VjTFaouw/T1WAOfkEXVI/AAAAAAAAGWk/yW4Wog0FqLA/s200/EGRPH2384.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On a final note, I would like to congratulate Class A Superintendent, Darren Davis on his selection to the GCSAA Board of directors. I cannot think of a better candidate for the position. Darren and I spent time at Mirimichi Golf Club recording Golf Channel vignettes a couple years ago and have been friends ever since. He is a first class guy and will be a true servant on the Board.<br />
<span id="goog_1852558901"></span><span id="goog_1852558902"></span>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-24446750175926344622012-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-27T00:00:04.513-08:00Monday, February 27th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYc3ZbJwAfc/T0pNmSL6VeI/AAAAAAAAGIM/M15UqQ6WWFw/s1600/Sunny+February+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYc3ZbJwAfc/T0pNmSL6VeI/AAAAAAAAGIM/M15UqQ6WWFw/s400/Sunny+February+Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The mixed bag of weather continues to keep us guessing. This week we had 1.28 inches of rain but we also had some pretty fair golfing conditions. I also took advantage of the fair days to get some sunny shots of the golf course. I edited this photo with my new tone mapping software, combining two separate exposures. My favorite part is the jet trails piercing the clouds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDZ8A9j1Lc/T0qdaVILOLI/AAAAAAAAGI0/_U8--0YwqFE/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDZ8A9j1Lc/T0qdaVILOLI/AAAAAAAAGI0/_U8--0YwqFE/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We continued to work on drainage lows this week. The guys are getting rather proficient at this. They did a few on the ninth fairway this week including this one below the green. If you have been down there in wet conditions you know it's not a simple lob shot, this should firm it up nicely. We also fixed a few wet areas including the edge of the path on 17 just past the bunker!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFQ3R4_06tY/T0pPybUHvXI/AAAAAAAAGIU/WBh_i_sp_AI/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFQ3R4_06tY/T0pPybUHvXI/AAAAAAAAGIU/WBh_i_sp_AI/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We are continuing to work on various projects around the course. Steve Mathre once again used his resourcefulness to solve a reoccurring problem. The fenders on the Buffalo blower seem to have issues with solid objects and are made of plastic which isn't a good combination. So instead of removing them and dealing with all of the mud that would coat the blower Steve used an old conveyor belt from our core harvester to make a flexible fender that shouldn't crack so easily. I'm always giving Steve a hard time about saving old scraps, but he continues to show me up by utilizing them to create solutions. One of these days I will make a list of all his "fixes". He has saved us a lot of money over the years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmWk-z-b8fQ/T0pSCcB_3ZI/AAAAAAAAGIc/rKJLgcEDQLk/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmWk-z-b8fQ/T0pSCcB_3ZI/AAAAAAAAGIc/rKJLgcEDQLk/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This year we will be taking on a larger role in maintaining the trail around the course. The crew is anxious to take on the responsibility and to help out the County in these times of limited resources. Right now we are adding chips to various areas, assuring that the walkers and joggers have solid footing. Later on we will also be mowing the edges with our new/used rotary mower which should reduce the amount of costly community service labor significantly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kc-inOzJKQ4/T0pUD8JULSI/AAAAAAAAGIk/azDju2zOyCw/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kc-inOzJKQ4/T0pUD8JULSI/AAAAAAAAGIk/azDju2zOyCw/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In between working on drainage lows and all of the other chores, Zeferino has been diligently working on raising sprinkler heads. This is a never ending task as you can imagine. There are over 1200 sprinklers on the course and they eventually settle and need to be lifted so the pattern isn't disrupted. Some sprinklers around the greens and near bunkers actually need to be lifted two times a year with the accumulation of sand. Zeferion takes much pride in his work and it shows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lOolx-pL5M/T0pWkyhLsxI/AAAAAAAAGIs/i8kGEMaijM8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lOolx-pL5M/T0pWkyhLsxI/AAAAAAAAGIs/i8kGEMaijM8/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On Tuesday the weather was so rotten that we decided to give the equipment bay a much needed cleansing. We figured that since Steve is doing such a great job cleaning up all of the equipment we may as well take care of all the dust in the bay. Since our yard is still gravel, dust and dirt is a constant battle and by hosing it all out we should be able to enjoy a few good weeks of dust free conditions.<br />
<br />
This week I will be in Vegas for the GCSAA Golf Industry Show and to receive the Presidents Award for Environmental Stewardship. I am looking forward to the many opportunities to network with my peers and meet and make new friends. The education that I have received over the years attending the GIS has been an invaluable resource for me, keeping up with the latest science and modern ways to maintain a golf course. I always look forward to the equipment show to meet the vendors at a national level and discover new products on the market. I will have a full recap of the events in my next weeks update. As always, I am leaving the course in great hands and am confident Chris and the crew will keep the place in top shape.David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-41782362899812670572012-02-24T13:48:00.000-08:002012-05-01T11:29:31.628-07:00Driving Range Divot Signs<span style="font-size: large;">I am still getting requests for copies of my driving range divot signs so I am going to supply everyone with links to the printer ready file. I have two versions that I am going to make public. First is the 12x12 and the other is a 12x18. The 12x18 can be printed at your local sign shop on a stock aluminum sign. The 12x12 may cost more for custom cutting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are two files for each sign. The first is a .jpg which is the everyday photo file, the second is a .eps file. You may not be able to open it, but your sign company will have the software to do so, and will actually favor using it versus the other.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFdvHTb4-vQ/T0f_kxGeH5I/AAAAAAAAGG0/e5EaiQ_F3tM/s1600/DRT+Divot+Pattern12x12+condensed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFdvHTb4-vQ/T0f_kxGeH5I/AAAAAAAAGG0/e5EaiQ_F3tM/s320/DRT+Divot+Pattern12x12+condensed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24729410/DRT%20Divot%20Pattern12x12.jpg" target="_blank">12x12 Driving Range Divot Sign (.JPG)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24729410/DRT%20Divot%20Pattern12x12.eps" target="_blank">12x12 Driving Range Divot Sign (.EPS)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE-otW7UJlU/T0gACvbdVkI/AAAAAAAAGG8/4w94Fa0CYP0/s1600/DRT+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE-otW7UJlU/T0gACvbdVkI/AAAAAAAAGG8/4w94Fa0CYP0/s320/DRT+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24729410/DRT%20Divot%20Pattern12X18.jpg" target="_blank">12x18 Driving Range Divot Sign (.JPG)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24729410/DRT%20Divot%20Pattern12X18.eps" target="_blank">12x18 Driving Range Divot Sign (.EPS)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-63558283122682666042012-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T00:00:00.384-08:00Monday, February 20th, 2012<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwfPT8-I-p0/Tz__u97XZ5I/AAAAAAAAGEQ/b1sqJQGtEEc/s1600/pageviews.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwfPT8-I-p0/Tz__u97XZ5I/AAAAAAAAGEQ/b1sqJQGtEEc/s1600/pageviews.JPG" /></a>My blog began as a weekly report which I sent to Gordy (TGMS President) each week on the course conditions. It then evolved into a blog, which was a way to look back at previous reports and also able to include photos more easily. Superintendents have been utilizing blogs more now than ever, and it has proven to be an effective way to communicate to stakeholders, golfers, members, and peers.<br />
<br />
I began posting in July of 2009 and have posted weekly ever since. Today, 197 posts later and over 40,000 page views, I am humbled at the amount of traffic that has come by the Stone Creek Blog. By internet standards, 40,000 is a drop in the bucket, but for something that was simply intended to be a weekly report, it amazes me. Thank you to all who find what we do at Stone Creek worth reading about.<br />
<br />
Last week was another mixed bag of weather. Just when we felt like we were through the cold, an upper level low drops in over us and puts us back in the low 40's. We did however manage to mow the fairways once again and were also able to get the greens fertilized, first in almost two months. This week we will be applying Verde-Cal to the greens and tees. Depending on when you play, you may see some particles stick to your ball. Given the rain in this weeks forecast, it shouldn't be on the surface long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0mt8eH9QwI/T0AEWLoeeTI/AAAAAAAAGEY/nQy1oLUOoAI/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0mt8eH9QwI/T0AEWLoeeTI/AAAAAAAAGEY/nQy1oLUOoAI/s200/DSC_0393.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KV2zMlrlvaM/T0AFUh58LyI/AAAAAAAAGEk/MyPpdiPgbUA/s1600/2012-01-28_11-07-44_784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KV2zMlrlvaM/T0AFUh58LyI/AAAAAAAAGEk/MyPpdiPgbUA/s200/2012-01-28_11-07-44_784.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We continued to work on small projects throughout the course last week. There are still several catch basins and wet areas the guys wanted to fix so they took it upon there own to just simply "get it done". They added a catch basin along the path on eighteen to alleviate the wet area that seemed to be a cart magnet for so long. They also repaired two lows, one behind ten green and the other at the 200 yard mark in the eleventh fairway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPvW5C4iHPU/T0AF_7MfwrI/AAAAAAAAGEw/I15qZW0zcrg/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPvW5C4iHPU/T0AF_7MfwrI/AAAAAAAAGEw/I15qZW0zcrg/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
