February 26th, 2022
This offseason has been extraordinarily productive. Our project scope has touched nearly every aspect of the property while improving aesthetics, playability and agronomy. We have accomplished many things in the past 6 weeks and the photo tour below provides a nice update and forecast for completion. The maintenance team is excited for our members to see all of the improvements as we continue our preparations for what should be a fantastic spring season.
Project #1 - Fairway Drainage - Holes #1, #4, #8 - Turf Drain of America developed a drainage master plan in 2020. In 2021, we completed fairways 2,3, and 6. This project will continue to improve playability and mitigate saturation which will enhance turf health in wet summers. The first hole drainage will be complete by 3/1/22.
#1 Rough Drained
#1 Fairway Drained
Sod Replaced Post Drainage #1
Project #2 - Tee Renovations - We have reshaped the blue and gold tees on hole #1. Both tees gained elevation and more square footage. These adjustments will provide a better view of the 1st fairway while mitigating wear and tear from play. We have completed the shaping and drainage will begin this weekend. Expected completion is Friday, March 3rd, 2022.
#1 Tee Complex Stripped and Shaping Begins
#1 Tee Complex Shaped and Ready For Drainage
Project #3 - Tee Renovations - Similar to the 1st hole, we have rebuilt the blue and white tees on hole #2; adding height and size to the teeing grounds. Additionally, these tees are now drained, laser graded and the turf will grow on an improved sand mix. These tees are complete and will be ready for play in the coming weeks.
#2 Tee Complex Being Shaped
#2 Tee Complex Grassed
Project #4 - Greens Contouring - The back 1/3 of the 4th green has been raised, on average, by 5". This adjustment will lead to never before used hole locations while creating a more playable putting surface; especially when green speeds reach peak levels. This project is complete. The front 2/3 of the green will be available for play this coming week. The newly sodded back 1/3 will remain roped off for the foreseeable future.
Sod Removal on the Back of 4 Green
Our Architect, Lester George, Directing Elevation Changes
Sodding the Newly Elevated Surface
Project #5 - Greens Contouring - We are raising the front 1/3 of the 5th green, on average, by 5". Once completed, like the 4th hole, we will gain new hole locations while improving playability. The 5th green is now closed and will reopen in the coming weeks.
The 5th Green Profile Excavation
Our Architect, Lester George, Directing Elevation Changes
Rebuilding the New Elevation Up from the Base of the Cavity
Project #6 - Tee Box Renovations - We have rebuilt the Black, Gold and Blue tee boxes on the 5th hole. Contrary to holes 1 and 2, the shape of the these tees has remained the same. We simply removed the sod, excavated the older mix, installed drainage, added a more modern mix, laser graded the surfaces and returned the sod. This project is complete and these tees will open for play in the coming weeks.
5 Black Tee Finished with new HGT Walk Trail
View from Re-built Gold Tee
Project #7 - Par 4 Option - 9th Hole - The 9th hole at KGC sits on dynamic elevations. Vinny Giles and Lester George wanted to broaden the use of this corridor. In a few weeks, members and guests of KGC will be able to play the 9th hole as a par 4. Aside from the functionality of this option, the vista provided by the new teeing ground will rival the 16th tee. The tee complex is constructed and nearly grassed. We will open this tee for play in the coming weeks.
Par 4 Tee - 9th Hole - Filled and Shaped
Par 4 Tee - 9th Hole - Shaped, Drained and Mix Floating
Par 4 Tee - 9th Hole - Laser Graded
Par 4 Tee - 9th Hole - Partially Grassed
Project #8 - Cart Path Panel Replacement - We have demolished and replaced approximately 30, 8'x8' cart path panels. This work will be complete by Tuesday, March 1st. Additional phases will continue in the future.
Newly Poured Cart Path Panel
Project #9 - Chomko Starting Clock - In December of 2021, we installed this beautiful feature. Special thanks to John Onufryk, AGCS, for leading this project from start to finish.
Project #10 - Driving Range Tee Expansion and Hitting Surface Install - We have removed the back tee and expanded the driving range tee. This adjustment has netted approximately 2,000 additional square feet of bent grass. Additionally, we have shaped in an area for 12 new Turf Hound hitting stations. These artificial surfaces are 10' by 7' and will be bordered by hand laid hard scape. Aside from the aesthetic value of this project, the new hitting stations will provide flexibility during the off season and when we experience inclement weather. The majority of this project will be completed by Friday, March 3rd. The hitting mats will be installed in early April.
Back Tee Removed and "Big Tee" Expanded
New Station Site Graded and Ready For Framing
Turf Hound Station Forms
Project #11 - Paver Stone - Pro Shop Exit/Short Game Walk-Up - The walk from our clubhouse through our short game area is one of the best walks on our property. We wanted to take that experience to an even higher level. The cart path that used to separate the golf shop from the short game has been converted to hand laid paver stones. Additionally, the roll curbing has been removed so the walk is seamless. This project will be completed by Wednesday, March 2nd.
Paver View from Golf Shop
Paver View from Short Game
In conjunction with the projects listed above, we have completed our late winter, greens aeration. The greens are finished, double rolled and will be fertilized this coming week. As we have experienced in the past few seasons, we anticipate quality putting surfaces by the 1st of April and Kinloch putting surfaces by Masters' Weekend.
3rd Green Sanded and Punch In Process
7th Green - Finished and Ready for Roll and Fertilizer
3rd Green on February 1st, 2022 - Everything above has been accomplished since this photo was taken.
As stated earlier, the project scope of 2022 is aggressive. Yet, we are making tremendous progress and remain fully aware that our spring season is approaching. We appreciate your support and patience as we work to make KGC better!
Specific thanks to: Vinny Giles, Concept Approval; Lester George, Architect; Landscapes Unlimited, Contractor; Adam Sauls, Project Manager and AGCS; Eric Lewellen, Project Manager and AGCS; John Onufryk, Project Manager and AGCS; and last but not least - our amazing staff!!!
