The Fun Begins

The labor saving, multi functioning
Toro Dingo.  

Preparations for the upcoming renovations are progressing very well.  Supplies for the project are on site and ready for installation.  The contractor and their staff, MacCurrach Golf, out of Jacksonville, Florida, has started moving in equipment this weekend.  Bruce will be on site Monday and is splitting time between us and Detroit Golf Club for the fall.  Bruce has brought on some extra talent to help with bunker shaping, Kye Goalby, who will be on the project full time.  If the last name Goalby rings a bell for you golf fans, Kye is the son of Masters Champion Bob Goalby.  There is also my staff who is eagerly awaiting to start our list of tasks.  Needless to say, we have assembled an incredibly talented team and I know you will be amazed when you see the finished product.

Every construction project needs a
dump trailer.

The plan of attack for the project depends exclusively on none other than Mother Nature.  Yes, she is part of our team also.  We will most likely start in areas that are prone to being wet and then work to higher ground.  As Bruce told me, "we will start daily with Plan A and finish with Plan G."  He and I live similar lives after all.  We will have all greens open for the Ryder and Solheim Cups.  After that, be prepared for temporary greens, which will be updated along with other information daily through Twitter and the Golf Shop.

Speaking of Twitter...  I strongly encourage those who desire current course information to register and follow us. @WisClubGrounds is our handle and I will be using this on a daily basis for updates.  Do not forget to follow the Golf Shop, @WiClubGolfShop, as they too will be providing information.

Drain tile for bunkers.  Our beginning
to addressing the 3 most important
aspects of golf course construction:
Drainage, drainage and drainage.

These 3 piles of bunker sand represent
3% of our sand budget.

When you come out to play while we are under construction, be prepared for varying degrees of disruption.  From areas of bare soil to sodded bunkers with piles of sand, worn down haul roads and aerated surfaces, your course will not have the same appearance as it does now.  We will, however, be as judicious as possible to avoid extremes while completing the project.  While you are golfing, take a little time to watch these craftsmen in their element.  These are hyper skilled individuals who can shape features to look as if they have always been there.  Ask questions, step back to visualize shots and heck, if the moment really overtakes you, grab a roll of sod or rake and lend a hand!

Equipment staging area.

Upon completion of bunkers, sodded or seeded areas, please do not walk on these areas.  I cannot stress this enough.  We will provide ball retrievers for your use and anticipate their use at all times.  If you have one lying around your home, it would be wise to add it to your bag for the rest of this season and the beginning of next year.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Our chipper box getting spruced up for
the coming tree removals.

As my Assistant, Justin, said to me this week as materials were arriving, "this is really happening, I mean we are going to actually renovate this course!"  Yes, this is happening and I could not be more proud of where we started almost five years ago to where we are today and to visualize what lies ahead...  I hope you have enjoyed this ride as much as we have.  See you on the course.