No sooner when Chris and I had just noticed that the disease issue pressure has been low, we begin to see microdochium patch pop up again on the putting green. It seems like clock work when the temps drop along with heavy moisture, we start seeing it pop up again. We are due for an application and will do our best to get it done between rain events. I like to see 24 hours of dry weather following the application for environmental safety and maximum effectiveness. If not, we can waste a lot of money and risk off target run off.<br />
<br />
Finally, I just want to mention how great it is to see Dan Zinzer and Mike McLees spending time playing golf. Both Dan and Mike played such a vital role in developing Stone Creek and now that they have both retired from the County, they are finally able to spend their time doing what they love to do!David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com014603 S Stoneridge Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA45.299041128898139 -122.5703430175781245.254373628898136 -122.64930701757812 45.343708628898142 -122.49137901757813tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-90772874679125281862012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T09:37:13.953-08:00Monday, February 13th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYiZVT1QXkY/TzlKP3au9RI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/h0oN1XnM9RQ/s1600/2012-02-04_09-27-38_884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYiZVT1QXkY/TzlKP3au9RI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/h0oN1XnM9RQ/s320/2012-02-04_09-27-38_884.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A week ago Saturday, we opened the grass on the driving range tee for the Men's Club Super Bowl event. I was excited to try out our new driving range signs and to my dismay I can see that we have some serious work to do. I was disappointed that I didn't see as many long snakes on the tee as I would have expected. I spent the rest of the morning after the shot gun went off seeding and sanding the mess.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCEzsrpz-y0/TziIhFpbQfI/AAAAAAAAGCs/j5h7RQ-AA-8/s1600/DRT+Divot+Pattern12X18+condensed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCEzsrpz-y0/TziIhFpbQfI/AAAAAAAAGCs/j5h7RQ-AA-8/s320/DRT+Divot+Pattern12X18+condensed.jpg" width="213" /></a>I know this is going to take some time for everyone to learn this new technique so I have prepared myself to be patient. The new signs are very self explanatory, so if others are seeing people doing the right thing it is bound to get better. We are so fortunate to have such a great Men's Club at Stone Creek. They have been generous over the years by contributing funds to the turf program at Oregon State, so I will be communicating with them on how they can contribute to our successful range program.<br />
<br />
I have received multiple requests from across the country of the divot pattern signs. You can save it to your computer by simply right clicking and use the "Save as" option. The one I have placed here is a 12x18, most sign companies can print this on their stock aluminum sign.<br />
<br />
Last week was business as usual at the course. We continued edging cart paths and Zeferino has started raising and leveling heads. I have been busy meeting with vendors, getting quotes on our nitrogen sources, and getting ready to implement the years fertility program. Steve has taken apart the pump on the sprayer and has determined that it is time to replace it. Luckily we had half of it in stock and the other half should be here today. This will be our first year when everything will be fertilized with the Redox fertilizer, there will not be any granular fertility on the greens, tees or fairways. We have already proven the greens and tees, so I am looking forward to seeing the results on the fairways.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t43Ki2DfGY/TziL7r3BeDI/AAAAAAAAGC0/ceZ4Q4p3FXE/s1600/DSC_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t43Ki2DfGY/TziL7r3BeDI/AAAAAAAAGC0/ceZ4Q4p3FXE/s320/DSC_0248.jpg" width="320" /></a>Steve Pearce suggested planting some fir trees along the south edge of the lake on six. It is a great location to expand plantings for there is plenty of room to grow. Doug Fir seedlings have sprung up all over the course so he has taken it upon himself to relocated them to places where they will flourish. He has also divided some Oregon Grape and snow berry and planted them along the edge as well. This will create new shelter and food for the wildlife and will eventually rise high enough to provide shade for the lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-64906329721956221032012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T00:00:08.261-08:00Monday, February 5th, 2012<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEkZXXDw09s/Ty9N5mz9MjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/BXnt3tyeK6M/s1600/DSC_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEkZXXDw09s/Ty9N5mz9MjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/BXnt3tyeK6M/s400/DSC_0300.jpg" width="400" /></a>You have got to love high pressure weather systems in the winter! We had a great week at the course and were able to mow more grass than we have all winter. We started the week mowing the tees and approaches and finished it by mowing all of the fairways. The first since December! It is great to see stripes once again.<br />
<br />
It was also great to see such a large turn-out for the Men's Club event on Saturday. This was probably the earliest I have seen cars parked along the edge of the parking lot. The weather couldn't have been better. We had just a short frost delay in the morning and ended up with the temperature hovering around the 60 degree mark by the end of the day. I hung around after their tournament and spoke to many of the players and so many were all smiles, regardless of what they shot. There is something about the sun's warmth that will give people such a lift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDL9jk5Wi7g/Ty9TBQAIZDI/AAAAAAAAGBE/fDJFS9Upsfc/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDL9jk5Wi7g/Ty9TBQAIZDI/AAAAAAAAGBE/fDJFS9Upsfc/s400/DSC_0197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Our latest project has been edging the cart paths. It is a long and arduous task, one that I can't guarantee we will finish any time soon. I'm not sure how many miles there are, but counting both sides of the path, I'm sure it adds up to a few. It makes such a difference to the appearance of the course, just one of those little things that makes a large impact.<br />
<br />
This weeks forecast is calling for more sunshine so if we can just keep the frost at bay, we are hoping to get the topdresser out and get some sand out on the greens.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Wildlife Update</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scMkwnxpkZI/Ty9Y28lFE2I/AAAAAAAAGBM/dPPbbs3CX1U/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scMkwnxpkZI/Ty9Y28lFE2I/AAAAAAAAGBM/dPPbbs3CX1U/s320/DSC_0190.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We had lots of great bird sightings this week. We continued to see the eagle on Monday and I finally had my camera with me and managed to get a far away shot of it above the lake on six. We actually saw a pair. Between the both of them they had the geese moving all day long. I was amazed at how the geese new the eagles presents from so far away. Once the eagle took off from the tree top the geese were up and flying from across the highway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcmgnR4a27k/Ty9bYdF6RLI/AAAAAAAAGBc/E1TtSCA2jCQ/s1600/DSC_0203_4_5_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcmgnR4a27k/Ty9bYdF6RLI/AAAAAAAAGBc/E1TtSCA2jCQ/s320/DSC_0203_4_5_tonemapped.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Tail nest sight </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Red tail hawks have been a common occurrence at Stone Creek but we have never managed to see where they were nesting. On Wednesday Steve Pearce saw one fly into a tree off the 15th fairway carrying some nesting material and sure enough it looks like they are setting up home. The best place to view it is from the forward tee box on the 17th hole. Still not the best but you can sure get a fee for the size of it. I hope to get an opportunity to get a picture of the parents on it later this spring.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb_3vqhLhhw/Ty9aMhXAWwI/AAAAAAAAGBU/shs0Ejlyn6I/s1600/DSC_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb_3vqhLhhw/Ty9aMhXAWwI/AAAAAAAAGBU/shs0Ejlyn6I/s320/DSC_0224.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red tail hawk with vacant Osprey platform in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is great to see so much raptor activity around the course. Osprey are also a common sight. We often see them diving for the bass in the ponds. If only we could get a pair to move in to the nesting platform we installed years ago. If you ask me it would make a better home sight than that cell tower off of I-205!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOGMkHGy0E0/Ty9gUoUbkeI/AAAAAAAAGBk/bHiLgeQW20k/s1600/Beaver+Dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOGMkHGy0E0/Ty9gUoUbkeI/AAAAAAAAGBk/bHiLgeQW20k/s320/Beaver+Dam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver dam under construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It appears we also have a pair of beavers building a den in the middle of the lake next to the eighteenth green. They are actually trying to plug up the outfall to increase the lake level. Little do they know that that lake will be dry by July. It will actually be interesting to look at the den up close once the lake is dry and inspect their building technique.