Travels with Terry

Fairway Dew Drag System

For three hours labor and about $300 Canadian ($229 U.S.), a unique way to drag dew on the fairways was created using the 2-inch receiver hitch that came with the 2015 John Deere Gator TX Turf Vehicle. One ½-inch square tubing, 2-inch by ¼-inch and 1⁄8-inch thick flat stock, four 5⁄16-inch bolts used for pins, four clips, two 8-foot long 1-inch by 3⁄16-inch galvanized chains, two 3-inch PVC irrigation elbows and 35 feet of 1 ½-inch diameter heavy duty marine rope were used to create the 20-foot wide fairway dew drag. The two wing booms lift up easily in an inwards vertical position and the rope is put in the bed of the Gator TX Turf when crossing two bridges spanning the highway, and driving between holes and on cart paths or service roads. The two chains and flat pieces of steel offer stability when the booms are in the lowered position and the PVC elbows protect where the rope ends were attached to each boom. Bob Pruneau, equipment manager, and Chris Wallace, superintendent, are a big part of the great team at The Links at Brunello, Timberlea, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Stinger Green’s Mower Trailer

The concept for this simple but very effectively designed and built trailer was accomplished after watching the staff strain to get the mowers up a ramp onto a trailer — and the mowing height calibration was compromised in the process. This trailer was developed so there was no lifting or pushing and both front and rear rollers were not touching anything. Each trailer is 58 inches wide and 6 feet long, and made out of rectangular and square tubing for strength. They have been in service for five years, holding up quite well and cost about $300 each. Recycled golf cart rims were used to cut costs and it takes about six hours to produce one trailer. Flat stock is used to build half-moon shaped saddles for the mower transport wheels to rest in. There are two chains that hold the mowers in place using retaining clips. The “tilt-pin” is pulled. The shock absorber lowers the mower and it rolls out onto the turf. When loading, the mower is backed onto the saddles and the operator pushes down on the “pedal-arm.” The retainer clips are re-inserted and the “tilt-pin” is placed back into the trailer tongue. Shawn Emerson, director of agronomy, and Bob Voita, mechanic III, of the Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., are part of the great course management team for six Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf courses.