Bunkers..

Currently, we have begun working on the bunkers.  We have 65 bunkers on the course and this project will keep us busy for the next few weeks.  First, we are cutting a new edge on all of the bunkers.  As illustrated in the photos below, the edges become ragged over time.  Cutting a new edge provides a much cleaner appearance and allows us a defined edge to trim and maintain.  Next, we will begin checking sand depths and moving sand around the bunker to provide a consistent depth. New sand will be added to the bunkers where needed as well.  This will help improve playability and consistency.  However, many of the bunkers drain very poorly, leading to continuous wet sand that is very firm. To alleviate these conditions the bunkers at some point will need new drainage and sand.

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

For those of you who aren’t aware, Shadow Hills Country Club is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf course.   At the time our facility was awarded this achievement in May of 2016, there were only 19 golf courses in the state of Oregon to hold this designation.  To become certified with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), one must demonstrate and document efforts in the following categories:

1.) Wildlife and habitat management.

2.) Chemical use reduction and safety.

3.) Water conservation.

4.) Water quality management.

5.) Environmental Planning.

6.) Outreach and education.

Our goal in achieving certification with the ACSP was to improve our management of the property in an environmentally friendly manner.  This effort was led by Assistant Superintendent, Jake Witherspoon.

 

#2 Tee

The construction of #2 tee has been completed.  The seed is starting to germinate and it's looking good.  In addition to new irrigation for the tee complex, we installed four sprinklers down the right side of the first half of the fairway.  These sprinklers will water the rough in this area that was previously unirrigated. 

      

Cart Paths

We are in the process of replacing the cart path yardage markers on the new paths.  Rather than using the old plastic, colored markers, we have replaced them with a much nicer looking marker.
Below is a before and after of the paths, demonstrating the much improved path and yardage markers.





           

Wildflower update

Hopefully you have noticed the wildflower areas we incorporated this Spring on holes #4, #9 and #12.  They are beginning to bloom quite nicely and add a little color to the landscape of the golf course.  Here are a couple of recent photos.

            

Bunker Sand

This week we are beginning to check sand depth in the bunkers throughout the course, adding sand where necessary.  Our goal is to have 3-4" of sand on the bunker floor and 2" on the bunker faces.  We are also sifting rocks out of the existing sand, that have surfaced from the bunker floor.  The photos of #3 fairway bunkers below, illustrate the before and after conditions of this process.

 

New Cart Paths!

The cart path project will begin on Monday, May 22nd.  The project will include one, 8 1/2 foot wide path, all the way around the course.  We will begin work on the front 9 holes the first week and then move to the back 9. The entire path will be completed in 2-3 weeks if the weather continues to cooperate.  This week we have been prepping areas with rock for paving and have created some new path areas as well.  Resurfacing of the cart paths will be a great improvement for the course!