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last note, Golf Course Management magazine has published the story on the GCSAA Presidents award this month which is available to read in the digital format. I would like to thank Bill Newton for writing the story and Frank DiMarco for coming out and shooting many of the photographs. I still can't get over how such an honor this is for getting recognized. I am looking forward to receiving the award in three weeks at the Golf Industry Show and catching up with so many good friends. <a href="http://digitalgcm.gcsaa.org/DigitalAnywhere/viewer.aspx?id=33&pageId=50&refid=604242&s=share" target="_blank">Click HERE</a> to read the story.David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-30967394916354719942012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T00:00:05.747-08:00Monday, January 30th, 2012<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IE6rwNL8xHo/TyVyH6ZvKFI/AAAAAAAAF7o/QZWvsxjquzU/s1600/2012-01-29_07-56-09_436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IE6rwNL8xHo/TyVyH6ZvKFI/AAAAAAAAF7o/QZWvsxjquzU/s400/2012-01-29_07-56-09_436.jpg" width="400" /></a> Sunday morning while I was changing cups, Jorge and I were both on the 6th green, he asked me if I saw the bald eagle. Of course I missed it, then suddenly about a thousand geese got up from behind the neighbors, and the sky was full of birds. The first thing I thought of was that eagle must have been looking for breakfast. Moments later after I was on the 5th green, Jorge calls me on the radio to get my attention and he points to the eagle flying low across the lake with a goose in tow. What a magnificent sight! Not just seeing the eagle so close up but knowing that there was one less goose in the neighborhood. The worst part of the moment was realizing that I left the Nikon at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kg0U4SITvl0/TyXQex5NPNI/AAAAAAAAF9c/DDkltfWpA64/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kg0U4SITvl0/TyXQex5NPNI/AAAAAAAAF9c/DDkltfWpA64/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Shortly after the eagle sighting, this rainbow appeared in the sky. All of the sudden my radio is going crazy and everyone is asking me if I'm taking pictures with my camera. Now I'm getting mad. This thing was of those that you don't often see. I actually can't recall ever seeing a rainbow this large and so beautiful. Of course if I had the Nikon I would have set up for great shot and had the picture of the year. I had to settle for the Droid X2. It's better than nothing. After such an eventful morning the rain settled in for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFi0CDRQcVQ/TyXQgCcICjI/AAAAAAAAF9k/-Y3HX0AWzAk/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFi0CDRQcVQ/TyXQgCcICjI/AAAAAAAAF9k/-Y3HX0AWzAk/s200/DSC_0146.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Although it rained over a third of an inch on Sunday, we did have a nice stretch of weather on Friday and Saturday. That gave us an opportunity to mow the greens. With the frost delay it wasn't easy, but the golfers were very accommodating, allowing us to mow around them. Earlier in the week we managed to accumulate another inch and a half of rain, so this week we will be busy once again putting the bunkers back into place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e23hf_w3gyY/TyXQdskVnDI/AAAAAAAAF9U/rS6RMeI31wY/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e23hf_w3gyY/TyXQdskVnDI/AAAAAAAAF9U/rS6RMeI31wY/s200/DSC_0143.JPG" width="200" /></a>Speaking of Bunkers, I would like to tip my hat to Jorge. He has been our unofficial "Sand Pro" if you will. He has developed quite a skill pushing the sand back into place with the front blade on the bunker rake. On our older model it requires quite a bit of upper body strength and Jorge makes it look easy. Just recently he went through each bunker and reallocated the sand so it could be distributed more evenly. Since doing that, this last round of washouts was less severe and he was able to complete the front nine on Friday. If the weather cooperates this week I would anticipate them being completed by Tuesday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNcGdOGW3c8/TyXQcY5s6UI/AAAAAAAAF9M/1_Spw56la0k/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNcGdOGW3c8/TyXQcY5s6UI/AAAAAAAAF9M/1_Spw56la0k/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I mentioned last week that I would post a photo of our 11 year old tee mower. Again, Steve has done a great job keeping these in top shape but as they get older our costs seem to increase to keep them running. This year we are looking at quite a few hydraulic hoses to replace on many of our units to avoid any mishaps. Preventative maintenance is the key! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-55185320942102148072012-01-27T08:44:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:44:39.127-08:00Ron Plath, United States Blind Golf AssociationThe guys in the pro shop directed me to this video about Ron Plath. Ron plays at Stone Creek often but he is not your normal golfer; he is legally blind. Ron is an inspiration to many who have loved this game but have lost their vision later in there life, including my father. It's a great story.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NUwE5Cr2aXs" width="560"></iframe>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-84554566028992734902012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T15:44:43.725-08:00Monday, January 23rd, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J973MtuPSl8/TxyVVOIkKOI/AAAAAAAAF4A/_uwZjeSiUiM/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J973MtuPSl8/TxyVVOIkKOI/AAAAAAAAF4A/_uwZjeSiUiM/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The weather makes the headlines once again last week. We started with snow early in the week and finished with a fair amount of rain. We averaged just under an inch of rain a day since the 15th, with our maximum daily rainfall occurring on Thursday with 2.52 inches. <br />
<br />
The Willamette Falls are just about as high as I have seen it. Not quite the level of 1996 but still pretty impressive. If you get a chance be sure to drive down there and get a first hand look. I didn't get any pictures of Beaver Creek but if you like to walk the trail you will be in for a good sight as well.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMNMR1gJ5-I/TxyVPmPr77I/AAAAAAAAF3g/uy_-t9MCJmY/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMNMR1gJ5-I/TxyVPmPr77I/AAAAAAAAF3g/uy_-t9MCJmY/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sixteen green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The golf course received very little damage as far as the flooding is concerned. We saw a number of places where the drain pipes couldn't keep up with the flow so the water backed up on the path and grass. You would think that with over 2.5 inches of rain on Thursday, the tee sheet would have been empty. Not true. These guys along with one other twosome made the full 18 holes. The water here actually backed up from the lake to the right which is normally a dry lake in the summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1jQjGUrG-Y/TxyVRRmpXLI/AAAAAAAAF3o/1--LjQcD6pM/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1jQjGUrG-Y/TxyVRRmpXLI/AAAAAAAAF3o/1--LjQcD6pM/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
With all this lousy weather it is hard to do drainage so it is safe to say that we didn't get any pipe in the ground this week. We will postpone any further drain projects until the conditions become more favorable. We did, however work on the picnic tables and the benches from the golf course. We are sanding and applying a fresh coat of stain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ9XNxUsadQ/Txyczmrvl4I/AAAAAAAAF4I/zUl0rYH2yQY/s1600/2012-01-17_11-05-10_207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ9XNxUsadQ/Txyczmrvl4I/AAAAAAAAF4I/zUl0rYH2yQY/s320/2012-01-17_11-05-10_207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Steve has been going through the tee mowers, replacing bushing and repairing cracked welds. These mowers are still working great but at 11 years old they have neared the end of their normal expected life thus we are having to put a lot of time and money back into them to keep them going. The condition of our equipment at Stone Creek is a testament to the quality work Steve does. He takes a lot of pride in his equipment and not only keeps it running smooth, he keeps it looking great as well. When he finishes up with the tee mowers I'll be sure to share a photo or two.<br />
<br />
Last week Chris spent two days at the Toro Site Pro Training Seminar at Skamania Lodge. This week is the annual crew seminar hosted by the Oregon GCSA. This has always been a favorite event for the guys, a chance to break up the winter season and listen to some great speakers.<br />
<br />
We have our new driving range signs completed and are ready for the new season. We had these 12x12 inch signs made at our local sign shop and we mounted them on the Standard Golf sign posts. I have had a lot of favorable comments on them from fellow superintendents but now the trick will be to educate our golfers. I don't expect this sign to do it all, it is going to take a team effort on everyone's behalf to help the players learn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaL135fIM5M/Txyc9cNqHAI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/J1k4xZbh4fo/s1600/2012-01-16_14-59-48_754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaL135fIM5M/Txyc9cNqHAI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/J1k4xZbh4fo/s400/2012-01-16_14-59-48_754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, I would like to share a letter that Doug received at the pro shop from one of our neighbors. It's not everyday that someone takes the time to let you know when you are doing something right. I would like to also point out the Doug Garfield from the County Parks Department deserves recognition for his part in maintaining the trail. Doug has put a lot of his pride in the trail which shows by the number of walkers we see daily. I can't say it enough, but everyone puts a little of their pride in what they do here and it shows.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To The Crew at the Stone Creek Golf Club,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
walk the golf course almost every day and am very grateful to all of
you working there. I especially appreciative of how fast you took care
of the problems with the walking trail daily and especially this week.
