#5 Bunker Liner Project

The renovation to this bunker was relatively easy except for one issue. There were two gaping ground squirrel tunnels placed directly in the center wall of the bunker face. This was very difficult to fix because the slope was at a 90 degree angle. The only way I could pack the dirt to stay in the tunnel was to create a concrete mud texture. This was not easy because the soil that I found outside of the golf course had very little clay content. Finally I concluded that I would first pack the tunnel with DG, and add the mud texture afterward. This was the only feasible method and I am hoping that a ground squirrel does not break down my barrier.

#18 Bridge Handrail Renovation

This bridge is by far the largest and longest bridge on the property. It connects hole #18 teebox to the fairway. I did not take part in building this bridge, with the exception of one day. The reason I could not participate in the renovation in this bridge is because of its height. It was too dangerous to renovate and I did not have a safety harness. The highest point in the bridge is about four stories tall. Most of the work on this structure is completed by wearing a safety harness and hanging freely over the edge. The all-thread and lag bolts were fastened into the side of the bridge, limiting the ability to work from the bridges' surface. The ranch club operation employees have the equipment to work on trees and elevated objects, so they were hired to renovate this bridge. These photos were captured midway through the renovation. I worked with them on the first day to help them understand the way the other bridges on the golf course were built. The first half is turning out to look very good.

#7 Washout & Drainage Project

One area on the golf course that is classic for washing out and creating unusual mounds is located on hole #7. If you look at the first picture you will see a bare soil area where the sod has been removed. This area was previously a 2' elevated mound with sod intact. It looked similar to a water bubble. The cause for the elevation in the turf is caused primarily from ground squirrels and poor drainage. Initially the ground squirrel would dig its tunnels throughout the native areas and into the golf course rough. These tunnels would end at the rough/fairway line. This is because the fairways are sand capped and the rough is soil based. The ground squirrels cannot dig in the sand because the tunnel immediately collapses. The inability to dig in the sand causes them to turn around in their existing tunnel and begin with a new route. All of their digging creates very hollow and bumpy rough perimeters. Looking at a few of these photos you can tell that the slope on hole #7 declines severely from left to right. With the rain that occurred previous to this project, the water would heavily build and run throughout the ground squirrel tunnels, depositing large amounts of sediment down the declining slope. This event would create the 2' mounds that are present on the left side of #7. The problem was then fixed by simply removing and regrading the large mound with the addition of a long drain line running diagonally across the slope and into the nearest catch basin. This problem has been seen on a few areas on the golf course and the same methods are used to fix the issue.