TRAVELS WITH TERRY

Globetrotting consulting agronomist Terry Buchen visits many golf courses annually with his digital camera in hand. He shares helpful ideas relating to maintenance equipment from the golf course superintendents he visits — as well as a few ideas of his own — with timely photos and captions that explore the changing world of golf course management.

Tee Maker Ventilation

The five sets of decorative aluminum tee markers at the Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson, N.J., are moved daily throughout the season. Black, blue, white, yellow and red colors are used. There are two spare sets for each color. They are manufactured by National Golf Graphics and cost approximately $77 each. Anthony Johnson, superintendent, noticed there was quite a bit of heat generated onto the turf causing a yellow appearance even when they are moved daily. Johnson had his staff drill one ½-inch diameter hole in each one using a titanium drill bit. He estimated the tee markers generated about a 20-degree cooler temperature after the holes were drilled, thus they did not yellow the turf even when moved less frequently. It took about two days on and off labor time using one drill. The labor was completed during the winter off-season when the course was closed.




Recycled pallet

A North America standard size 48 inch by 40 inch by 6 inch used wooden pallet is conveniently storing a new Lely L1250 three-point hitch PTO operated fertilizer spreader, which has a capacity of up to 930 pounds. Four Shepard rubber swivel casters were installed at all four corners at $15 each in about 10 minutes labor time. The used wooden pallet was left at the club from a recent delivery. The fertilizer spreader is moved with ease when storing and when mounting and dismounting from the tractor. Jesse Metcalf, superintendent, and Doug Meir, equipment manager, makeup the creative team at the Bonita National Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla.

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January 2019
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