I am, also, sure the golfers appreciate what a great job you do on the
course. It is very gratifying to know how dedicated you are serving the
public, especially during these tough economic times. You deserve to
be commended by us county residents a lot more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt;">Again, thank you very much for your hard work!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-57417999431439988942012-01-20T09:24:00.000-08:002012-01-20T09:24:30.405-08:00Remembering Michael HindahlI found this article in a Turfgrass Management in the Pacific Northwest magazine from the summer of 2005. I often speak of Michael and the influence he had on me while he was with us. On February 28th I will be receiving the GCSAA's Presidents Award for Environmental Stewardship at the Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Michael for his encouragement and for being such an inspiration to my career. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/78761581/Remembering-Michael-Hindahl" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Remembering Michael Hindahl on Scribd">Remembering Michael Hindahl</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.752767527675277" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_66530" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/78761581/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-21zoykxmam3ga8rrgrmu" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-64958919006848821792012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T10:28:09.482-08:00Monday, January 16th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtZeV9dtEQQ/TxMmLUeUSOI/AAAAAAAAFys/S8UkzZdAqhA/s1600/DSC_1055_6_7_fused_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtZeV9dtEQQ/TxMmLUeUSOI/AAAAAAAAFys/S8UkzZdAqhA/s400/DSC_1055_6_7_fused_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The weather tops the news once again this week. It looks like winter finally started to appear across much of the country. I noticed the much of the Midwest has finally hit the single digits. Our weather last week was fantastic but as I write this weeks post it is snowing outside my window. I don't think this snow will be anything like the winter of 2008 but I'm pretty sure the course may be closed for a short period.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BBbCv-b8Y/TxMNsCnMCxI/AAAAAAAAFyc/7-U_kvZx0hw/s1600/Frank+5x5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BBbCv-b8Y/TxMNsCnMCxI/AAAAAAAAFyc/7-U_kvZx0hw/s200/Frank+5x5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Frank DiMarco</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier in the week the weather did cooperate and give us enough sunshine so Frank DiMarco could come out and shoot some photos for Golf Course Management's upcoming story on the Presidents Award. Frank is a great guy and gives me all kinds of tips on my photography. I was able to grab my camera and put Frank on the other end of the lens for a change.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4LyzhR09r8/TwtdrJ_YVUI/AAAAAAAAFpA/lMq3E7Li_d8/s1600/2012-01-09_13-33-56_222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4LyzhR09r8/TwtdrJ_YVUI/AAAAAAAAFpA/lMq3E7Li_d8/s320/2012-01-09_13-33-56_222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Three Fairway Drainage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoZyao5vm7Y/TwzIEAXnFyI/AAAAAAAAFps/Nena3-oei1Y/s1600/2012-01-10_14-25-44_217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoZyao5vm7Y/TwzIEAXnFyI/AAAAAAAAFps/Nena3-oei1Y/s320/2012-01-10_14-25-44_217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Three Completed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our drainage work continued last week. We completed our first project on three in only two days and before I knew it the crew had already started in on the second project on eighteen Wednesday morning. Three was the perfect job with no rocks, it was like cutting through butter but when we got to eighteen the Stone Creek Gods came to light and placed a large boulder right in our path. No rock it to large and the guys put the business to it and carved right through the middle of it in no time at all. (It's a good thing the rocks are comprised of weathered basalt and we can chip right through them). By the end of the week we completed 185 feet of drainage between the two projects.<br />
<br />
I have had some questions regarding our drainage procedures and would like to explain what we have found to work best here at Stone Creek. In my years of drainage experience, I have heard of and seen many different variations of drainage. Some have used 1" to 1 1/2" river rock in trenches with a pipe placed in the bottom of the trench. Some have used a filter fabric, or a sock if you will, over the pipe to supposedly keep from plugging. I prefer not to use the sock and most of my drainage has been with straight slotted ADS pipe or ridged sanitary drain pipe with holes along the bottom third. The back fill material has been pea gravel ranging from 1/4" to 1/2" in diameter.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGTcHVnSTtw/Tw8Q4wx0GJI/AAAAAAAAFqg/WrYYuzhcPjg/s1600/2012-01-12_08-08-49_922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGTcHVnSTtw/Tw8Q4wx0GJI/AAAAAAAAFqg/WrYYuzhcPjg/s320/2012-01-12_08-08-49_922.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Eighteen fairway</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8Xj8pKEF_o/TxMgqNp1zpI/AAAAAAAAFyk/BrYITrlVNpw/s1600/nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8Xj8pKEF_o/TxMgqNp1zpI/AAAAAAAAFyk/BrYITrlVNpw/s200/nursery.jpg" width="200" /></a>I began to hear of straight sand being used as the back fill material and thought we should give it a try. We found that it seemed to have a more positive effect on the drainage, plus it was easier to manage the dry lines in the summer. But like any turf system, we can't place soil base sod on top of the sand so we have started growing our own sand based sod. Using sod grown on the same material as the back fill, insures there will not be any layering which could impede water infiltration. In the beginning we planted our nursery with creeping fescue and ryegrass for stability, but still had to cut it pretty thick to keep it together. Then we discovered the new creeping ryegrass and have found that we can cut the sod much thinner (one inch) and not have to worry about it falling apart.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hts-2Vdtsj0/Tw8WLaXWTHI/AAAAAAAAFq4/3_AB2GH5dJM/s1600/2012-01-12_09-19-12_170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hts-2Vdtsj0/Tw8WLaXWTHI/AAAAAAAAFq4/3_AB2GH5dJM/s320/2012-01-12_09-19-12_170.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Small Detour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Drainage is one of those things where everyone has there own opinion of what works best and my opinion is, "if it works for you, stick with it". I don't claim this will work for everyone in different parts of the country but I do know it is working well here at Stone Creek and we have been doing it for over 5 years now and we haven't had any problems. Not to mention, we have not had to worry about pea gravel getting mixed with our topdressing sand and that's a good thing!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWTqt0rgbhQ/Tw82wMg8A-I/AAAAAAAAFrU/fjj5xsDAWqU/s1600/2012-01-12_11-23-06_910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWTqt0rgbhQ/Tw82wMg8A-I/AAAAAAAAFrU/fjj5xsDAWqU/s320/2012-01-12_11-23-06_910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piping with 4" ADS </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3E4GaBNPeA/Tw868hJHwDI/AAAAAAAAFrw/g28tKSrZhso/s1600/2012-01-12_11-55-56_252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3E4GaBNPeA/Tw868hJHwDI/AAAAAAAAFrw/g28tKSrZhso/s320/2012-01-12_11-55-56_252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back filling with straight sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlR-9reDNG8/Tw9Xm6-QBlI/AAAAAAAAFtI/CJ5fc_6aJYo/s1600/2012-01-12_13-58-18_428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlR-9reDNG8/Tw9Xm6-QBlI/AAAAAAAAFtI/CJ5fc_6aJYo/s320/2012-01-12_13-58-18_428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Finished with fresh sand based nursery grown sod</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-20486021059224185472012-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:04:28.807-08:00Sun SenseThis video came to my attention earlier and after sharing it on Facebook, Pat Jones suggested that I share it on the Blog. As golf industry professionals we spend much of our time outside, and sunscreen is the one thing that is overlooked the most. I have always provided pump bottles of sunscreen in the shop which I often forget to use myself. A few years ago after visiting the sun cancer screening booth at the GIS, the technician told me that I had a suspicious mark on my left hand. I had it looked at by my dermatologist when I got back and sure enough it was a form of skin cancer called squamous cell melanoma. I was very fortunate to catch it early and every since I have been seeing the dermatologist annually.<br />
If you don't think it is ever going to happen to you I dare you to Google "<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=squamous+cell+melanoma+pictures&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=5CL&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=cDQLT8mAJKWuiQK-4bijCQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCIQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=1080" target="_blank">squamous cell melanoma pictures</a>". Actually just click on the link and see for yourself. It's not pretty.<br />
