Mother Nature Is Not Cooperating

As we are wrapping up some final equipment details, Mother Nature apparently has different ideas about getting the golf season started.

Winter Update

     The reel grinding has finally been completed, and the machines are almost all put back together.  Our mechanic Mel is very happy with the job Mike has done grinding all the reels.  We are continuing repairs and maintenance to the equipment fleet (brakes, batteries, hydraulic leaks, oil leaks, engine repairs/replacements, and anything else that needs attention) in order to give ourselves a smooth start to the season.
     We have also been able to take down 11 trees that were approved for removal.  There is still some debris to be picked up from the tree removal that will be taken care of once the ground freezes back up.  If the forecast holds up, we should be able to be out next week picking up the logs and branches still remaining.
     We have also set up a Twitter account for the grounds department this year.  We will be sending out tweets informing those following us of what's happening on the course in real time.  whether it is course conditions, or witnessing a member hit a hole in one, I think this will be a fun way to keep all of you informed of the little things happening at the club.  Just go to twitter.com and sign up.  Once you're signed up just search for LakewoodCC Greens@LCC_Supt and choose to follow us.  Download the Twitter App on your smart phone, and you will have constant access to our twitter feeds.  If you have any questions about this, please feel free to send me an email (dan@lakewoodcountryclub.com) or just stop me and ask.

Winter Reel Grinding Extravaganza

The question I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, "What do you do during the winter".  Without question, the most time consuming project is reel grinding.  There is a total of 71 reels in our shop, and 58 of the 71 need to be ground this winter.  The grinding process begins with the mower being broken down into three pieces; engine, reel assembly, and the handle bar assembly.  If it's a reel off a riding mower, the reel assembly is simply removed from the mower and taken to the breakdown station.  Next the reel assembly is completely broken down.  All the bearings are replaced, and packed with fresh grease, and the unit is reassembled.  The reel is then ground so all blades are even, and sharp enough to cut newspaper.  The bedknife and front roller are then put back on, and the height of cut adjusted.  Finally the mower is put back together and ready to cut as soon as mother nature decides it's time.  This is also the time that other parts of the mower that need repair or replacement are done.  This is a process that will typically take 5-6 weeks.  We will probably take closer to 7-8 weeks this winter with only one mechanic and one less employee.  We can all be assured that the reels will be producing great conditions as Mike Martic the Assistant Superintendent has taken over the grinding duties.
If conditions allow, we will be getting out on the course to remove some trees that are inhibiting play, or no longer are safe, healthy, or aesthetically appealing.  We will also be trying to get a little more drainage done if possible.  I will post weekly updates this winter with our progress in the shop, and any outdoor projects that are able to get done.