Tee Renovation: Phase 1 of 3 Complete

With construction complete on the retaining wall and tee boxes on hole 14, we are officially done with the tee renovation on the first 5 holes, essentially phase one.  Without a doubt, we saved the "best for last" this spring by finishing with 14.  All told, our retaining wall included right around 500 concrete blocks, weighing in at 55 lbs each, we hand set 27,500 pounds of concrete.  About 400 cubic yards of clay fill as well as 100 yards of topsoil was hauled in for the project as well. 

The new tee on 14 is now about 3-4 feet higher than the original tee making for a clear line of sight over the crest of the fairway in order to see the pond at the bottom of the landing area.  Also, the new tee is 8-10 feet further to the right, meaning the massive cottonwoods on the left side of the fairway are a little easier to avoid.  On the flip side, we also added a new back tee, which was moved about 10 yards further back, but also moved further left, meaning you almost have to hit a perfect drive with a little draw to keep the ball in play from back there!

Base of the wall with drain line installed

Filling hollow core retaining blocks with pea gravel

Putting the finishing touches around the new back tee

I think I missed my calling in life as a stone mason....

Finished (almost) product

The remaining part of this project is to grow in the bentgrass from seed on all the new tees.  Although sodding would definitely be the more preferred choice for resurfacing, at a cost of about $2,000 per tee, it isn't very realistic for us.  In contrast, it costs us about $60 in seed for each tee.  To assist in the rapid germination and growth of the bentgrass seed, we are utilizing some old covers we have to cover the tees with after they have been seeded.  These covers essentially act as a greenhouse, trapping heat and moisture underneath of them, which are two very vital components in seed germination. 

Evergreen Cover on the new tee on 14



13 tee for whatever reason is growing in great without a cover, and at this
point is my bet to be the first to open.

Now that we are finally experiencing some warmer days, and more importantly warmer nighttime temps that aren't below freezing anymore, the seed should grow quite rapidly.  We will hopefully start mowing a couple of the tees in another week or two, followed by some extremely heavy sand topdressing and fertilization.  I am still hopeful that we might be able to open a few of the tees by the end of the month, maybe the beginning of June.

My personal thanks to all the groups and indivuals who went above and beyond by putting forth their funds to help sponsor our tee renovations so far.  The GFCC Ladies Association for #5, The White Tee Pack for #12, Charlie Bridgeford and Brad Westrum for #13, Dr. Bob and Penny Olson for #14, and Florian and Sons Excavating for #16.  Now that the tee boxes are finished, we are wrapping up the process by purchasing the new bunker sand to go in all the bunkers we destoyed to build our new tees with.  New tees and new bunker sand all in one project, definitely some much needed improvements for the Grand Forks Country Club!

Also, my very heartfelt thanks to Gunner for being extremely generous with his crew, equipment, and funds in this process.  From the continued use of that spectacular 750 tracked skiddy, to hauling in 500 yards of material for 14 tee, and a variety of other equipment needs and favors that are too much to name.  My job would certainly be much more difficult, and half of these projects only a pipedream, without his help.

Lastly, my push for more sponsors!  Next on the list this coming fall we will be tackling #1 (Plains Chiropractic and Acupuncture), #8 (Derrick and Tara Johnson), #9 (Matt, Michelle, and Lily Bredemeir), and #10 (Sadie's Couture Floral and Event Styling).  That is only four, we need at least two more sponsors to get to an even six to try and keep this on a three year timeline. 

I certainly appreciate everyone's patience with this project also, I know temporary tees are no fun to play off of, but I promise everyone that our main focus for the next month will be to get the new tees open as soon as possible!