If anything, please watch this video and share it if you feel compelled.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_4jgUcxMezM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-36982603106921944672012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T00:00:01.591-08:00Monday, January 9th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDMSHcoqOL4/TwnjIaRVIJI/AAAAAAAAFog/fz3XJNZfbVI/s1600/14grn+rocks+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDMSHcoqOL4/TwnjIaRVIJI/AAAAAAAAFog/fz3XJNZfbVI/s320/14grn+rocks+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We took a break from drainage and much of last week was spent working on the bunkers repairing the wash-outs that were created by the four plus inches of rain that occurred the last week of December. It was good to finally be able to spend some time on the bunkers, not only repairing them but adding some much needed sand to the bottoms of many. The course continues to play well. Aside from a quick quarter inch of rain we had early one morning, we are still enjoying some great golfing conditions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wednesday was such a nice day, I even got in a rare eighteen holes with the Men's Club. I hadn't played since my memorable round at Pinehurst #2 in November but am glad to say that my driver was in full swing and I actually kept it in the fairway (most of the time). I really need to play more often in the winter, I can appreciate how well this course plays year around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="goog_1839504273"></span><span id="goog_1839504274"></span><span id="goog_725704573"></span><span id="goog_725704574"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALDZ1T6kPj4/Twnj3b0dlKI/AAAAAAAAFoo/Qs3T9Kj-gF8/s1600/half+and+half+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALDZ1T6kPj4/Twnj3b0dlKI/AAAAAAAAFoo/Qs3T9Kj-gF8/s200/half+and+half+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw9qIicMvqE/TwnduEGoKwI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/pVCMgZN2D5U/s1600/Mossy+Rock+1-6-12+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw9qIicMvqE/TwnduEGoKwI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/pVCMgZN2D5U/s320/Mossy+Rock+1-6-12+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a>As I drive around the course I try to look at it with many perspectives in mind. When I have my camera I tend to see things differently and am able to capture some of the views that we may not pay attention to when we are playing. Last week I noticed the big rock on eleven. We have all seen it, it is usually our aiming point off the tee box, but this time I noticed the growth on it. The rock was left there from construction simply due to the fact that it was much to large to deal with and it was mostly out of play. Over the last 12 years the rock has grown some mosses and lichens which really stand out this time of year. In addition to the rock on eleven, Above, I also included a picture of the rock pile near the fourteenth tee within this post. The rocks have finally begun to take on a mossy character which is much nicer than the plain fresh-out-of-the-ground look. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If the current weather pattern holds true, it is looking like we are in for another stretch of dry weather. The seven day outlook looks like a lot of sunshine with the morning lows in the 30's and the daily highs in the upper 40's. Unfortunately this means a good chance of frost. As a reminder, if you are playing in the morning it is a good idea to call in first even if you don't have frost at your house. It is common to have frost at Stone Creek and have none at all three miles down the road in Oregon City.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We will be beginning the drainage project on the third fairway this week so there may be a temporary on that hole from time to time. We will keep it open as much as we can but don't anticipate this project taking long at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F34A4JZdQkQ/TwnonHXqprI/AAAAAAAAFow/yCOkAl_bWRA/s1600/WEBL_Male_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F34A4JZdQkQ/TwnonHXqprI/AAAAAAAAFow/yCOkAl_bWRA/s1600/WEBL_Male_S.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, as I was playing on Wednesday I saw a small flock of <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_bluebird/id/ac" target="_blank">Western Bluebirds</a>! As many of you know, I used to work at The Oregon Golf Club as Russell Vandehey's assistant and while I was there the bluebirds became a permanent resident there. To this day Russ continues document multiple <a href="http://ogcsa.org/Pages/environmental/success-stories/success-ogc.html" target="_blank">successful nesting pairs</a> and we have yet to have one pair here at Stone Creek. Even though we are only five miles as the bird fly's from The Oregon Golf Club and we have placed 24 bird boxes throughout the property, it must just be a matter of time. I have threatened to kidnap one of his pairs but since this sighting I am hopeful that this is the year. Here is a photo of the Western Bluebird, so if you happen to notice one, please let me know when and where so we can track their status. If you click on the link above it will take you to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology which will give you a complete description including the sound of their chirp. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-21703491022233857642012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:00:00.549-08:00Monday, January 2nd, 1012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeMkoN_FxH8/TvtnJWs1i8I/AAAAAAAAFfU/LZcZ4X2l5sk/s1600/Weather+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeMkoN_FxH8/TvtnJWs1i8I/AAAAAAAAFfU/LZcZ4X2l5sk/s320/Weather+map.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year to everyone! I certainly hope everyone survived the Holiday season. Let's just get on to June... Quickly.<br />
<br />
So much for smashing the all time driest December record. We pretty much wrapped up the entire months rainfall in just one week. We had a total of 4.3 inches this month with 4 inches coming from Christmas on. I would still take it this way than any other. At least we didn't string it out over 30 days and were able to enjoy some bonus rounds of golf. At the time of writing this post I am forecasting 410 rounds more than our budget for the month! I took this snippet of the radar on Wednesday and thought how stereotypical this must look. Most of the entire country with the exception of the NW is enjoying dry weather. This depicts living in the NW at its best. It may be wet now, but we sure have great summers. That's just my opinion and am sticking with it for now. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96B5ZCSSFn8/TvtqZ9jFbpI/AAAAAAAAFfg/pY56j6w-WRg/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96B5ZCSSFn8/TvtqZ9jFbpI/AAAAAAAAFfg/pY56j6w-WRg/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As predicted, we wrapped up the drain line on eleven on Tuesday. We are all very pleased in how it turned out. I took this photo in the middle of the heavy rain on Wednesday which gives you an idea how the rain sheets off the grass. This demonstrates the benefit of having a properly graded golf course. The quicker we can get it off the surface the firmer we can keep the grass on top.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wbhAIn7aBc/TvtqkaofQ6I/AAAAAAAAFfs/AzPir_Yho2A/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wbhAIn7aBc/TvtqkaofQ6I/AAAAAAAAFfs/AzPir_Yho2A/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we are prepare for our next drain project on three, the heavy rain it gave us a good opportunity to line out where we want to place our trench and catch basins. We like to strategically place the drain grates in areas that will intercept the most amount of surface water and get it off the surface. The red flags show the location of the drain pipe and the white flags will be the location of the surface drains. We'll start this project first thing this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a budding amateur photographer I like to try new things with my camera. The Nikon D90 has the ability to bracket photos which means it will shoot three consecutive photographs but will automatically adjust the exposure for each shot. Usually one under exposed, one over exposed and one in the middle, depending on how you set it up. With special software you then combine the three shots to get a single photograph. This is called HDR, high definition resolution. John Kaminski, a turf professor from Penn State University has become very proficient at this and has posted some remarkable shots on his photo blog at <a href="http://johnkaminski.me/blog/">http://johnkaminski.me/blog/</a>. Please take a look, its worth your time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnh2ArMZd94/TvtuQHLV0gI/AAAAAAAAFf4/vuO1-WM_mIM/s1600/tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnh2ArMZd94/TvtuQHLV0gI/AAAAAAAAFf4/vuO1-WM_mIM/s400/tonemapped.jpg" width="400" /></a>I downloaded a trial of Photomatrix at home and gave it a try. This was the sunrise last weekend. I processed one in black and white and one in color. I think they are both pretty unique images.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rsf3EzYYPNQ/Tv83l9S6MqI/AAAAAAAAFh4/aTZwPReGuhM/s1600/DSC_0974_5_6_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rsf3EzYYPNQ/Tv83l9S6MqI/AAAAAAAAFh4/aTZwPReGuhM/s400/DSC_0974_5_6_tonemapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSwVMkSfD0/TwCtsYXqM-I/AAAAAAAAFio/ZOFdcPZHZ_s/s1600/Summer+Sunrise_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSwVMkSfD0/TwCtsYXqM-I/AAAAAAAAFio/ZOFdcPZHZ_s/s400/Summer+Sunrise_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-63366826519073584392011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-25T00:00:00.592-08:00Monday, December 26th, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylLGPCPRs3g/TvZ0kVZBL6I/AAAAAAAAFdI/K2CmrCraGwU/s1600/Great+Egret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylLGPCPRs3g/TvZ0kVZBL6I/AAAAAAAAFdI/K2CmrCraGwU/s320/Great+Egret.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
Yes, It is another Monday morning post. It just happens to be the day after Christmas. Please don't think I sat down and wrote this on Christmas Day. I <u>do</u> plan ahead and write these things in advance. I like to start my posts out with nice pictures and I would like to lead once again with the Great Egret. I have discovered the trick to getting close and was able to get a nice shot of it. I was listening to a story on NPR this week about the Christmas bird count, and how people are finding unusual species for the time of year. I don't know if this is unusual but I have never seen it around here. I sure hope it sticks around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca5kjbWf5aQ/TvZ3cAXf8XI/AAAAAAAAFdU/21lb0g-ytRw/s1600/DSC_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vj06hn4RGUo/TvZ3d2fwMsI/AAAAAAAAFdc/G8nvXQQsyr8/s1600/DSC_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vj06hn4RGUo/TvZ3d2fwMsI/AAAAAAAAFdc/G8nvXQQsyr8/s1600/DSC_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vj06hn4RGUo/TvZ3d2fwMsI/AAAAAAAAFdc/G8nvXQQsyr8/s320/DSC_0951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca5kjbWf5aQ/TvZ3cAXf8XI/AAAAAAAAFdU/21lb0g-ytRw/s1600/DSC_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca5kjbWf5aQ/TvZ3cAXf8XI/AAAAAAAAFdU/21lb0g-ytRw/s320/DSC_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a>We are heading for the driest December on record. After next week I will tally the numbers and see where we came out. One thing that is nice, is the rate in which we can get our drainage projects completed. It always seems like these projects can linger on when it rains just for the shear fact that shoveling mud is much slower than dry soil. Last week we could have easily finished the drain line on eleven in three days if the sod on the nursery wasn't frozen. We should have this one wrapped up by Tuesday Even with all the rocks that we had anticipated, all 180 feet of this one went off without a hitch.<br />
<br />
The weather is looking like we may be in for a turn next week but we have our eye on a few more places. After the new year we will head over to the third fairway and drain the soft spot just past the fir on the left, nearer the green. Our unofficial count on total feet of drain pipe installed this year is 500 feet. It sure feels great to be able to get this kind of work done in December. I can't think of a better way to finish up the year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPABtf3hk4/TvZ8f017eXI/AAAAAAAAFdo/W1Pb__-AlC4/s1600/DSC_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPABtf3hk4/TvZ8f017eXI/AAAAAAAAFdo/W1Pb__-AlC4/s320/DSC_0949.JPG" width="320" /></a>To finish this post and keeping it short, just a quick reminder why we keep the carts off the grass when there is frost. We're not sure who is responsible, it could have even happened in the evening when the late golfers were coming in. These tracks aren't permanent but they sure look bad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-14920691144079644752011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T00:00:00.175-08:00Dirty Divots!Last summer I ran into Jim Achenbach and Billy Crenshaw on the patio just after they had completed their round at Stone Creek. The subject of the driving range tee box came up and I mentioned to Jim what we were trying to do as far as educating the golfer on how to use the grass as efficiently as possible. I told Jim that I had seen a video on You Tube uploaded by Dan Meersman of the Philadelphia Cricket Club and immediately he felt it was worth a story. Last year just from posting the video, I started seeing the new divot patterns developing. Hopefully this will encourage more golfers to do the same.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank Jim for taking the time to write this article and feeling it is important enough to share with the greater golfing world.<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/76064888/Dirty-Divots-Golfweek" style="display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Dirty Divots Golfweek on Scribd"> </a><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/76064888/Dirty-Divots-Golfweek" style="display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Dirty Divots Golfweek on Scribd">Dirty Divots Golfweek</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.761194029850746" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_96965" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/76064888/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-636cj8fhjgw7t8wyx83" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-6539884730881987782011-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-19T00:00:03.499-08:00Monday, December 19th, 2011<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aMYzhO985c/Tu6AMYajFtI/AAAAAAAAFb0/5EAzuWzGfZg/s1600/DSC_07865x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aMYzhO985c/Tu6AMYajFtI/AAAAAAAAFb0/5EAzuWzGfZg/s320/DSC_07865x7.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last week we added a new bird to our bird list. We had started seeing it a few weeks ago but I didn't want to say anything until I could catch it with my camera. The Great Blue Heron is a common sight at the course, often seen in the native grass areas looking for mice or along the edge of the ponds feeding on small fish. Very similar to the Great Blue Heron is the Great Egret. <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/lifehistory" target="_blank"><i>A large white heron, the Great Egret is found across much of the world, from southern Canada southward to Argentina, and in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It's the largest egret in the Old World, and thus has garnered the name Great White Egret. In the New World, however, the white form of the Great Blue Heron is larger. In the United States, the Great Egret used to be called the American Egret but that was hardly appropriate, since its range extends beyond the Americas and indeed farther than other herons.</i></a><i> </i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVlJkufoYlQ/Tu6CC1JhtxI/AAAAAAAAFb8/vnL3kiNKLJE/s1600/DSC_0807croped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVlJkufoYlQ/Tu6CC1JhtxI/AAAAAAAAFb8/vnL3kiNKLJE/s200/DSC_0807croped.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i>I tried to get a better photograph of it but as soon as I stepped out of the cart it took off. I'm lucky I had the camera ready for just that moment. I'm sure I will have better opportunities in the future to get more shots. The Great Blue is not as shy and is allowing me to get pretty close. I took this shot just after the Great Egret took off.<br />
<br />
While I'm on the subject of herons, Jerry Hines took this video of the Great Blue Heron catching mice in the field between the third and fourth holes. Jerry was very excited to catch it with his Droid and I'm happy to share it with everyone as well. Thanks Jerry!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLtx0t64foQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCpEBGD7qk/Tu6KMVTDnYI/AAAAAAAAFcE/Mti-z1BTEE0/s1600/DSC_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCpEBGD7qk/Tu6KMVTDnYI/AAAAAAAAFcE/Mti-z1BTEE0/s320/DSC_0726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Once again, last week was very productive. Treecology came out and cleaned up a few trees which left quite a mess behind. Our goal was to remove dead wood from a few select firs around the thirteenth green including the complete removal of the large dead tree just north of the green. We also thinned the grove of trees between the fifteenth and the sixteenth greens. <u>All</u> of the logs will be cut up and taken to the Senior Center at North Clackamas Park where it will be split and used to provide heat for the elderly citizens of Clackamas County. So please, no further requests for firewood. The remaining limbs have been chipped and added to our chip pile, which will then be spread beneath the firs groves around the course.<br />
<br />
The weather cooperated, allowing us to mow and fertilize the greens on Thursday. It was nice to be able to clean them up and get a nice fresh clip on them. The weather continued to cooperate on Friday, giving us an opportunity to apply a treatment for microdochium patch. We are still seeing some signs but they have slowed drastically with the frosty mornings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3jwh8_--0U/Tu6ROU2pQXI/AAAAAAAAFcM/t3W4RaGkmc0/s1600/DSC_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3jwh8_--0U/Tu6ROU2pQXI/AAAAAAAAFcM/t3W4RaGkmc0/s320/DSC_0755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We managed to cut some sod last week, enough to finish off the small drainage project on the eleventh fairway. We also cut the sod over where we will be beginning our new project closer to the green. The ground had been so frozen it had prevented us from continuing the work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHhXakWnzu0/Tu6YJwQ6ZhI/AAAAAAAAFcs/e8dcZdV091w/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHhXakWnzu0/Tu6YJwQ6ZhI/AAAAAAAAFcs/e8dcZdV091w/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlWWo_jF_Cs/Tu6U5ov8rgI/AAAAAAAAFcU/FfO4QiJ_gu0/s1600/DSC_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlWWo_jF_Cs/Tu6U5ov8rgI/AAAAAAAAFcU/FfO4QiJ_gu0/s320/DSC_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNOJhAU9gKE/Tu6V7o5MGzI/AAAAAAAAFck/1Rb51W-UD7Q/s1600/DSC_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNOJhAU9gKE/Tu6V7o5MGzI/AAAAAAAAFck/1Rb51W-UD7Q/s320/DSC_0784.JPG" width="209" /></a>Finally, Friday was our annual crew breakfast at McCrea's. As usual we all over ate but enjoyed coming in to work an hour late! When the guys returned to the shop they found that Santa had been busy and left them all Christmas gifts. I can never say enough about all of these guys. I am so grateful for everything this crew does. As I told them Friday, I have received a fair amount of recognition for the environmental work that is done at Stone Creek, but none of it would be possible without their hard work and professionalism. They, as I do, take a lot of pride in their work and it shows every day. The breakfast and gifts are just a small token of Stone Creek's appreciation for the great work they do!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7eDQaHvwiM/Tu6V6KmWR5I/AAAAAAAAFcc/54ujyYiujWM/s1600/DSC_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7eDQaHvwiM/Tu6V6KmWR5I/AAAAAAAAFcc/54ujyYiujWM/s320/DSC_0781.JPG" width="209" /></a><i> </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-47553361919013030152011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:15:37.254-08:00Monday, December 12th, 2011<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXYhltvkVM/TuV7xL8fhrI/AAAAAAAAFa4/TPf_9TMEkkc/s1600/DSC_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXYhltvkVM/TuV7xL8fhrI/AAAAAAAAFa4/TPf_9TMEkkc/s320/DSC_0718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Frosty mornings seem to be the norm as of lately. Unfortunately, last Tuesday we were unable to open the course until after noon. Saturday was a similar situation. I sent the weekend crew home and came out later and determined we could start play at 11:40. If you were out on Saturday, you may have wondered why we started with ice still on the trees and the turf. The greens were frozen underneath but the crown and the leaf tissue was moist after wiping with my hand. The air temperature was hanging around right at 33 to 34 degrees which made the thaw take a long time. It seems like every frost is different. I am just grateful that we were able to get the golfers off and not miss out on our Saturday revenue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keluJQWL6NM/TuWCDBZsPqI/AAAAAAAAFbI/ozWx7ZuWPmE/s1600/DSC_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keluJQWL6NM/TuWCDBZsPqI/AAAAAAAAFbI/ozWx7ZuWPmE/s320/DSC_0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week we were a bit short handed with Chris, Steve Pearce and myself
out attending the OGCSA Pesticide Applicators Meeting. As usual the
meeting was well attended by golf maintenance, parks, landscape, and
municipal employees from across the state. Some of the key speakers were
Joe Vargas, Michigan State University, Frank Wong, Bayer Environmental
Science, and Rob Golembieski from Oregon State. We learned much
about the latest in pest control but we certainly missed out on some dry working days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qaH4Qk6xvgA/TuWBzORg2uI/AAAAAAAAFbA/yI-ND0iRuMM/s1600/DSC_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qaH4Qk6xvgA/TuWBzORg2uI/AAAAAAAAFbA/yI-ND0iRuMM/s320/DSC_0693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The frosty mornings have allowed us to get caught up on the small details. Monday, Bob retrieved all of the trash cans and hot water pressure washed them. From the looks of it, it appears Bob was responsible for the heavy fog that lingered on most of the day.<br />
<br />
Steve Pearce has continued to work on the birch trees in the buffers. I'll have some pictures next week to show how different it looks. He has done a great job.<br />
<br />
Weather permitting, we will be fertilizing the greens and applying a fungicide to control mirodochium patch. Last week we managed to topdress the greens with a little sand which will help smooth them out. Mowing will continue as needed. <br />
<br />
Drainage continues to be our priority this week. We are currently working on the 11th fairway. First we will wrap up the small low near the 160 yard mark then will move forward, up near the approach. Thank you again for your patience in using the temporary green. We should be off the fairway by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
The course is playing great. If you can stand the cooler temperatures now is a great time to play. I can't remember the fairways playing so well for the middle of the winter. Keep a close eye on the weather and remember to call the pro shop first thing to see if there will be any delays.David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-7087755981666809882011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T00:00:00.513-08:00Monday, December 5th, 2011<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I apologize his weeks post is a bit lengthier than most. We have a lot going on and I want to get through as much as I can.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igeYU_xEXXg/TtpP-Yl6C9I/AAAAAAAAFaA/-6BBoL5gDDc/s1600/DSC_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igeYU_xEXXg/TtpP-Yl6C9I/AAAAAAAAFaA/-6BBoL5gDDc/s320/DSC_0664.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">All week my trusty weather man, <a href="http://rodhillforecast.com/weather/portland-salem-weather.html" target="_blank">Rod Hill</a>, has been showing low temperatures indicative of frost delays, we managed to escape delays all week until Saturday morning. The reason why is we have been in an inversion. The lower temperatures and the frost seemed to occur at the lower elevations but as you rose to Stone Creek Golf Club, which is at 500 feet, the temperature was a bit warmer. With a light breeze mixing the air, we were able to get by the frost without a delay. Saturday was a different story. Our low temperature was in the 20's and there was now wind what so ever. On top of that a low blanket of clouds formed around 8:00 which seemed to hold the temperatures in check. </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Stone Creek Buffers</span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTddN-Py23A/TtpTGZeF3GI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/HVPwudxknlw/s1600/DSC_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTddN-Py23A/TtpTGZeF3GI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/HVPwudxknlw/s1600/DSC_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTddN-Py23A/TtpTGZeF3GI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/HVPwudxknlw/s200/DSC_0678.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbzNMGPJ7sk/TtpTEDvUj2I/AAAAAAAAFaI/NAU7_SfV54Y/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbzNMGPJ7sk/TtpTEDvUj2I/AAAAAAAAFaI/NAU7_SfV54Y/s320/DSC_0492.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The delay gave Steve Pearce a chance to catch up on the chipping pile. Steve has been busy all week selecting out the invasive birch trees from the buffers. If the birches are left unchecked they can crowd out the preferred vegetation. Red alder, Oregon ash, Pacific willow, Douglas hawthorn and western red cedar are our preferred trees along the buffers with an understory of shrubbery, including nootka rose, Douglas spirea, Pacific ninebark and red-osier dogwood.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">Crane Fly Damage</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWKN8Uk4qzI/TtlEs3mtxCI/AAAAAAAAFZA/eGcYJhK15NE/s1600/2011-11-29_10-21-08_231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWKN8Uk4qzI/TtlEs3mtxCI/AAAAAAAAFZA/eGcYJhK15NE/s320/2011-11-29_10-21-08_231.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crane fly damage around aerification holes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In last weeks post I mentioned that we may have cutworms working on the 11th green. Brian McDonald from Oregon State read my post and sent me a note saying that it may actually be crane fly. I was almost sure that it was cut worm from the damage that I was seeing so I took my soil probe and went looking. Sure enough, I found crane fly everywhere. I have always applied insecticides as a last resort but the damage had exceeded our threshold so we had to pull the trigger. We only treated the 11th and the 3rd green and by morning they were popping out of the ground. We have never had an issue on the greens before and figure it may have been the timing of our aerification coinciding when they were laying eggs. With fresh holes in the ground in October it may have been the perfect place to drop their eggs. We figured the larvae were about in their third instar which would be about right.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeMf0NwmxTE/TtlExXss0MI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/g17X2woh0v4/s1600/2011-11-30_07-46-39_658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeMf0NwmxTE/TtlExXss0MI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/g17X2woh0v4/s200/2011-11-30_07-46-39_658.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Emerging from hole following treatment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpxtoVb3Yo0/TtlEvPMXbPI/AAAAAAAAFZI/f4xizUiENIY/s1600/2011-11-30_07-37-32_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpxtoVb3Yo0/TtlEvPMXbPI/AAAAAAAAFZI/f4xizUiENIY/s200/2011-11-30_07-37-32_37.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Large cutworm next to two crane fly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As far as the cutworms go I wasn't all that wrong. I did manage to find a couple the next day so I wasn't all that off base.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Contributing to Research</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We are still seeing some fusarium patch persisting on a few greens. Mainly on the large putting green and on the ninth green. We made a treatment on Monday and so far haven't seen anything new pop up. If you have been practicing around the chipping green you may have noticed the fusarium on the chipping fairway. We don't normally treat fairways which made for a perfect place for Dr. Jim Frelich to apply some fungicide trials. Jim works for the Scotts Company and is often asked by leading manufactures to apply trials of certain products, some not even on the market, to evaluate their effectiveness. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hobGbNXW93M/TtlKXxLsJHI/AAAAAAAAFZY/RpocVrUjqGU/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hobGbNXW93M/TtlKXxLsJHI/AAAAAAAAFZY/RpocVrUjqGU/s320/DSC_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am not sure if I am at liberty to disclose who Jim is doing the trials for so I will keep it fairly generic. Here he is applying the product to the plots in three replications. He will be evaluating a new product that has not been introduced to the market against products that are already being used.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This is very common across the county. Golf courses offer real life conditions and make for a great laboratory. I am excited to have the opportunity to provide a test site for Jim's research. The outcome will benefit many down the road.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Water Quality Testing</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKyZgArYlyw/TtlP2kw4bpI/AAAAAAAAFZo/xyHiaj3-yKI/s1600/DSC_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKyZgArYlyw/TtlP2kw4bpI/AAAAAAAAFZo/xyHiaj3-yKI/s320/DSC_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As an ongoing part of Stone Creek's Environmental Stewardship Program we test the water at the golf course on an annual basis. We began testing in 2001 on a twice a year basis. After 7 years we had established a strong baseline and now test only once a year, alternating spring and fall. This year the test fell in the fall so we just completed it last week.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgwxPBpLhWU/TtlP5PrYXTI/AAAAAAAAFZw/h6Lqky89_kM/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgwxPBpLhWU/TtlP5PrYXTI/AAAAAAAAFZw/h6Lqky89_kM/s320/DSC_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We utilize <a href="http://www.h2ogeo.com/" target="_blank">Envirologic Resources, Inc.</a> to collect samples from points where surface water enters and exits the property as well as locations where management practices may affect the water body. This includes Beaver Creek, where it enters the property at Hwy 213 and where it exits the property below the 11th green. We also check the lake on number 6 as well as "Stone Creek" which flows under the bridge on the twelfth hole. The water collected at the entry of Beaver Creek serves to establish a baseline to determine the influence of golf management practice on water quality. It also allows us to determine if there are any influences from upstream.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The samples actually go through a battery of tests. As we dip the sample we first measure the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and make a visual determination of clarity. Next we collect four bottles, two small plastic and two large brown glass bottles. The small plastic bottles are sent to a lab to be tested for orthophosphates and nitrates and the large brown bottles are sent to a different lab and are tested for all chemicals that have been applied to the golf course in the previous six months. The testing is not cheap but as part of our <i>Stewardship Program</i>, we feel that it is an integral part of how we operate here at Stone Creek.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypKmdFUQt2s/TtlXyLqFqII/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ee0amExob6c/s1600/Oregon+Stewardship+Guidelines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypKmdFUQt2s/TtlXyLqFqII/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ee0amExob6c/s200/Oregon+Stewardship+Guidelines.JPG" width="153" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For a more complete description of our Environmental Stewardship Program please refer to the Oregon Golf Course Superintendent's Environmental Stewardship Guidelines by clicking <a href="http://ogcsa.org/Pages/guidelines-download.html">HERE</a>. You will find a complete description of the water quality monitoring program that Stone Creek is modeled after.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This week Chris, Steve Pearce and I will be attending the OGCSA Pest Management Seminar downtown at the Convention Center. We will be away Tuesday and Wednesday. Zeferino and Steve Mathre will be here to take care of business. I will be checking in daily.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On Monday, Pacific Sports Turf is going to come out and use their Soil Reliever on our eleventh fairway around the 100 yard area. This area is relatively flat and is known to stay wetter than most areas. I am hoping that by fracturing the soil beneath we will be able to percolate the water much faster through the profile. It will all depend on the amount of rocks that we encounter. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we can avoid any problems.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We will also begin a new drainage project near the approach of the eleventh green. We will be using a temporary green while the work is going on for the safety of the crew. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-82035033108172612472011-12-04T09:01:00.001-08:002011-12-04T09:25:59.470-08:00Peter Jacobsen Receives the Old Tommy Morris Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-t-AKeBXEY/TtunaeGM-UI/AAAAAAAAFaY/Vgmb32F3MA8/s1600/Decembergcm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-t-AKeBXEY/TtunaeGM-UI/AAAAAAAAFaY/Vgmb32F3MA8/s200/Decembergcm.JPG" width="152" /></a></div>
As many of you already know, Peter Jacobsen is the architect at Stone Creek Golf Club and is also a native Oregonian. Since Peter only lived a few miles for Stone Creek during the construction, we were able to spend quite a bit of time together as the course was built. This would not be standard procedure for a typical construction in that a high profile architect would charge thousands for additional visits to a course. Peter put a lot of time and effort into this project and it is apparent by the success this golf course has enjoyed.<br />
<br />
I know first hand how great of a person Peter is, and it gives me great satisfaction to see that Peter will be the recipient of the 2012 Old Tommy Morris Award, presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Golf Course Management magazine has done a wonderful piece on Peter and is worth the time to read. Peter will receive the award at the Golf Industry Show this February in Las Vegas and what makes it all the more special is I will be receiving GCSAA's Presidents Award at the same ceremony. I will be looking forward to seeing him again. Congratulations Peter!<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://digitalgcm.gcsaa.org/default.aspx?bhcp=1" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a link to the story in Decembers issue.<br />
<br />
<br />David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505896438165425646.post-27794390960395213572011-11-28T11:27:00.001-08:002011-11-28T19:19:02.199-08:00Frost Delays<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">This post is reprinted with permission from Golfdom and Puttin' Down Roots".</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Frost Delays</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frost is a common reason for morning tee time delay. The reason for the delays is the damage that can occur from foot or equipment traffic to the turf when frost is present. Generally speaking, nice fall golfing days and frost go hand-in-hand. With more frost days expected, this is a good time to look at the conditions favorable for frost. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.golfdom.com/files/golfdom/file-manager/85/turf_frost_11282011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.golfdom.com/files/golfdom/file-manager/85/turf_frost_11282011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Frost occurs on clear cold nights when turfgrass plants re-radiate heat (exothermic reaction). As the plant loses heat to the atmosphere the plant leaf cools. If the plant temperature is cooler than the air temperature then moisture from the atmosphere will condense on the leaf. If the leaf temperature drops below freezing then the water freezes and frost forms. This will occur even if the air temperatures are slightly above freezing. At this time of the year it is not uncommon to have frost form even if the air temperature is in the mid to high 30s. <br />
<br />
Frost itself does not cause damage, but injury does occur with traffic on frosted areas. Turf damage is generally superficial. This is not to say that traffic should be allowed on frosted turf. If traffic occurs, whether it is foot or mechanical, damage caused by crushing the leaf blade will occur. Initially the symptoms will appear purplish to black in color (almost like an excessive Iron application). The damaged turf will then progress to a straw color. If no damage occurs to the crown, recovery will occur from the generation of new leaves. <br />
<br />
Editor's note: "Puttin' Down Roots," an e-newsletter from Golfdom and sponsored by BASF, focuses on plant health. Each month, Golfdom provides readers with a useful plant health tip so they can do their jobs easier.<br />
<br />
Karl Danneberger, Ph.D., Golfdom's science editor and a turfgrass professor from The Ohio State University, can be reached at <a href="mailto:danneberger.1@osu.edu">danneberger.1@osu.edu</a>David Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11942849301098585637noreply@blogger.com0